Alex Simms

Alex Simms is a Professor of Earth Science at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). He holds a BS from Oklahoma State University and a PhD from Rice University, where his thesis focused on Texas Gulf Coast depositional systems. His research centers on Quaternary sea-level changes, shallow marine sedimentology, and coastal evolution, with fieldwork conducted globally, including Antarctica, California, and the UK.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Geology, Oklahoma State University
• Doctor of Philosophy in Geology, Rice University

Research Interests:
Dr. Simms investigates processes shaping coastal and marine environments, particularly reconstructing sea-level histories to understand ice sheet dynamics and climate change. His work integrates sedimentological analysis, geochronology, and geomorphological observations. Key focus areas include:

• Antarctic raised beaches and glacial retreat
• Hyperpycnal sediment delivery to continental shelves
• Coastal responses to rapid sea-level rise
• Estuarine sedimentation and paleoenvironmental reconstruction

Advising & Grants:
Current advisees include Claire Divola, Elisa Medri, Lauren Mumby, Trap Puckette, and Emily Huffman. Past students include Ryan Owings. His research has been supported by grants focusing on Antarctic field studies, coastal geohazards, and sediment dynamics.

Labs & Teams:
A core member of UCSB's Coastal and Sedimentology Research Group, which employs field and lab techniques to study coastal systems. Active projects include Southern California marsh evolution, Santa Barbara Channel hyperpycnal fans, and global sea-level reconstructions.