Breanyn MacInnes

Breanyn MacInnes holds the position of Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Geological Sciences at Central Washington University (CWU), concurrently affiliated with the Cultural and Environmental Resource Management Program. They earned a Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 2010. Their research focuses on coastal stratigraphy, tsunami sedimentology, and active sedimentary processes, with a strong emphasis on understanding geohazards like landslides and earthquake-generated tsunamis.

Dr. MacInnes has conducted extensive fieldwork in regions including Alaska, Chile, the Kuril Islands, and Kamchatka, investigating paleotsunami records, coastal evolution, and disaster resilience. Their work integrates numerical modeling, sedimentary analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration to assess risks from subduction zone earthquakes and landslide-generated tsunamis. Notable contributions include studies on the 2015 Taan Fiord landslide tsunami and the 1960 Chile earthquake's long-term impacts.

Research interests span tsunami observability in remote regions, stochastic approaches to seismic source characterization, and incorporating universal design principles into hazard mitigation strategies. They have participated in over 70 peer-reviewed publications since 2004, covering topics from volcanic eruptions to glacial lake outburst floods. Collaborative projects include investigations in the Islands of Four Mountains, Alaska, and Kamchatka's coastal geomorphology.

Grants and funding have supported field-based studies of catastrophic landslides, paleotsunami deposits, and community resilience strategies. Their work bridges geological hazards with archaeological preservation, particularly in areas affected by frequent seismic activity. Dr. MacInnes also contributes to undergraduate research mentorship through journal publications and interdisciplinary initiatives.