معرفی
Brian Yellen is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences (EGCS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Since August 2024, he has also served as the Massachusetts State Geologist and director of the Massachusetts Geological Survey, based at UMass. His research focuses on sediment dynamics, watershed processes, and the impacts of climate change and human activities on coastal and fluvial systems.
His research interests include:
- Sediment transport and storage in watersheds
- Impacts of dam removal on estuarine systems
- Resilience of tidal wetlands under sea level rise
- Blue carbon storage in coastal wetlands
- Extreme event sedimentology (e.g., hurricanes, floods)
- Hydropeaking effects on riparian forests
His recent publications reveal a strong focus on coastal systems, particularly salt marshes in the Northeastern U.S., where he investigates physical and ecological indicators of vulnerability and restoration potential. He employs techniques such as sediment coring, remote sensing (Lidar, optical), and modeling to understand long-term geomorphic changes. Much of his work is applied, supporting river managers, dam owners, and coastal planners with data-driven tools.
Scientific awards and recognition include:
- Recipient of the University of Massachusetts Amherst's most prestigious teaching award
Brian Yellen actively mentors students and advises undergraduate research, including Wenxiu Teng, Bonnie Turek, and others. He has led or contributed to externally funded research projects involving collaborations with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, and NRCS. He is also involved in public outreach and education through organizations such as the Fort River Watershed Association and Connecticut River Conservancy.
He leads or participates in several active research initiatives:
- Salt Marshes and Abrupt Sea Level Rise: A natural experiment using historical inlet changes to study marsh resilience.
- Dams and Sediment on the Hudson: Assessing sediment impacts of dam removal with stakeholder engagement.
- High Resolution Mapping of Blue Carbon: Quantifying carbon storage in Northeast U.S. tidal marshes in collaboration with NRCS.
- Extreme Event Sedimentology: Studying Hurricane Maria’s erosivity in Puerto Rico.
- Hydropeaking and Riparian Forests: Investigating how dam operations affect water availability and tree uptake.
