Burke Hales

Burke Hales is a Professor in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University, serving as Chief Scientist for PacWave with expertise in Biogeochemical Oceanography. His research focuses on coastal carbon cycling and ocean acidification dynamics in estuarine and shelf systems.

Dr. Hales earned his educational degrees from the University of Washington:

• BS in Chemical Engineering (1988)
• MS in Chemical Oceanography (1992)
• PhD in Chemical Oceanography (1995)

His research spans critical oceanographic domains:

• Ocean-Margin Carbon Cycling: Investigating carbonate chemistry processes in coastal waters and their impacts on acidification and hypoxia
• Coastal Oceanography: Analyzing physics-biology-chemistry interactions using high-speed sampling systems
• Mesoscale Surface Processes: Studying surface ocean dynamics through advanced observational techniques
• Analytical Environmental Chemistry: Developing robust sensors for ocean chemistry measurements
• Benthic Biogeochemistry: Conducting in situ sediment porewater studies and transport modeling

Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal strong emphasis on coastal acidification mechanisms, SOCAT database development, Arctic productivity studies, and biological responses to changing carbonate chemistry. His work integrates field observations with experimental approaches to address anthropogenic impacts on marine systems.

No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials.

Information regarding student advising and research grants was not specified in available documentation.

As PacWave Chief Scientist, Dr. Hales leads wave energy research while maintaining active field programs in coastal upwelling zones and estuaries, utilizing specialized high-resolution measurement technologies for carbonate system analysis.