Christopher Osburn

Christopher Osburn is a Professor and Director of the Blue Economy Innovation Program at North Carolina State University (NCSU). His research focuses on aquatic biogeochemistry, effects of extreme weather on coastal carbon cycling, and microbial/photochemical degradation of organic matter. He holds a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Lehigh University (2000) and B.A./B.S. degrees in Geological Sciences and Public Affairs from Indiana University (1991, 1995).

Dr. Osburn’s work addresses how climatic events like tropical cyclones influence coastal ecosystems, particularly in North Carolina. He employs advanced analytical techniques (e.g., fluorescence spectroscopy, machine learning) to study dissolved organic matter (DOM) sources, transformations, and transport. His contributions include developing pan-Arctic DOC estimation algorithms and frameworks for DOM source apportionment.

• Key Research Themes: Coastal carbon cycling, DOM dynamics, climate change impacts, estuarine biogeochemistry
• Major Projects: Hurricane-driven carbon flux studies, Arctic DOC modeling, seagrass meadow biogeochemistry

He has received the University Faculty Scholar award and authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles. Current efforts focus on integrating remote sensing and field data to improve coastal ecosystem monitoring.