Jaco de Smit

Jaco de Smit is a researcher at HZ University of Applied Sciences, specializing in coastal ecosystems, sediment dynamics, and biophysical interactions. He holds a PhD in physical geography from Utrecht University (2016) and conducted postdoctoral research at the NIOZ in Yerseke, focusing on mussel bed stability and hydrodynamic processes. Since 2022, he has been a researcher-lecturer in the Building with Nature group, coordinating projects since 2023. His work spans ecological field studies, hydrodynamic modeling, GIS analysis, and nature-based solutions for coastal resilience.

Key research interests include sediment stability in tidal marshes, storm impacts on mangroves, and seagrass ecosystem dynamics. He leads projects like No sea too high and Manabas Coast, addressing water safety and coastal management. Collaborations include the Joint Research Center Zeeland and interdisciplinary initiatives. No formal awards or advisees are listed, but his contributions to experimental methods like the TiDyWAVE field flume highlight innovative approaches to coastal science.