James D. Riley

Dr. James D. Riley serves as an Associate Professor in the Geology/Geography Department at Eastern Illinois University, where he has established himself as a specialist in physical geography with expertise in fluvial geomorphology.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• M.A. in Geography/Water Resources from the University of Wyoming
• B.S. in Environmental Management and Business Administration from Elmhurst College

Dr. Riley's research program centers on process-based investigations of river systems, with particular emphasis on the complex relationships between flow structure and channel morphology at river confluences and meander bends. His work bridges fundamental geomorphological processes with practical applications for river management, examining human impacts on river systems, watershed management strategies, and innovative methodologies using hydroacoustic technology for data collection. His research demonstrates both theoretical depth and practical relevance to contemporary water resource challenges.

Dr. Riley's scholarly contributions reveal consistent productivity from 2012-2018, with publications spanning fundamental investigations of natural river processes to applied studies of human impacts on fluvial systems. His work combines field observations with controlled experimental approaches and represents important methodological advancements through tools like the Velocity Mapping Toolbox.

His academic contributions include:

• Analysis of morphodynamic processes on the Wabash River
• Studies of spatiotemporal dynamics at river cutoffs
• Investigations into human infrastructure impacts on stream morphology
• Examination of three-dimensional flow structures at river confluences
• Development of hydroacoustic measurement and analysis techniques

As an educator, Dr. Riley teaches a comprehensive curriculum from introductory physical geography to specialized upper-level courses in geomorphology and surface water processes. His teaching portfolio includes field methods instruction and undergraduate research supervision, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical field experience essential for careers in earth sciences.