Joseph Michael Wheaton

Joseph Michael Wheaton is a Professor in the Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University, where he leads the Ecogeomorphology and Topographic Analysis Lab (ET-AL) as part of the Fluvial Habitats Center. His research integrates fluvial geomorphology and ecohydraulics to advance river restoration, focusing on uncertainties in environmental management and sediment budgeting. He mentors graduate students and develops tools for topographic analysis and habitat monitoring.

• Utah State University, Department of Watershed Sciences
• PhD in Geography, University of Southampton (2008)
• MS in Hydrologic Sciences, University of California Davis (2003)
• BS in Hydrology, University of California Davis (2002)

Wheaton's research spans fluvial geomorphology, ecohydraulics, and river restoration, with applications in:

• Sediment Budgeting in regulated rivers
• Beaver-Assisted Restoration for hydrologic and thermal regime improvement
• GIS Tools like the CHaMP Transformation Tool
• Uncertainty Quantification in topographic and flow modeling
• Multi-Scale Feedbacks in ecogeomorphology
• Climate Change Impacts on streamflow dynamics

His 15 most recent publications emphasize fluvial processes, sediment transport, and restoration technologies. Key themes include:

• High-resolution topographic analysis for landscape dynamics
• Beaver dams' influence on stream ecosystems
• Geomorphic change detection for restoration monitoring
• Sediment budgeting in regulated river systems
• GIS-based tools for habitat mapping

Scientific awards include:

• Overseas Research Studentship (2003)
• Citation for Undergraduate Hydrology Excellence (2002)
• LAWR Opportunity Fund (2002)
• California Groundwater Association Scholarships (2000-2001)
• Engineering Contractors Association Scholarship (2000)

He teaches courses on fluvial geomorphology, ecohydraulics, low-tech restoration, and GIS applications, including field-based workshops. His lab collaborates on projects like the Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool and BRAT for watershed-scale planning.