Kelly Kibler

Kelly Kibler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF), College of Engineering. She is a member of UCF’s National Center for Integrated Coastal Research and a Faculty Fellow at the Center for Global Economic and Environmental Opportunity. Her research integrates water resources engineering and aquatic ecology, focusing on ecohydraulics in river and estuarine systems.

Her research interests include:

• Water Resources Engineering
• Ecohydraulics and Flow-Biota Interactions
• Sediment Transport and Hydrodynamics
• Natural and Nature-Based Coastal Infrastructure
• Restoration of Oyster Reefs and Mangroves
• Environmental Fluid Mechanics in 3D Canopies

The recent publications (2021–2023) highlight her lab's work on oyster reef restoration, mangrove seedling dynamics, contaminant transport in karst systems, and vegetated filter strips. These studies emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining field experiments, hydrodynamic modeling, and ecological monitoring to enhance coastal resilience and water quality.

Her scientific awards include:

• NSF CAREER Award (2019)
• UCF Reach for the Stars Award (2020)
• UCF Research Incentive Award (2021)

Kelly Kibler has advised numerous graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduates, contributing to capacity building in environmental engineering. Her lab has secured competitive grants, including the NSF CAREER award, supporting innovative research in natural infrastructure. She previously worked with UNESCO, bringing global experience to her academic role.

She leads the Kibler Ecohydraulics Laboratory, which conducts field and experimental research in Florida and international locations such as Mexico. The lab uses advanced techniques like geophysical surveys, tracer tests, and hydrodynamic sensors to study complex aquatic systems and inform sustainable engineering solutions.