Associate Professor Jochen Kaempf is a physical oceanographer at Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering since 2009. He holds a PhD from the University of Hamburg (1996) and has pioneered research on coastal upwelling systems, sediment dynamics, and ocean circulation. His work includes discovering the Great Southern Australian Coastal Upwelling System and advancing understanding of the Indian Ocean Dipole. He teaches marine sciences and climate change courses, and advises on desalination and environmental protection. Awards include the Jill Hudson Award (2014) and Eureka Award finalist (2011). Research focuses on physical-biological interactions, hydrodynamic modeling, and coastal processes. Key contributions include studies on sediment transport in submarine canyons, desalination brine dispersion, and pollutant dynamics. He serves on international committees like the 2nd International Indian Ocean Expedition and reviews scientific manuscripts globally.
Joni Storie is an Associate Professor in the Geography Faculty at the University of Winnipeg. She holds an office in Lockhart Hall (5L05) and teaches courses including Mapping in a Global World, Intro Remote Sensing, Advanced GIS, and Advanced Remote Sensing. Her research focuses on land-use/land-cover mapping, map automation with machine learning tools, spatial statistics, and terrestrial/aquatic resource management. Teaching expertise spans Regional & Physical Geography, Resource Conservation & Management, and Geomatics (GIS & Remote Sensing). Her work integrates geospatial technologies with environmental challenges, including flood mitigation, mangrove ecosystem analysis, and food environment patterning in urban areas. Research outputs emphasize remote sensing applications in coastal conservation, surface water detection, and vegetation dynamics. Over 13 peer-reviewed articles since 2004 demonstrate sustained academic contributions to geomatics and environmental geography. Current activities include advising on geomatics projects and contributing to the University of Winnipeg’s Geography program infrastructure.
Dr. Louis Rice is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), affiliated with the Faculty of Environment and Technology. He previously served as Head of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Healthy Urban Environments. With a professional background including over a decade as an architect in London and Paris, his research integrates architecture, urban design, and public health to advance sustainable and equitable urban environments. Education: BA (Hons), Dip.Arch, RIBA Part 3, MA, FHEA, PhD from Sheffield University Research Focus: Louis leads interdisciplinary studies on the spatial determinants of wellbeing, zero-carbon design, and urban resilience. His work emphasizes biophilic principles and health-centric architecture, addressing challenges like climate vulnerability and social equity in informal settlements. Recent projects explore adaptive strategies for coastal cities, participatory design in education, and pandemic-responsive urban planning. Publication Trends: His 15 most recent articles (2022–2025) reflect a strong emphasis on climate resilience, health equity, and community-centered design. Key themes include coastal disaster management, social robotics for neurodiverse populations, COVID-19 socioeconomic impacts, and geospatial vulnerability assessments—predominantly using interdisciplinary methodologies across architecture, public policy, and environmental science. Professional Engagement: Louis contributes to curriculum development linking public health and architecture education. He maintains active collaborations through the WHO Centre network and focuses on translating research into actionable strategies for healthier built environments.
Alison Raby is Professor of Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Head of the COAST Engineering Research Group at University of Plymouth. Specializing in wave-structure interactions, she leads research on coastal resilience and tsunami impacts. Her STORMLAMP project examined wave loading on rock lighthouses. Research focuses on: Extreme wave impacts on coastal structures Tsunami debris transport and flooding Climate change adaptation for coastal communities Compound flooding modeling Honored as a 2021 Engineering Hero by the Women's Engineering Society, Dr. Raby directs NERC-funded projects including C-FLOOD investigating compound flooding in Sri Lanka. She utilizes Plymouth's COAST laboratory for physical modeling of wave impacts. Key Projects: STORMLAMP: Structural behavior of rock lighthouses C-FLOOD: Compound flooding from cyclones in Sri Lanka SENSUM: Smart sensor networks for natural hazards
Muhammad R. Hajj is the George Meade Bond Professor, Chair of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering, and Director of the Davidson Laboratory at Stevens Institute of Technology. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, his expertise lies in nonlinear dynamics , fluid-structure interactions , and energy harvesting , applying these to ship hydrodynamics , biomimetic flight/underwater vehicles , and coastal resilience . He has mentored 32 PhD students and authored over 170 journal publications. Education PhD (1990), MS (1985), Civil Engineering , University of Texas at Austin BE (1983), Civil Engineering (with Distinction) , American University of Beirut Research Interests Dr. Hajj’s work bridges nonlinear dynamics and fluid mechanics to address challenges in structural/aeroelastic stability , bio-inspired design , and renewable energy systems . His fluid-structure interaction studies focus on ship hydrodynamics , transonic flutter , and storm surge prediction , while his energy harvesting research explores piezoelectric systems , self-powered sensors , and biomimetic energy conversion . Recent Trends in Publications His 2022-2021 publications emphasize coastal extreme weather resilience via AI-driven storm surge modeling , bio-inspired robotic fish for underwater energy harvesting , and nonlinear aeroelastic systems to enhance renewable energy extraction . Themes include high-efficiency piezoelectric designs , vortex-induced vibration control , and ultrasonic contactless power transfer , reflecting his commitment to integrating nonlinear dynamics with practical engineering applications . Scientific Honors Fellow, Engineering Mechanics Institute, ASCE Distinguished Civil Engineering Alumni (AUB, 2019) Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research (VT, 2016) Distinguished Leader in Research (VT, 2016) Excellence in Research Award (VT, 2015) Advising and Grants Dr. Hajj has supervised 32 PhD students , many of whom hold prestigious roles in academia and industry. He has secured major grants, including $1.8M from the Department of Energy for floating wave energy converters , $4.94M from the Port Authority for storm surge forecasting , and $200K from the NSF for bio-inspired telemetry energy harvesting .
Hermann M. Fritz is a full Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology within the College of Engineering's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. With expertise spanning tsunamis, coastal hazards, hurricane storm surges, landslides, and submarine volcanic eruptions, his research focuses on the fluid dynamics aspects of these natural hazards and their mitigation strategies. Dr. Fritz earned his Doctorate degree (Dr. sc. ETH Zurich) in 2002 from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. His extensive field experience includes leading or participating in more than a dozen post-disaster reconnaissance campaigns across multiple continents, documenting tsunami events from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami through the 2017 Greenland event, and hurricane surveys from Hurricane Katrina (2005) to Hurricane Nate (2017). His research integrates physical modeling with field observations, with recent work focusing on tsunamis generated by submarine volcanic eruptions, as evidenced by his development of a unique volcanic tsunami generator for large-scale wave basin experiments. His publication record shows consistent high-impact research in natural hazard science, with a particular emphasis on understanding wave generation mechanisms, coastal inundation patterns, and sediment transport processes during extreme events. Among his notable recognitions is the Plinius Medal from the European Geosciences Union (2014), highlighting his significant contributions to natural hazard research. His work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical applications for coastal protection and disaster risk reduction. Plinius Medal, EGU (European Geosciences Union) - 2014 Dr. Fritz has mentored numerous students through his research projects, though specific names aren't provided in the available information. His collaborative approach is evident through his extensive co-authorship network spanning multiple institutions worldwide. Current research directions include advanced physical modeling of tsunami generation mechanisms, particularly those related to volcanic activity and landslides, as well as improving coastal resilience against extreme events. His laboratory work at Georgia Tech involves sophisticated experimental setups including large three-dimensional wave basins and specialized generators for simulating complex natural phenomena under controlled conditions. This experimental approach complements his extensive field survey experience, creating a powerful research methodology that connects theoretical understanding with real-world observations.
Robert Muscarella is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Plant Ecology and Evolution, Uppsala University. His work bridges plant ecology, climate change impacts, and tropical forest dynamics. Research interests include Climate change effects on forest structure Functional trait analysis Species distribution modeling Post-disturbance forest recovery Ecohydrology of tropical systems Remote sensing applications in ecology Recent publications highlight trends in tree mortality , hurricane impacts , drought responses , and functional trait variability across tropical ecosystems. Methodological contributions include open-access species distribution modeling tools.
Dr. Deepashree Dutta is a Researcher in the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales Sydney (2018-2022) and an MTech from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (2015-2017). Previously, she served as a Research Associate at the University of New South Wales Sydney (2022-2023). Her research focuses on understanding long-term climate impacts of volcanoes, large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns, high-latitude clouds, and ocean-atmosphere interactions. Key topics include Arctic amplification mechanisms, polar stratospheric clouds, and the role of stratospheric water vapor in climate systems. She collaborates with Dr. Francesco Muschitiello on cutting-edge climate modeling projects. Her recent publications analyze climate responses to volcanic eruptions, stratospheric perturbations, and Arctic warming dynamics. Notable contributions include studies on the Early Eocene climate and the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption’s climatic effects. Her work combines advanced modeling techniques with observational data to address gaps in climate science. Dr. Dutta’s research has implications for understanding future climate scenarios and improving predictive models. She actively engages with interdisciplinary teams to explore climate feedback mechanisms and their societal impacts.
Xiaoming Zhai is an Associate Professor in Ocean Modelling at the University of East Anglia's School of Environmental Sciences, and a member of the Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. His career includes roles from Lecturer (2012) to Senior Lecturer (2017) before his current position (2019). He holds a PhD from Dalhousie University's Oceanography Department and has conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Oxford and IFM-GEOMAR in Germany. His research focuses on ocean physical processes, particularly the dynamics of ocean circulation, eddy interactions, near-inertial waves, and air-sea interactions. Key projects include investigating eddy energy dissipation timescales, Southern Ocean circulation impacts, and the annual cycle of eddy energy. He has secured funding from the Royal Society and Natural Environment Research Council for initiatives like the GEOMETRIC project on ocean eddy representation in climate models. Zhai has received prestigious awards including the Challenger Fellowship (2018) and Kan Tong Po Fellowship (2023). His recent publications explore topics like South China Sea eddies, internal tide generation under global warming, and zonal jet dynamics in geostrophic turbulence. He actively supervises PhD students and contributes to academic activities such as external doctoral examinations and peer review panels.
Associate Professor Marco Coolen is an academic at Curtin University, serving as Deputy Director of the WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre. He holds a joint affiliation with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences. His research focuses on molecular palaeoecology and geomicrobiology, particularly using ancient DNA (sedaDNA) to study past ecosystem-climate interactions and microbial responses to environmental changes. Coolen has led projects funded by institutions like the US National Science Foundation (NSF), investigating topics such as monsoon-driven OMZ expansions in the Indian Ocean and microbial activities in subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs. Education and Professional Background: Coolen completed his PhD in Oldenburg and held postdoctoral roles at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and the University of Groningen. He later served as an Associate Scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) before joining Curtin in 2015. His expertise spans microbial ecology, lipid biomarkers, and bioinformatics analysis of metagenomic datasets. Research Interests: Coolen’s work integrates cutting-edge molecular tools (e.g., metatranscriptomics) with traditional geochemical proxies to reconstruct ancient ecosystems. Key areas include microbial life in impact craters (e.g., Chicxulub), permafrost thaw dynamics, and the role of organic matter in the carbon cycle. His recent studies explore microbial communities in extreme environments like hydrothermal systems and granitoid rocks. Awards and Grants: He has received the WHOI Ocean Life Institute Fellowship (2008–2011) and the NWO-ALW VENI Award (2004). His collaborations include high-impact groups such as Prof. Kliti Grice’s team at Curtin and international projects like IODP-ICDP drilling of the Chicxulub crater. Lab and Teams: Coolen leads the WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, focusing on interdisciplinary research in geobiology and organic geochemistry. He co-advises PhD students and supervises postdoctoral researchers in projects involving ancient DNA analysis and microbial genomics.
Dr. Armando Marino is a Senior Lecturer in Earth Observation at the University of Stirling’s Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences since 2018. He holds an MSc in Telecommunication Engineering (2006, Universita’ di Napoli) and a PhD in Polarimetric SAR Interferometry (2011, University of Edinburgh). His research focuses on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for environmental monitoring, including maritime pollution, forest degradation, agricultural productivity, and coastal erosion. Education: MSc Telecommunication Engineering, Universita’ di Napoli ‘Federico II’ (2006) PhD in Remote Sensing, University of Edinburgh (2011) Marino develops machine learning algorithms for SAR data analysis and conducts fieldwork with custom-built radar systems. He collaborates with institutions like ESA, JAXA, and NASA, leading projects such as PlasticSurf (microplastic detection) and MoLaDy (ALOS-4 land monitoring). His work integrates optical and SAR satellite data for flood mapping and vegetation analysis. He has received accolades including the RSPSoc Best PhD Thesis (2011) and University of Stirling’s Outstanding Collaborator award (2022). Current projects involve £180,000+ in funding for radar-based environmental solutions. Scientific Awards: Best PhD Thesis 2011 (RSPSoc) Outstanding PhD Thesis (Springer Verlag) Outstanding Collaborator 2022 (University of Stirling) Marino’s methodologies combine SAR polarimetry, computer vision, and environmental field measurements. He actively mentors interdisciplinary teams and contributes to global initiatives on climate hazard mitigation.
Amanda Maycock is Professor in Climate Dynamics at the University of Leeds' School of Earth and Environment, where she directs the Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science (ICAS). She holds an MPhys from Manchester (2006), MSc (2008) and PhD (2012) in Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate from Reading. Her research specializes in climate dynamics, atmospheric circulation, stratosphere-troposphere interactions, and radiative transfer, with ongoing projects including ExtAnt, TWISTA, and the Leverhulme Prize-funded climate dynamics initiative. Research interests span: Climate variability and change mechanisms Atmospheric teleconnections and jet stream dynamics Stratospheric impacts on surface climate Chemistry-climate feedbacks including ozone layer interactions Radiative transfer modelling and climate projections Her recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate strong focus on: Arctic-midlatitude climate linkages and jet stream behavior ENSO teleconnections and hydrological extremes Polar vortex influences on European storminess Climate mitigation impacts on stratospheric temperature Renewable energy-climate interactions Scientific honors include: Philip Leverhulme Prize (2018) Arne Richter Award for Early Career Researchers (2019) STAC Outstanding Early Career Award (2022) water@leeds Water Woman Award (2023) NERC Independent Research Fellowship (2015-2020) She leads 12 PhD students including projects on atmospheric rivers, ENSO dynamics, and jet stream extremes, supported by NERC, EPSRC, and Met Office collaborations. Current grants include £5M+ from Horizon Europe, Wellcome Trust, and UKRI for projects examining Antarctic extremes (ExtAnt), stratospheric aerosols (TWISTA), and sustainable aviation (JetZero). Directs ICAS research group with 4 postdoctoral researchers and coordinates the NERC PANORAMA DTP Atmosphere Theme. Contributes to IPCC assessments and co-chairs WCRP/SPARC initiatives on atmospheric temperature changes.
Stuart Hamilton is a part-time Professor and Chair of the Department of Coastal Studies at East Carolina University (ECU) and the UNC Coastal Studies Institute. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography (GIS) from the University of Southern Mississippi (2012), an M.S. in Geography (GIS) from SUNY Buffalo (2003), and a B.S. in Geography and Applied Social Science from Canterbury University (1996). His research focuses on remote sensing and GIS analysis of nearshore environments, particularly mangrove forest change, hurricane impacts, and interactions between environmental degradation and socioeconomic outcomes.
Dr. Danielle Verdon-Kidd is an Associate Professor in Earth Sciences at the University of Newcastle, specializing in climate variability and extreme event analysis. Her research integrates palaeoclimatology, hydrology, and climatology to understand and mitigate climate-driven risks. She has held roles in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences since 2003, after completing her PhD in Civil Surveying & Environmental Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Eng) at the University of Newcastle. Education: PhD (Civil Surveying & Environmental Engineering), University of Newcastle Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Eng), University of Newcastle Research Interests: Her work focuses on climate extremes (droughts, bushfires, tropical cyclones), palaeoclimate reconstructions, and interdisciplinary approaches to risk assessment. She emphasizes leveraging long-term data (e.g., tree rings, coral records) to inform water management, infrastructure planning, and community resilience. Key projects include collaborations with governments and industries to develop tools like CoastAdapt for coastal risk management. Publications & Awards: Over 100+ publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles and conference contributions. Notable awards include the Women in Research Fellowship (2018) and Envisage Program mentorship (2019). Advising & Partnerships: Supervises undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the next generation of climate researchers. Collaborates with federal/state agencies (e.g., NSW Department of Planning), water authorities, and international partners (e.g., University of Melbourne, Hydro Tasmania) to bridge scientific research and practical applications. Labs & Teams: Leads projects in palaeoclimate reconstruction, stochastic modeling, and climate adaptation. Active in interdisciplinary teams addressing climate change impacts on agriculture, biodiversity, and urban planning.
Prof. Feridun Boylu is a Professor in the Department of Mineral Processing Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), affiliated with the Faculty of Mines. His research focuses on mineral processing techniques, coal technology, and industrial raw materials. He holds a PhD in Ore Coal Preparation and Evaluation from ITU and has extensive experience in academic leadership roles, including Head of Department and Advisor to the Rector at ITU. His work spans over 30 years, with contributions to coal flotation, dense medium cyclones, and bentonite characterization. Prof. Boylu has supervised numerous theses and leads projects funded by national and international grants, including EU initiatives like FineFuture. His research emphasizes sustainable mining practices and advanced separation technologies. Education: PhD (Ore Coal Preparation and Evaluation, ITU, 2004), MSc (Ore Coal Preparation, ITU, 1998), BSc (Mining Engineering, ITU, 1993) Key Roles: Professor at ITU, Former Head of Department (2021–2021), Erasmus Coordinator (2020–present), and International Student Coordinator (2021–present) Research Interests: Chemical-biological recovery techniques, coal water slurries, flotation optimization, and mineral beneficiation. His work addresses challenges in fine particle flotation, coal preparation, and sustainable utilization of industrial raw materials. Recent Projects: Includes the EU-funded FineFuture project (2019–2023) and studies on three-product dense medium cyclones and machine learning for mill liner wear prediction. His research bridges theoretical modeling and industrial applications in mineral processing.
