Jon Miller is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. He holds dual roles as Director of the NJ Coastal Protection Technical Assistance Service and NJ Sea Grant Coastal Processes Specialist. Miller earned a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Stevens (1999), followed by M.S. and Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering from the University of Florida (2001, 2004). His research focuses on coastal hazard mitigation, nature-based solutions, and numerical modeling of coastal systems. Education: - Ph.D. Coastal Engineering, University of Florida (2004) - M.S. Coastal Engineering, University of Florida (2001) - B.E. Civil Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology (1999) Research Interests: Miller's work emphasizes coastal resilience through innovative engineering approaches. Key areas include: - Wave attenuation mechanisms of natural/nature-based features - Climate change impacts on coastal erosion - Living shoreline design and implementation - Sediment management strategies for inlets and beaches - Dune system vulnerability analysis Grants & Awards: - $1M+ funding from NOAA, NSF, and state agencies - 2024 ASCE Educator of the Year Award - 2023 Robert G. Dean Coastal Award - Over 20+ technical reports guiding coastal policy Professional Leadership: - Editorial roles in Shore & Beach and Journal of Coastal Research - Leadership in NJ Coastal Resilience Collaborative - Advisor for 3 Technogenesis Summer Scholars Labs & Projects: - Principal Investigator for SEECPRS disaster response system - Co-developed NJ Living Shorelines Engineering Guidelines - Conducts fieldwork on Hudson River shoreline restoration
Tom Spencer is an Emeritus Professor of Coastal Dynamics and Director of the Cambridge Coastal Research Unit at the University of Cambridge's Department of Geography. He holds the title of Professorial Fellow at Magdalene College, where he previously served as Dean and Tutor for Graduate Students. His academic career spans over four decades, including roles as Senior Lecturer, Reader, and full Professor at Cambridge since 2016. Affiliations: Department of Geography, Cambridge Coastal Research Unit, Magdalene College Research Groups: Biogeography and Biogeomorphology, Geographies of Knowledge Spencer's research focuses on coastal dynamics, integrating geomorphology, ecology, and environmental science. Key areas include coral reef ecosystems, mangroves, sediment dynamics, and climate change impacts. His work emphasizes coastal resilience to rising sea levels and extreme events like storm surges. His career includes supervising MPhil students but has ceased taking new PhD candidates. Notable contributions include the Atlas of the Amirantes and collaborations on global coastal wetland models (DIVA). Publications span over 40 years, addressing topics like salt marsh stability, tidal dynamics, and energy-climate scenarios for India. His work bridges field observations, modeling, and policy implications for coastal management.
Peter Molnar is a Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, where he leads research in hydrology, geomorphology, and environmental engineering. His work spans river basin dynamics, sediment transport, precipitation modeling, and climate-water interactions, with field sites focused on Alpine systems. His research interests center on river basin water and sediment dynamics , precipitation analysis and stochastic modeling , fluvial systems including river networks and riparian zones , and geomorphic processes in mountain streams . Key projects include the Maggia River Experimental Site, basin sediment cascade modeling, and hydroclimatic analysis of rainfall intensity-temperature relationships. His publication record shows consistent high-impact work in journals including Nature , Nature Climate Change , and Water Resources Research , with recent focus on climate change impacts, sensor development, and sustainable agriculture. Golden Owl Award for best teaching (2011) Organizer of international workshops on geomorphology complexity and urban precipitation Patron of CometX initiative Molnar actively mentors PhD students including current candidates working on droughts in Ethiopia, Alpine Rhine sediment budgets, and mountain ecohydrology. His research is supported by Swiss National Science Foundation grants, ETH funding, and international collaborations. He leads experimental work at the Maggia River site and develops warning systems for rainfall-triggered landslides.
Ramon Arrowsmith is a Professor at Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE). His research focuses on earthquake geology, tectonic geomorphology, and active faulting, with a particular emphasis on leveraging high-resolution topography through initiatives like OpenTopography. He has over 35 years of experience in paleoseismology, geomorphic mapping, and fault zone analysis. Arrowsmith has held administrative roles such as Deputy Director of SESE and associate directorships in graduate studies and geological sciences departments. His work integrates remote sensing, lidar technology, and robotics to address geological hazards and landscape evolution. Key projects include the QUAKES mission for topographic data collection and the development of low-cost seismic tools like ShakeBot. His research spans global regions, including the San Andreas Fault, Pamir-Tien Shan collision zone, and volcanic fields in Arizona and Mexico. Arrowsmith's recent publications highlight advancements in fault slip modeling, seismic hazard assessment, and open-access geospatial data platforms. His contributions to education include courses on field geology and computational methods in earth sciences. Collaborations with international teams and interdisciplinary projects underscore his commitment to advancing geoscience through innovation and accessibility.
Summer Rupper is a Professor at the School of Environment, Society & Sustainability at the University of Utah, where she has held her position since July 2019. Her research focuses on understanding the interactions between climate, glaciers, and water resources, with particular emphasis on high mountain regions including High Mountain Asia, the Himalayas, and polar regions. She leads multiple research projects examining glacier dynamics, hydrological processes, and climate change impacts on water security for downstream populations. BS in Geology from Brigham Young University (2001) MS in Geology from University of Washington (2004) PhD in Earth and Space Sciences from University of Washington (2007) Professor Rupper's research spans physical geography, environmental geoscience, and climate change science, with specific expertise in glaciology, hydrology, and atmospheric sciences. Her work integrates field measurements, remote sensing, and numerical modeling to understand glacier dynamics, snow processes, and water resource availability in mountainous regions. She has particular expertise in High Mountain Asia, where glaciers provide critical water resources for over a billion people. Her research addresses fundamental questions about glacier response to climate change, hydrological partitioning, and the implications for water security in vulnerable regions. Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on understanding glacier dynamics, hydrological processes, and climate interactions in mountainous regions. The work spans multiple methodologies including remote sensing analysis, numerical modeling, statistical approaches, and field-based measurements. Key themes include glacier melt contributions to river systems, precipitation patterns in complex terrain, snow density modeling, and the impacts of climate change on water resources in High Mountain Asia and polar regions. Her research often integrates multiple data sources and approaches to address complex questions about cryospheric processes and their societal implications. Superior Research Award (2024, CSBS, University of Utah) G.K. Gilbert Award for Excellence in Geomorphic Research (2022) Outstanding Utah Higher Education Science Teacher (2021) Top Researcher Award, Celebrate U showcase (2017) Antarctic Service Medal (2010, USAF) Professor Rupper actively mentors graduate students through thesis research courses at both the PhD and Master's levels, as well as individual projects. She has secured significant research funding from multiple federal agencies including NSF, NASA, and USAID, with current projects examining climatic controls on Antarctic ice sheets, glacier dynamics in High Mountain Asia, and historical glacier changes. Her collaborative work extends across international boundaries, working with scientists in Pakistan, Bhutan, and other regions to address shared water security challenges. She also engages in community outreach through workshops with school districts and science teacher associations to communicate climate science to broader audiences. Professor Rupper participates in multiple collaborative research teams including the NASA High Mountain Asia Team (HiMAT), where she contributes expertise in glacier dynamics and hydrology. She serves on several scientific committees including the NSF Ice Core Facility Sample Allocation Committee and the American Geophysical Union Cryosphere Section Fellows Committee. Her research often involves interdisciplinary teams combining expertise in glaciology, hydrology, remote sensing, and climate modeling to address complex questions about mountain water systems under changing climate conditions.
Dr. Ian Walker is a Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He specializes in physical geography and geomorphology, with expertise in sediment transport, coastal and aeolian processes, environmental fluid dynamics, and dune ecosystem restoration. He holds a B.Sc. in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Guelph, Canada. Prior to UCSB, he served as faculty at Arizona State University and the University of Victoria (Canada). His research focuses on coastal and desert environments, employing field and lab methods such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), wind tunnel simulations, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Key projects include dust emissions mitigation at Oceano Dunes (collaborating with California Department of Parks) and invasive plant removal studies in Humboldt Bay. He has secured over $6M in research funding and advised over 40 students/post-docs. Education: B.Sc. (University of Toronto), Ph.D. (University of Guelph) Editorial Roles: Earth Surface Processes & Landforms , Annals of the American Association of Geographers , Journal of Coastal Research Professional Affiliations: Member of NASEM Scientific Advisory Panel for Owens Valley Dust Studies His articles emphasize coastal morphodynamics, restoration strategies, and climate change impacts. Notable work includes comparing UAS/TLS methods for geomorphic change detection and modeling airflow over dunes using CFD. He teaches courses on physical geography, geomorphology, and remote sensing. Grants and partnerships include collaborations with US Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA, and state agencies. His lab focuses on integrating geospatial technologies with field experiments to address coastal sustainability challenges.
Dr Daniel Harris is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the School of the Environment, University of Queensland (UQ). His research focuses on coastal and coral reef morphodynamics, integrating physical processes like waves and tides with ecological and geological systems. Prior to UQ, he held positions at the University of Sydney and the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT). He leads The BeachLab, dedicated to developing tools for coastal resilience in a warming world. Research interests include coral reef structural complexity, coastal protection under climate change, and surf zone processes. His work combines field data, remote sensing (e.g., LiDAR, drones), and numerical modeling to address both fundamental and applied questions. Notable projects involve quantifying coral rubble mobility, analyzing Holocene reef evolution, and assessing shoreline change via satellite imagery. His expertise spans marine geoscience, physical oceanography, and environmental adaptation strategies. Publications emphasize coral reef dynamics, coastal geomorphology, and climate impacts. He collaborates with ecologists, geologists, and coastal engineers to advance interdisciplinary solutions. Teaching focuses on geography and marine science, reflecting his commitment to educating future researchers and practitioners. Key contributions include advancing methods for shoreline monitoring using Bayesian networks and Google Earth Engine. His research highlights the critical role of coral reefs in coastal protection, particularly under rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The BeachLab’s work bridges academic inquiry with practical management strategies for vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
Arthur Trembanis is a Professor at the School of Marine Science & Policy at the University of Delaware , where he conducts interdisciplinary research in coastal and marine geoscience. His work bridges oceanography, sediment dynamics, and autonomous systems, with a focus on understanding coastal morphodynamics, hydrodynamics, and seafloor mapping. Coastal & Estuarine Morphodynamics Sediment Transport Modeling Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) Seafloor Mapping & Geoacoustics Trembanis leads the Coastal Sediments, Hydrodynamics, and Engineering Lab (CSHEL) , which explores the intersection of marine technology and environmental science. His recent publications highlight advancements in AI-driven seafloor mapping, autonomous survey platforms, and coastal response to extreme weather. He is also active in open-source tools for geological feature detection and educational outreach. The 15 most recent papers reflect trends in machine learning for coastal geology (e.g., AI for Carolina Bay detection), autonomous robotics in marine surveys, and storm impact analysis on coastal systems. Key subfields include LiDAR processing, bedform dynamics, and multi-platform data integration for environmental monitoring. Fulbright Fellowship (University of Sydney) SERDP Project MR20-1480 (Munition mobility in estuarine environments) Follow his work via the CSHEL website , Instagram , or YouTube for fieldwork and lab updates.
Michael E. Oskin is a Professor and former Department Chair (2017-2021) in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Davis. He also serves as faculty director of the Lassen Field Station, part of the UC Natural Reserve System. His research focuses on structural geology, geomorphology, and active tectonics, particularly the interplay between earthquakes, surface processes, and landscape evolution. He specializes in using high-resolution topography and geochronological techniques to study deformation rates, fault mechanics, and tectonic processes in regions like California and the Tibetan Plateau. Education: B.S. in Geology/Engineering Geology, UC Los Angeles (1995) Ph.D. in Geology, California Institute of Technology (2002) Research Interests: His work addresses deformation rates linked to earthquakes, continental deformation mechanisms, and topographic responses to geologic structures. Techniques include field observations, cosmogenic dating, and lidar analysis to quantify processes like fault slip, erosion, and landscape evolution. Publications: Recent work includes studies on fault rupture dynamics (e.g., San Andreas and Ridgecrest earthquakes), geochronological modeling, and tectonic evolution in regions like the Tibetan Plateau. His research bridges structural geology with quantitative methods to advance understanding of active crustal processes. Awards: Recipient of the UC Davis Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award (2020). Advising & Grants: Mentor to over 20 graduate students, emphasizing collaborative research, fieldwork, and open science practices. Prioritizes student summer support and funding for field/analytical costs. Leads a lab focused on earthquake geology and hosts weekly reading groups. Labs/Teams: Oversees the Lassen Field Station, teaching the summer field course GEL 110A and conducting research in the region. Active in the UC Natural Reserve System and collaborates with international research groups.
Ben Leshchinsky is a Professor and Richardson Chair in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources & Management at Oregon State University's College of Forestry. He specializes in geotechnical engineering with focuses on landslide hazards, slope stability, and geosynthetic applications. His research integrates numerical modeling, remote sensing, and field monitoring to address natural hazard challenges in forested and coastal environments. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Columbia University (2012) M.Phil, Civil Engineering, Columbia University (2010) M.S., Civil Engineering, Columbia University (2008) B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Delaware (2007) Research Interests: Landslide dynamics and mitigation Coastal erosion forecasting Wildfire-landslide interactions Geotechnical infrastructure resilience Numerical modeling of slope failure mechanisms His recent publications emphasize landslide susceptibility modeling, coastal highway vulnerability assessment, and post-wildfire geohazard analysis. He leads the Landslide Hazards Research Lab, advancing interdisciplinary approaches to natural hazard mitigation. Advises graduate students and teaches courses on soil mechanics, geosynthetics, and slope stability analysis. Key Contributions: Developed the RegionGrow3D algorithm for 3D landslide source characterization Pioneered real-time landslide displacement monitoring techniques Advocated for climate-resilient transportation infrastructure planning
David Viertel serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology/Geography at Eastern Illinois University, where he maintains an office in Physical Sciences room 2055 (phone: 217-581-6244, email: dviertel@eiu.edu). His primary academic discipline centers on Geography with strong interdisciplinary connections to Geology. His research focuses on three interconnected domains: Fluvial Geomorphology : Long-term analysis of river channel evolution, particularly documenting eight decades of geomorphological changes along Illinois' Little Wabash River through historical mapping and sediment transport studies. Geospatial Applications : Development of GIS methodologies for land use planning, public participation GIS (PPGIS), and integration of Lidar remote sensing with socioeconomic urban analysis. Geoscience Education : Design of interdisciplinary undergraduate research opportunities bridging geography and geology fieldwork. Publication trends reveal sustained investigation of the Little Wabash River system since 2003, with recent 2024 studies advancing fluvial evolution documentation and practical PPGIS frameworks. His work consistently connects physical landscape analysis with human dimensions of planning and education, demonstrating methodological versatility across remote sensing, historical geography, and pedagogical innovation.
Cheryl J. Hapke is a Research Professor at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science, specializing in coastal geology. She holds a Ph.D. in Coastal Geology and serves as Coordinator for the Florida Coastal Mapping Program, an initiative to deliver high-resolution bathymetric data across Florida's coastal waters within a decade. Her research addresses coastal hazards like inundation, storms, and erosion through geomorphic evolution studies of barrier islands, rocky coasts, and estuarine systems. Academic Rank: Research Professor University: University of South Florida School: College of Marine Science Role: Coordinator, Florida Coastal Mapping Program Dr. Hapke's work emphasizes probabilistic frameworks for forecasting coastal resilience, leveraging multibeam bathymetry and LiDAR technologies. Her research spans global coastal systems, with a focus on Fire Island (NY), Tampa Bay (FL), and the California coast, addressing sediment budgets, shoreline change, and storm impacts. The Florida Coastal Mapping Program supports applications in navigation, restoration, fisheries management, and community resilience planning. Dr. Hapke's recent publications highlight advancements in bathymetric data collection, morphodynamic modeling, and coastal hazard adaptation tools. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates remote sensing, historical data, and numerical models to understand coastal vulnerabilities and inform policy decisions.
Todd Miller is an Affiliate Professor at the School of Freshwater Sciences and Associate Professor in Environmental Health Sciences at the Zilber College of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He holds additional roles as Research Associate at the Center for Limnology and Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and served as a Postdoctoral Scholar in Environmental Health Engineering at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Education: PhD in Marine Estuarine Environmental Sciences from the University of Maryland and BS in Biological Sciences from St. Norbert College. Research focuses on microbial regulation of toxin exposure in water/wastewater systems, with emphasis on cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs), toxin dynamics, and ecosystem impacts. His work integrates field monitoring technologies (e.g., Panther Buoy) with microbial community analysis to model toxin production and degradation in aquatic environments. Publications highlight advancements in real-time HAB monitoring, toxin epidemiology in vulnerable communities, and phosphorus dynamics in eutrophic systems. Collaborative efforts include community-driven initiatives like CLEAR (Community leaders engaged in aquatic research) to enhance urban waterway understanding. Labs/Teams: Directs the Miller Laboratory, pioneering innovations in water quality monitoring systems and cyanotoxin research. Current projects address toxin mitigation strategies, climate-driven bloom shifts, and interdisciplinary solutions for public health protection.
Michael Olsen is an Associate Professor of Geomatics in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University (OSU). He holds a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego, and degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah. His research focuses on terrestrial laser scanning, remote sensing, GIS, earthquake engineering, and 3D visualization, with applications to disaster response, hazard mapping, and infrastructure monitoring. Recent projects include developing mobile laser scanning guidelines for transportation agencies, advancing point cloud segmentation algorithms, and conducting post-disaster reconnaissance in regions like Chile, Japan, and Nepal. Education: Ph.D., Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2009 M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Utah, 2005 B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Utah, 2004 Research Interests: His work bridges geomatics and civil engineering, emphasizing innovation in 3D data collection and analysis. Key areas include landslide displacement modeling, coastal erosion forecasting, and the integration of UAS (drone) imagery for damage assessment. He also explores accessibility compliance via mobile LiDAR and has pioneered courses in 3D laser scanning and Building Information Modeling at OSU. Publications Trends: Recent articles highlight advancements in automated infrastructure analysis, disaster response technologies, and hazard vulnerability assessments. His work often combines geospatial data with machine learning to address real-world challenges in transportation, environmental science, and structural safety. Awards/Recognition: None explicitly listed in provided materials. Advising & Grants: While no student advisees or grant details are specified, Olsen’s research is supported by projects with state DOTs, federal agencies, and international collaborations. His contributions include developing protocols for post-earthquake bridge restoration and asset management frameworks for transportation networks. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the National Science Foundation’s NHERI RAPID facility and leads OSU’s efforts in geospatial hazard modeling. His work integrates field data collection with computational tools, forming a multidisciplinary approach to infrastructure resilience.
Professor Michael James is a leading volcanologist and geospatial scientist at Lancaster University's Lancaster Environment Centre within the Faculty of Science and Technology. His research focuses on Earth surface change processes with particular emphasis on volcanic flows, utilizing advanced remote sensing techniques including laser scanning, photogrammetry, UAVs, and mm-wave radar. He has developed innovative software tools including SfM-georef and Pointcatcher for 3D surface reconstruction and feature tracking. James's research spans volcanic processes, soil erosion, coastal dynamics, and glacial environments. His methodological expertise centers on structure-from-motion photogrammetry, which he has applied to diverse environments from active lava flows to soil erosion gullies. He has led numerous research projects including IMPROVE (Innovative Multi-disciplinary European Research training netwOrk on VolcanoEs) and R4AsH (Radar-supported Next-Generation Forecasting of Volcanic Ash Hazard). His publications show a strong trend toward integrating multiple remote sensing approaches with traditional field methods, particularly focusing on improving accuracy and precision of topographic models. His work bridges volcanology, geomorphology, and environmental monitoring, with increasing emphasis on soil erosion and microplastic transport in recent years. James has advised multiple PhD students including Euan Lennox, David Mansfield, Andrew Mitchell, and Jingwei Zhang. He leads the Centre of Excellence in Environmental Data Science and is affiliated with the Lancaster Intelligent, Robotic and Autonomous Systems Centre. His teaching includes volcanic processes field courses to Mt. Etna, geological hazards, and geophysical techniques. He has conducted numerous field expeditions to active volcanic sites including Mt. Etna, Puyehue Cordón Caulle in Chile, and Holuhraun in Iceland.
