About Me

B.S. 1997, Geography and Environmental Earth Sciences, SUNY Oneonta

M.S. 1999, Geography, Oregon State University

Ph.D. 2005, Geography, Rutgers University

While at Rutgers University, I focused on coastal zone management and coastal geomorphology of the NJ shore. My dissertation research was entitled: Understanding the Relationship Between Landscape Features on Municipally-Managed Dunes and Residential Private Lots on an Urban Shoreline: New Jersey. I utilized aerial photography and aerial video as my main geospatial tools. I surveyed 364 lots in situ in 3 study areas (Sea Girt/Manasquan, Long Beach Island, and Ocean City) and 1364 lots using aerial photos/videos along the remaining towns along the NJ Shore.

While at Oregon State University, I focused on coastal hazards, coastal geomorphology, and coastal management. I was part of a team who assessed and advised coastal residents regarding hazard management. My thesis reseach was entitled: Monitoring Sand Dune Processes at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: Can Pre-Vegetated Conditions be Restored? While at OSU, I first learned aerial photographic techniques. My advisor was a pilot and regularly flew photo missions. I first used aerial photography to monitor the 1997-1998 El Nino event.

While at SUNY Oneonta, I double majored in Environmental Earth Sciences and Geography. I conducted research at the Bering Glacier in Alaska with Dr. Jay Fleisher, utilizing both of my majors. I mapped an island that had been recently modified by a joukalhaup (massive outburst of water from the glacier). This helped us calculate the volume and speed of the water as part of the erosion event. It also helped with an ongoing research program to monitor the Bering Glacier and the surrounding landscape. The following year under the guidance of Prof. Paul Baumann, I continued my work by making Bathymetric maps of 2 glacier-adjacent lakes. SUNY Oneonta is where I first realized I wanted to become a professor. Thank you, Oneonta!