What is your current professional role?
I am currently an Associate Professor and Director of the undergraduate Coastal Engineering program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Prior to my position at UNCW I was a Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellow and then Research Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey for 9 years.
What aspects of marine or coastal geoscience do you work on (or have you worked on in the past)?
My research generally focused on the on the role that winds, waves, and currents have on transforming beaches and barrier islands on time scales ranging from extreme events (e.g., hurricanes) to decades. I generally combine both observations and numerical models to better understand these physical coastal processes, develop assessments to aid in coastal management decisions, and determine the general vulnerability of communities and ecosystems. While at the USGS and UNCW I have had the chance to work with partners in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, National Estuarine Research Reserve System, National Oceanic Atmospheric Association and others.
How did you first become interested in science?
I do not remember having a distinctive ‘a-ha’ moment that set me on a track towards a career in science/engineering. I always enjoyed math and science and my interests generally leaned towards wanting to solve a problem more than learn about the unknown. Unlike many budding engineers though, I wasn’t really interested in building things. I was, however, always interested in the coast, rivers, lakes and other natural areas defined by water and decided to focus on environmental engineering.
Who have been your greatest mentors?
Two people immediately come to my mind as mentors or key supporters in my educational or career journey. One is my high school English teacher. Despite an interest in engineering, I also loved to write a good story. My interest was not in fiction but in researching a topic and writing a rhetorical or persuasive article and following up with a class presentation. I recall one about animal cruelty in entertainment venues (Tiger King anyone?). She was a fantastic mentor and supporter in harnessing this interest and these skills easily translated to the scientific writing I do today. My graduate school adviser is the other key mentor in my journey. She was supportive of developing me as a student, researcher, and teacher rather than just putting pressure on me to crank out research papers. She provided time and experiences for her advisees to develop the skills they needed for the path they wanted. I strive to do this with my own students today.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?
Success is not defined by taking the straight or most direct path. My path was not direct, but I would not trade any of the experiences I encountered. I went from my undergraduate degree to a consulting firm for a couple years followed by jumping back into school to pursue my graduate studies at Oregon State University. From there I worked as a federal scientist for almost a decade, taught some classes at night, and then at the age of 40 decided to make the jump to academia. Do not be afraid to experience new things and take on new challenges – at any age.
Where is your favorite coastal or marine location?
I have lived near the coast in Oregon, Florida and North Carolina and I loved something about all of them. Sorry, I can’t choose a favorite!
You get a chance to relax with your favorite meal and your favorite music- what are you eating and listening to?
I’m not much of a foodie, so give me a good plate of nachos and cold lager and I am happy! As for music, I guess that depends on my mood. I’ll listen to modern folk if I’m relaxing outside, funk or classic rock if I am in my office coding, or country music (my high school go-to) if I am driving around and feeling nostalgic.