Introduction

My main interests are in fluvial geomorphology and ecohydraulics with a particular focus on linking the two. I also have strong applied interests in the interface between environmental policy and science, and how uncertainties arising from each combine to influence the outcome of activities like river restoration.

Use the links at left to learn more about my specific research projects, see a list of my publications, and/or learn more about software I'm working on developing or have developed.

Research Themes:

Much of the work I do has a very methodological focus, as I believe we have rapidly moved from a fundamentally 'data-poor' situation to a 'data-rich' environment. Although, increasingly we can acquire impressive datasets to capture snapshots of the environment and measure the processes that shape it, we do not yet have the tools to use this extra information intelligently. Underlying the development of better tools is a basic curiosity about how natural and disturbed systems work; but also a basic question about whether or not all this new information can actually help us better understand such systems. Thus, the projects that I work on cover a mix of blue-skies and applied themes:

Linking Fluvial Geomorphology & Ecohydraulics

Here, I am fundamentally interested in getting a better understanding of to what extent geomorphic dynamics matter to aquatic and riparian species. We are trying to collect field datasets and produce models (e.g. MORPHED) that shed some light on this question. I would also like to more rigorously test long-standing conceptual models like the intermediate disturbance hypothesis and shifting-habitat-mosaic.

EXAMPLE PROJECTS: MORPHED; Spawning Habitat Rehabilitation; Ecohydraulics and Habitat Heterogeneity

Monitoring and Adapting to Change

I am intrigued by how landscapes (particularly rivers and watersheds) change through time and to what extent the people and ecosystems in those landscapes ar resilient to the change versus can adapt to the change. There are major challenges in documenting, explaining and predicting such changes and responses.

EXAMPLE PROJECTS: Morphological Sediment Budgeting; Pool-Riffle Maintenance Mechanisms; Uncertainties in River Restoration

Scenario Model Development

I am interested in applying and developing models of various flavors as tools to help test hypotheses that fall out of the above two themes.

EXAMPLE PROJECTS: ooCAESAR; SHIRA; MORPHED

Research Strategy:

My research strategy is simple. Work hard. Do good work transparently so others can repeat it. Publish what you can and make the rest available (e.g dissemination on web) for others to extend, test, explore, refute and/or improve.

RESEARCH