The 2013 cohort focused on understanding how sea-level rise impacts coastal aquifers, freshwater availability, and ecosystems. The program examined groundwater–coastal interactions, salinization processes, and water quality risks, addressing critical challenges for coastal communities facing climate-driven change.
Through field-based research in Florida and Mexico and a systems-level perspective, the cohort explored how hydrologic, ecological, and coastal processes are interconnected. The program also incorporated outreach activities that fostered ethical responsibility and civic engagement, linking research with real-world applications and community needs.
Cohort Composition
- Geological Sciences
Faculty: Dr. Jon Martin; Dr. Andrea Dutton
Graduate Students: Peter Chutcharavan; Andrea Pain; Alexandra Skrivanek; Karen Vyverberg - Soil and Water Sciences
Faculty: Dr. Andrew Ogram
Graduate Student: Laibin Huang - Urban and Regional Planning (College of Design, Construction and Planning)
Faculty: Dr. Zhong-Ren Peng
Graduate Student: Yujun Deng - Civil and Coastal Engineering
Faculty: Dr. Arnoldo Valle-Levinson
Graduate Student: Jackie Branyon - Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Faculty: Dr. Bill Pine - School of Natural Resources and Environment
Faculty: Dr. David Kaplan
Graduate Student: Katie Glodzik
Funding: the cohort secured $665,000 in external funding from the National Science Foundation.
Outputs and Contributions: 14 peer-reviewed publications advancing understanding of coastal groundwater systems and the impacts of sea-level rise. Their work also contributed to interdisciplinary training, international field collaboration, and engagement with communities and stakeholders.