Physical oceanography, morphodynamics and ecology

About me

I completed a PhD in physical oceanography at Dalhousie University in Canada with Prof Tony Bowen. Before that, I completed a BSc(Hons) from the University of Toronto in physical geography and physics. I came to New Zealand on a Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada international postdoctoral fellowship, and then worked at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. In 2001, I moved to the University of Waikato, where I have been since. I have taken on a number of roles at Waikato such as Deputy Head of School, Assistant Dean, and now I am currently Director of the Environmental Research Institute. My work has gradually shifted from nearshore physics (beaches) to working more on ecosystem-geomorphology interactions, natural hazards and in estuaries. This is mainly due to working with some fabulous collaborators along the way that have convinced me to solve some different problems.  

yPutting diverse minds together to solve environmental problems

Current residents of the Coasys

Currently I have a group of 6 PhD students and 4 MSc students. They are cosupervised by my colleagues at Waikato.  I am always looking for Masters and PhD students in coastal and estuarine processes.

​Topics that I am particularly interested in at the moment: Morphodynamic modelling of coastal systems; Water quality modelling of Tauranga Harbour; Machine learning and coastal flooding; The effect of vegetation on coastal flooding; Using image analysis/satellite techniques to extract coastal features; Beach rotation and variation.;Sediment stability and problems associated with the sediment-water interface.
Working in the lab or field
It seems like we are pressured into defining ourselves by whether we are field scientists, computer modelers, data scientists, or laboratory people.  To me, what is the tool most useful to answer the problem. If I were to pick one area, I think it is the interface between statistics, data and computer modelling is the most exciting. I have Prof Keith Thompson at Dalhouse University to thank for that!
<- I had to put this picture somewhere! It reminds me of my student days, and what a great lab my supervisor Tony Bowen ran. There he is at the head of the table, keeping me in line with his icy-blue stare.

Our changing coast

Focusing on real problems

Every time I visit our coast, I see more and more signs that our estuaries are degrading. The water is not quite as clear, the sediments are covered with finer layers of mud, odd sorts of fringing vegetation types are taking root, blooms of algae are accumulating.  

Adventures down under

Fun things that I like

One of the great things about being a scientist is that you can travel and see the world. People invite you for research collaborations, you can go to overseas conferences, and people from all around the world visit you. New Zealand is an especially great place to do coastal research because of our 600 estuaries and even more beaches. The geologists will tell you it is because of the volcanoes, but really the beaches are better!

Our trip to Stewart Island

Assoc Prof Hilton from University of Otago invited us down to Stewart Island to see his research on dune processes. A fantastic experience, with kiwis (meaning the bird) visiting every night!

Coastal Marine Group events

Here we have Dr Debra Stokes from Southern Cross University visiting with her new drone!

Working locally

Working in teams

Most of my research is done in big teams these days. That way we can solve bigger problems without having to be experts in each individual aspect. Each person can contribute the technique that they know best. Sometimes the most useful technique is an ability to explain our work in a way that can engage people, or the person who can convince people that it is important to change.

Do you want to become a coastal researcher?

Under graduate teaching

At the University of Waikato, you can learn about coastal processes in our papers:
EARTH241: Oceanography
EARTH341: Coastal Oceanography
EARTH503: Coastal Processes
EARTH504: Geohazard Risk
EARTH342: Coastal Geomorphology
​I teach in the first four papers.