We study rivers.  The bulk of our work is focused on river science ranging from hydrology and sediment transport to invertebrates and biogeochemistry.  Our work has ranged from local studies of flood waves and invertebrates in the local drainage ditches, to tidal stream ecosystems on the Coast, to whitewater river turbulence, to spiders along rivers in the Italian Alps.

But in addition, we try to understand the context for river science in society.  We also work on policy implications of river restoration at small scales, how emerging economic incentives affect river management, and how river management practices are being affected by subtle changes in climate in the Southeastern US.

For almost 10 years, I had the great fortune to be a professor in the Geography department at UNC-Chapel Hill.  But in 2011, I moved across town to be part of a massive water and river program at Duke.  With the already stellar scientists already here (e.g., Emily Bernhardt), we have also added Marco Marani in EOS/Civil Engineering (remote sensing and eco-hydrology), Jim Hefferenan (ecosystem ecology, sensor-based biogeochemistry), and Brian McGlynn (hydrology).  With a current search for a water director at the Nicholas Institute, Duke has become an extremely exciting place to be for water and river research.