Experts Guide

Hapke studies global impacts of sea-level rise and increased coastal hazards from inundation, storms, and erosion. She can discuss how coastal processes and evolution are critical for understanding vulnerabilities to the various hazards in both natural and built systems. Her research focuses on the geomorphic evolution of coastal systems ranging from barrier islands to rocky coasts and estuarine systems to understand how past changes may inform what may happen in the future.

Smoak studies soil carbon accumulation rates in coastal wetlands as indicators of long-term ecosystem stability and how climate change, rising sea level and hurricanes impact coastal wetland ecosystems. He is part of the Initiative on Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (iCAR), which uses research and education to provide the understanding and ideas needed to make critical decisions regarding changing and vulnerable coastlines.

Frazer is a professor and dean of the College of Marine Science and previously served as chief science officer for the State of Florida. His interdisciplinary research addresses contemporary and emerging environmental issues, including marine ecology, water quality, eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, seagrass, coral reefs, fisheries ecology and management, climate change, conservation and coastal resilience.