CCS Monthly Forum

Meet our new CCS Director, Nina Stark, Ph.D., and learn about her cutting‑edge research in coastal and marine geotechnics. Nina’s work focuses on understanding the geomechanics of seabed sediments across diverse coastal and marine environments, supporting scientific investigations as well as engineering and naval applications. She is a leading expert in geotechnical site characterization in complex aquatic settings.

Nina has developed innovative seabed penetrometers that make measuring sediment strength more cost‑effective and efficient. Her research has revealed new relationships between geotechnical properties, erosion processes, and geomorphodynamics. She has also advanced novel techniques to extract geotechnical information from satellite‑based remote sensing and sonar systems.

Currently, Nina leads major research initiatives aimed at predicting and improving trafficability and navigation in coastal regions, and at enhancing decision-making for managing submerged unexploded ordnance sites. She recently co-led NSF-funded reconnaissance missions following Hurricanes Helene and Milton and continues to assess their long‑term impacts on communities and coastal environments.

In this presentation, Nina will share an overview of her research portfolio and background, along with a preview of upcoming CCS events, initiatives, and opportunities.