Student’s beach preservation research recognized at statewide conference

February 29, 2024 in Featured, News

Teagan Frazier, an undergraduate student in the University of Florida’s Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, captured third place in a poster competition for her research on how to enhance the growth of dune grasses for greater coastal protection from extreme weather events at the National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology, which took place February 7 to 9 in St. Augustine, Florida.   

“Presenting my work in front of a board of people who could actually implement it was really exciting,” said Frazier. “They were all interested in the research that we were producing because it has clear implications for restoration.” 

(Photo on left): Michael Poff (L), president of Coastal Engineering Consultants Inc., and Teagan Frazier, an undergraduate student in the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences at the National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology on February 9 in St. Augustine. (Photo credit: Jackie Larson) (Photo on right): Teagan Frazier studies techniques for planting dune grasses to recover more quickly after storms. 

Frazier and her mentor Joe Morton, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for Coastal Solutions, shared the work they’re doing to develop new techniques for planting dune grasses on a St. Augustine beach to better withstand storm impacts. They were joined by fellow CCS researchers and affiliate faculty who presented their latest findings on new avenues for more effectively preserving beaches in Florida.  

“One of the things I like most about working with the CCS is that there is such a good opportunity for the translation of science into action,” said Morton. “This conference was an example of that. The research that we are producing through the CCS generated interest and seeing the tangible products of one’s work potentially being applied at larger scales is meaningful.”

(L to R): Pete Adams, Ph.D., associate professor in the geological sciences department; Ph.D. students Matheus de Assis Bose and Copeland Cromwell; and Joe Morton, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for Coastal Solutions attend the National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology, where they share their latest research findings on ways to improve dune resilience. (Photo credit: Beach Tech attendee)

Each year, professionals from across the state meet at the conference to share the latest research and technologies in beach preservation and explore ways to translate these into actions e.g., through new coastal policies by legislators or adoption of methods by resource managers. The event, attended by 315 environmental resource managers, coastal engineers and legislators, offers a unique learning and networking opportunities to students like Teagan.

“I would like to thank the UF Center for Coastal Solutions for funding my travel for this conference,” said Frazier. “Also, to my research mentor Dr. Joe Morton for the guidance and support through this project. I would not be where I am today without them and many others along the way.”