Ryan Lowe

My research focuses on the study of the physical drivers of coastal processes and hazards, including how nearshore processes govern coastal flooding and erosion risk that threaten coastal populations and infrastructure, as well as how these processes are modified by coastal ecosystems. A major area of research is also on developing novel solutions to mitigate wave-driven coastal hazard risk, with a particular emphasis on integration of natural and nature-based features. My research utilises a wide range of field studies, laboratory (physical modelling) experiments and numerical models.I joined UWA in 2007, after completing a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2005 from Stanford University and following a postdoctoral research and lecturing position at Stanford. Between 2012-2016, I received an ARC Future Fellowship that focused on improving predictions of nearshore processes that govern coastal hazards worldwide, using Western Australia’s extensive coastline as a case study to investigate the coastal dynamics of diverse wave- and tide-dominated coastal systems. From 2014-2020 I served as Editor for the Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans. My research has been well-supported by a number of sources, including from the ARC, State Government, international funding agencies and through collaborative projects with a wide range of industry partners.I have published over 130 papers in international journals and have contributed to a number of international initiatives that advance nature-based solutions for coastal protection, including as Lead Author for the Reefs chapter of an international guidelines manual developed through a consortium led by the US Army Corps of Engineers.