Meet the crew: a team of students and researchers using advanced mapping and field methods to understand and support resilient coasts.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Hannah Sirianni
Associate Professor in the Department of Earth, Environment & Planning at East Carolina University
Dr. Sirianni investigates how coasts change and how science can support resilient ecosystems and communities. She combines remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and field surveys to monitor shoreline dynamics, map seagrass and marsh habitats, and evaluate nature-based shoreline solutions. Her work links technical innovation with applied research to inform shoreline stabilization and management.
Current Students
Brendan Burchi
M.S. Geography, East Carolina University, expected 2026
Brendan studies how oyster breakwaters influence sediment retention and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in living shoreline projects. He applies remote sensing and geospatial methods to assess how engineered reefs shape sediment dynamics and contribute to coastal habitat resilience.
Megan Geesin (she/her)
Ph.D. Candidate, Integrated Coastal Studies, East Carolina University (Advisor: Dr. Rachel Gittman)
Megan recently published her first paper “Assessing the effects of engineered oyster reefs on shoreline change using drones”, in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution!
Ryan Brown
B.S. Geographic Information Science and Technology, expected 2026
Ryan is building hands-on skills in drone-based seagrass surveys. He is training with our lab to apply coastal mapping technology in ways that support ecosystem monitoring and community resilience.
Join the Lab
Want to see your name here? We welcome motivated students interested in coastal science and geospatial methods.
Current Lab Support Pups
Sunny (she/her)
New to coastal environments, Sunny is interested in using her love of running to explore shoreline changes in the Outer Banks. Sunny’s research is funded by Sarah Pettyjohn.
Stella Blue (she/her)
Stella is developing new approaches to growls, snarls, howls, grunts, and other sounds to test their ability to detect underwater landscapes. Stella’s research is funded by Dr. Sirianni.
Riley Rose (she/her)
Riley seeks to understand seasonal and long-term changes in beach width, height, and shape to better locate beach dwellers needing lots of snuggles and cuddles. Riley’s research is funded by Dr. Sirianni.
Past Graduate Students
Sarah Pettyjohn
M.S. Geography, East Carolina University, 2025
Occupation: Geospatial Scientist/ Commercial Drone Pilot, Haley & Aldrich
Sarah recently submitted her first-author manuscript for publication, an exciting milestone as she launches her new career!
Ryann Knowles
M.S. Geography, East Carolina University, 2022
Occupation: GIS Development Tech Specialist, NextEra Energy Resources
Jessica Richter (she/her)
M.S. Geography, East Carolina University, 2022
Occupation: GIS Research Analyst, World Resources Institute
Rachel Smaby
M.S. Geography, East Carolina University, 2021
Occupation: Biologist, Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office, Ecological Services
Michelle Schlup
M.S. Geography, East Carolina University, 2020
Occupation: Physical Scientist, Army Geospatial Center, US Army Corps of Engineers.
Past Undergraduate Students
Delanie Ipock
B.S. Geography, Certificate Geographic Information Science & Technology, 2025
Occupation: GIS Applications Developer, Craven County Government, New Bern, NC
Brandon Lusch
B.S. Geographic Information Science & Technology, East Carolina University, 2025
Julia Shukis
B.S. Geography, East Carolina University – present
Mountain to Sea North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Scholar, Summer 2023
Occupation: Infrastructure GIS Specialist, Virginia Beach, VA
Shannon Clough (she/her)
B.S. Community and Regional Planning, B.S. Geographic Information Science & Technology, East Carolina University, 2023
Occupation: GIS Specialist I, McAdams
Zoe Garner
B.S. Geographic Information Science & Technology, East Carolina University, 2023
Occupation: Location Data Analyst, TSCG (The Shopping Center Group)
Elizabeth-Margaret Schunk
B.S. Geographic Information Science & Technology, East Carolina University, 2022
Occupation: GIS Technician, Greenville Utilities
Robert Shinn
B.S. Applied Geography, East Carolina University, 2022
Occupation: Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, Catawba College
