We are all Inclusive
In our Coastal Geography & Terrain Analysis Lab, we’re all about making waves in research that matters. We value and respect everyone’s unique background because we know that diversity fuels innovation. So, if you’re ready to dive into some cutting-edge research and be part of a team that’s making waves, you’re in the right place!
Principal Investigator
Dr. Hannah Sirianni (she/her)
Assistant Professor of Geographic Information Science & Technology, Department of Geography, Planning & Environment, East Carolina University
email: siriannih21@ecu.edu
- Ph.D., Geosciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
- M.A., Geography, University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
- B.A., Highest Honors in Geography, University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Research Interests
- Mapping, modeling, and monitoring dynamic changes in coastal topography, bathymetry, and habitats.
- High-resolution inundation and flood analysis of natural and human coastal systems.
- Coastal geography and the application of nature-based solutions.
- Geomatics applications including Airborne and Terrestrial Laser Scanning, RTK-GNSS & Total Station, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, and Uncrewed Surface Vehicles & Sonar.
- Techniques such as Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI), Object-based Image Analysis (OBIA), Structure-from-Motion (SfM), Monte Carlo Simulation, and field observations.
Current Students
Brendan Burchi
M.S. Geography, East Carolina University starting Fall 2024.
Brendan’s research focuses on how different substrate types used in the installation of nearshore sill structures as part of a living shoreline design can impact sediment retention and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). He uses advanced remote sensing and geospatial techniques to assess the interactions between living shorelines and these critical coastal ecosystems.
Sarah Pettyjohn
M.S. Geography, East Carolina University
Sarah’s research will aim to enhance pre- and post-restoration data availability by conducting sUAS surveys to capture fetch-limited island response to individual storms and identify any patterns of post-storm recovery. Her research will support knowledge-based decision-making regarding habitat change, erosional issues, and the efficacy of nature-based solutions to increase the resiliency of a coastal community in North Carolina.
Megan Geesin (she/her)
Ph.D. Candidate, Integrated Coastal Studies, East Carolina University (Advisor: Dr. Rachel Gittman, Dr. Sirianni co-advises on the use of geospatial technologies to monitor biogeomorphological changes in the nearshore environment)
Megan is interested in understanding the environmental conditions that allow optimal sediment accretion and abundance of fauna in the nearshore environment. Her research helps to enhance post-restoration data availability that informs homeowners and contractors regarding the efficacy of constructed oyster breakwaters in coastal North Carolina.
Delanie Ipock
B.S. Geography, Certificate Geographic Information Science and Technology, expected Spring 2025
Delanie is passionate about both field and lab work. In the field, she conducts advanced RTK-GNSS and sUAS surveys. In the lab, she uses innovative techniques like structure-from-motion photogrammetry to develop reliable models of coastal topography.
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
Michael Moody
Ryann Knowles (she/her)
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
Brandon Lusch
B.S. Geographic Information Science and Technology, East Carolina University
Julia Shukis
B.S. Geography, East Carolina University – present
Mountain to Sea North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Scholar, Summer 2023
Shannon Clough (she/her)
B.S. Community and Regional Planning, B.S. Geographic Information Science and Technology, East Carolina University, 2023
Occupation: GIS Specialist I, McAdams
Zoe Garner
B.S. Geographic Information Science and Technology, East Carolina University, 2023
Occupation: Location Data Analyst, TSCG (The Shopping Center Group)
Elizabeth-Margaret Schunk
B.S. Geographic Information Science and Technology, B.S. Geography, East Carolina University, 2022
Occupation: GIS Technician, Greenville Utilities
Robert Shinn
B.S. Applied Geography, East Carolina University, 2022
