Featured Research Activities:

• Application of Machine Learning Methods to Better Quantify Water-Level Anomalies in Annapolis, MD (mp4)

• Enhanced Constituents Fluxes in the Sagavanirktok River on the North Slope of Alaska During the Summer Thaw Season (mp4)

• Improvement of Model Predictions for Waterborne Hazard Fate and Transport and the Development of Autonomous Surface Platforms and Unmanned Systems for ‘Smart’ Chemical Plume Tracking in Coastal Systems

• Filling the Gaps: How Autonomous Vehicles Can Enhance Unmanned, Fixed-Station Water Quality Monitoring (mp4)
  
  
• If Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are the Next Wave in Water Quality Monitoring, are Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) the Wave on the Horizon? (mp4)
  
  
• Mapping Coastal Reef Systems Using an Autonomous Surface Kayak (mp4)
  
  
• Validation, Verification, and Improvement of Model Predictions for Waterborne Chemical Releases in Estuarine Systems (mp4)
  
  
• Application of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter Absorbance and Excitation-Emission Matrix Fluorescence Spectra (EEMS) to Investigate Clay-Organic Matter Flocculation Processes in Riverine-Estuarine Systems (mp4)

Student Independent Research:

• 2026 - (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Laboratory Studies on Salinity Induced Flocculation of Dissolved Organic Matter in Estuaries", Midshipman 1/C Sofia Daniel and Midshipman 1/C Alexis Lambert, USN, Class of 2026
  2026 - (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Field Studies on Salinity Induced Flocculation of Organic Matter in a Micro-Tidal Estuary", Midshipman 1/C Alexis Lambert and Midshipman 1/C Sofia Daniel, USN, Class of 2026
• 2025 - (w/ Benjamin Hickman and Timothy Wilson) "Flocculation of Stream-Sourced, Natural Organic Matter in a Microtidal Estuarine Basin", Midshipman 1/C Kady Stigler, USN, Class of 2025
• 2024 – “Non-Tidal Residual Current and Water Level Response to Storm Events in a Micro-Tidal Estuary”, Midshipman 1/C Siena N. Hall, USN, Class of 2024
• 2024 – (w/ Benjamin Hickman) “Sidescan Sonar Imaging of Underwater Targets with Different Geometries and Reflectivity”, Midshipman 1/C William Schabacker, USN, Class of 2024
• 2024 – (w/ Benjamin Hickman) “Quantifying Spatial Heterogeneity in the Optical Properties of Surface Waters in a Semi-Enclosed Estuarine Basin”, Midshipman 1/C Cecelia Wheeler, USN, Class of 2024
• 2023 – (w/ CAPT Shawn G. Gallaher, PhD) “Rare Earth Element Chemistry in Surface Waters of Rivers and Streams on the North Slope of Alaska”, Midshipman 1/C Mary A. Rogers, USN, Class of 2023
• 2023 – (w/ CAPT Shawn G. Gallaher, PhD) “Summertime Particulate Fluxes in the Sagavanirktok River on the North Slope of Alaska”, Midshipman 1/C Sarah M. Blank, USN, Class of 2023
• 2022 – (w/ CAPT Shawn G. Gallaher, PhD) “Thaw Season Constituent Fluxes Through Arctic Rivers to Alaskan North Slope Coastal Waters”, Midshipman 1/C Bryce J. Foxen, USN, Class of 2022
• 2022 – (w/ Instructor Alexander R. Davies) “A Regression Model to Predict Total Suspended Solid Concentrations in the Severn River, MD”, Midshipman 1/C Alexander V. Schuerch, USN, Class of 2022
• 2022 – (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) “Optical Tracking of a Chemical Plume in the Surface Waters of a Shallow Water Estuarine System Using a Custom Autonomous Surface Platform”, Midshipman 1/C Megan LaMendola, USN, Class of 2022
• 2021 –    (w/ Instructor Brianna Tracy) “Spatial Distribution of Microplastics and Synthetic Particulates in the Severn River and Annapolis Harbor”, Midshipman 1/C Mary McClellen H. Hess, USN, Class of 2021
• 2021 –   “Seasonal Variability in Material Fluxes Through Rivers and Streams on the North Slope of Alaska”, Midshipman 1/C Haven Cofer, USN, Class of 2021
• 2021 – (w/ Instructor Alexander Davies) “Application of Machine Learning Methods to Better Quantify Water-Level Anomalies in Annapolis, MD”, Midshipman 1/C Forest Wan, USN, Class of 2021
• 2020 – “The U.S. Naval Academy Polar Science & Technology Program 2019 Alaska North Slope Material Flux Study (AKMFS): Spring-to-Late Summer Variability in Iron and Carbon Fluxes Through Small Rivers”, Midshipman 1/C Emily Doyle, USN, Class of 2020
• 2020 – “System for Hazard Assessment of Released Chemicals (SHARC) Model Validation and Verification Studies: Improvement of Model Predictions for Chemical Releases in Dynamic Estuarine Systems”, Midshipman 1/C Matthew McClelland, USN, Class of 2020
• 2019 – (w/Instructor Alex Davies) “Local-scale Water Level Differences and Meteorological Drivers in Annapolis, MD”, Midshipman 1/C George W. Davis, USN, Class of 2019
• 2019 – “Measuring Water-Quality of the Lower Severn River Using an Autonomous Surface Kayak”, Midshipman 1/C Richmond Paschall, USN, Class of 2019 
• 2018 – “Reconstruction of a Long-Term Storm Frequency Index at the Site of the Historic World War I Shipwreck of the USS. San Diego (ACR-6)”, Midshipman 1/C Nolan T. Brandon 
• 2018 – “Development of Algorithms for the Detection and Identification of Bottom-Moored Objects from Sidescan Sonar Imagery”, Midshipman 1/C Timothy C. Abunike
• 2018 – “The Coastal Kayak Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) Version 2.0”, Midshipman 1/C Tong K. Ma (Ocean Engineering) 
• 2017 – “Mapping of Coastal Reef Systems Using an Autonomous Surface Kayak”, Midshipman 1/C Bryan A. Laboy
• 2016 – “Development of Sediment Grain Size Maps from Sidescan Surveys of the Lower Severn River, Maryland”, Midshipman 1/C Margo S. Darragh
• 2015 – “Optical Characterization of the South River Estuary, MD Through EEMS/PARAFAC Analysis”, Midshipman 1/C Michael S. Fuller Jr.
• 2015 – “Validation and verification of model predictions for I-131 transport in the tidal-fresh Potomac River”, Midshipman 1/C Kevin M. Lois
• 2014 – “Potential Legacy of Heavy Metal Contamination in the Sediments of Former Sewage Holding Ponds at Otter Point Creek, MD”, Midshipman 1/C Benjamin Ziemski
• 2013 - “Validation and Verifications of Model Predictions for   ¹³⁷Cs Fate and Transport in the Tidal Fresh Potomac River”, Midshipman 1/C Samuel Kelly (App. Phys.)
• 2013 - “Optical Brighteners as a Wastewater Plume Tracer in Estuarine Systems” – Midshipman 1/C Benjamin Baker (App. Phys.)
• 2013 - “Scale Matters: The Need for a Customizable Autonomous Research Platform for Estuarine Research", Midshipman 1/C Scott Stamer
• 2012 - “Validation of Model Predictions for the Dispersion of Reactive Chemical Releases in a Sub-estuary of the Chesapeake Bay”, Midshipman 1/C Cynthia F. Cary
• 2012 - “Flocculation in the Pearl River Estuary – Particle Size Variations in a Circumneutral pH River System with High Colloidal Iron”, Midshipman 1/C Abigail M. Ellis

2026 Project-Based Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Capstone Research Posters:

• 2026 - (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Towards 'Smart' Waterborne Hazard Plume Mapping and Tracking in Coastal Systems", Midshipman 1/C Reid Oldfield and Midshipman 1/C Ezekiel Guzman
• 2026 - "Simultaneous Wind, Wave, and Current Measurements in Coastal Systems", Midshipman 1/C Christopher Cangas, Midshipman 1/C Lucas G Siudut

2025 Project-Based Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Capstone Research Posters:

• (w/ Instructor Alexander R. Davies) "Impact of High Tide and Stormwater Flooding on Operational Readiness at USNA", Midshipman 1/C Renny Murphy and Midshipman 1/C Layne Rivera
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman and Dr. Timothy Wilson) "3-D Tracing of the Naval Support Activity, Annapolis (NSAA) Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWWTP) Effluent Plume in Carr Creek Cove", Midshipman 1/C Joseph Camuso, Midshipman 1/C Jack Lange, and Midshipman 1/C Mimi McHugh
• "Tidal Currents in the Upper Severn River", Midshipman 1/C Jayden Evans and Midshipman 1/C Joshua Huiner
• (w/ Instructor Brianna M. Tracy) "Seasonal Variations of Sessile Biofouling Communities in Santee Basin", Midshipman 1/C Megan Murphy and Midshipman 1/C Madison O'Donnell
•  (w/ Dr. Timothy Wilson) "Depth, Grain Size, and Sediment Carbon Measurements in a Shallow Coastal System", Midshipman 1/C Bridget Hoang, Midshipman 1/C Owen Huntington, and Midshipman 1/C Kenneth Johnson
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman and Dr. Timothy Wilson) "Concentration-Discharge Relationship to Constituent Fluxes Through a Pulsed-Freshwater Stream", Midshipman 1/C Chelsea Murphy and Midshipman 1/C Victoria Trevino
• "Significant Wave Heights at the Severn River Mouth", Midshipman 1/C Elizabeth Perry and Midshipman 1/C Kaitlynn Stout
• (w/ Instructor Brianna M. Tracy) "Comparison of Particle Counts to Concentration Values of Microplastics and Synthetic Particulates Collected in the Severn River and Annapolis Harbor", Midshipman 1/C Sara Willis (SGS, General Science)

2024 Project-Based Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Capstone Research Posters:

• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Factors Affecting Wintertime Light Penetration in the Severn River", Midshipman 1/C Alayna Schloeder, Midshipman 1/C Gabi Schultz, and Midshipman 1/C Sophie Scrivner
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman and Dr. Timothy Wilson) "Linkages Between Variability in Severn River Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) and Susquehanna River Discharge", Midshipman 1/C Jacob Cho, Midshipman 1/C KeAndre' Harper, and Midshipman 1/C Riley Perry
• (w/ Instructor Brianna M. Tracy and Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Wintertime Phytoplankton and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations in the Severn River, MD", Midshipman 1/C Abigail R. Belko, Midshipman 1/C Samuel Ford-Dirks, Midshipman 1/C Garrett L. Holsen, and Midshipman 1/C John Wendeborn
• "Survey of the Forrest-Sherman Seawall on Hospital Point, U.S. Naval Academy", Midshipman 1/C Maelyn J. Bierman, Midshipman 1/C Sanjana W. Manojith, and Midshipman 1/C Madeline M. Turner
• (w/ Instructor Brianna M. Tracy) "Biodiversity Assessment of Sessile Biofouling Organisms at the U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Support Activity, Annapolis", Midshipman 1/C Connor Kemper and Midshipman 1/C Chris Winter
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Optical Tracing of the Naval Support Activity, Annapolis (NSAA) Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWWTP) Effluent Plume in Carr Creek Cove", Midshipman 1/C Noah A. Dornik, Midshipman 1/C Timo R. Perez, and Midshipman 1/C Shania R. Vincent 
• (w/ Dr. Scott Loeffler and Instructor Alexander R. Davies) "Ground-truthing Local Marine Weather Forecasts for Annapolis, MD", Midshipman 1/C Dutton Rogers, Midshipman 1/C Emily Shand, and Midshipman 1/C Helen West

2023 Project-Based Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Capstone Research Posters:

• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman and Instructor Alexander R. Davies) "Analysis of Tide Propagation Along the Main Stem Severn River Over a Neap-Spring Cycle", Midshipman 1/C Julia A. Galbraith, Midshipman 1/C Autumn Y. Nicholas, and Midshipman 1/C Sophie E. Shelbourne
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Sedimentological and Geophysical Survey along the USNA Seawalls from Hospital Point to Trident Light", Midshipman 1/C Robert W. Archambault, Midshipman 1/C Ryan M. Craft, and Midshipman 1/C Lucas A. Schatz
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Local-Scale Forcing Effects on Rhodamine Dye Plume Dispersion and Transport in Carr Creek Cove", Midshipman 1/C Alexander K. Khieu, Midshipman 1/C Zane L. Richardson, and Midshipman 1/C Alexandra Urbine
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Side Scan Sonar Detection of Bottom-Mounted Objects with Different Material Properties", Midshipman 1/C Julianne K. Barkholz and Midshipman 1/C Andrew B. Matthews
• (w/ Instructor Brianna M. Tracy and Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "Winter-to-Spring Primary Productivity and Zooplankton Abundance in Santee Basin and College Creek", Midshipman 1/C Nyla Chambers, Midshipman 1/C Maggie Cleary, Midshipman 1/C Eloise Gebert, and Midshipman 1/C Stephanie Jacobs

2022 Project-Based Oceanography Capstone Research Posters:

• (w/ Instructor Brianna M. Tracy and Mr. Benjamin Hickman) " Early Spring Conditions in Santee Basin and Potential for Blooms of Harmful Dinoflagellate Species", Midshipman 1/C Stella E. Blackwell, Midshipman 1/C Morgan P. Lang, Midshipman 1/C Antonio T. Orama, Midshipman 1/C Sarah P. Ryser
• (w/ Instructor Alexander R. Davies and Mr. Ben Hickman) " Measurement of the Wintertime Optical Properties of the Severn River", Midshipman 1/C Brandon N. Jordan, Midshipman 1/C Daniel H. Taylor, and Midshipman 1/C Deondrae C. Williams
• (w/ Instructor Brianna M. Tracy) " Quantifying Variability in Wintertime Microplastic Concentrations and Particle Counts in Annapolis Harbor", Midshipman 1/C Gustel M. Bamanabio, Midshipman 1/C Brycen H. Groess, Midshipman 1/C Andrea C. Martinez, and Midshipman 1/C Alexandra K. Schofield
• (w/ Instructor Alexander R. Davies) " Analysis of Water Level Differences Between Annapolis Harbor and the Severn River", Midshipman 1/C Cailin M. Duffy, Midshipman 1/C Ciera L. Hertelendy, and Midshipman 1/C Sierra E. Averill
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) " Wind-Forcing and Waves in Carr Creek and the Mouth of the Severn River", Midshipman 1/C Frank W. Bell, Midshipman 1/C Kelsey M. Cyrus, and Midshipman 1/C Langston A. Arnold
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) "   Tidal Current Response to Water Levels in College Creek", Midshipman 1/C Airi Y. Sloan, Midshipman 1/C Anna C. Kovacs, Midshipman 1/C Benjamin H. Hassen, and Midshipman 1/C LeGrand S. Pound
• (w/ Mr. Benjamin Hickman) " Tracing a Wastewater Effluent Plume in Carr Creek", Midshipman 1/C Sydney Dinan, Midshipman 1/C Tanner Gage, Midshipman 1/C Phillip Lee, and Midshipman 1/C Meghan Sculli
• (w/ Instructor Brianna M. Tracy and Mr. Benjamin Hickman) " Geophysical Survey and Sedimentological Assessment of the EagleNest Point Oyster Reef Restoration Site in Round Bay", Midshipman 1/C Megan Gephart, Midshipman 1/C Braydon Hammond, Midshipman 1/C Richard Hansen, and Midshipman 1/C Cory Routen

2020 Project-Based Oceanography Capstone Research Posters:

• (w/ Instructor Alex Davies) "Measurement of the Optical Properties of Severn River Surface Waters with an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle", Midshipman 1/C Daniel C. McDonald and Midshipman 1/C Jordan J. Neal
• "Optimization of Chlorination/Dechlorination to Reduce or Control Biofouling in Shipboard Systems",- Midshipman 1/C Pia Mackie, Midshipman 1/C Brennen Means, and Midshipman 1/C Lauren Vernazza
• (w/ Instructor Brianna Tracy) "Sampling and Quantification of Microplastics and Other Synthetic Particles in the Severn River", Midshipman 1/C Abby Ebersole, Midshipman 1/C Caroline Kelly, and Midshipman 1/C Meer Syamansoori
• "Optimization of Side Scan Sonar Images for the Identification of Bottom-Mounted Objects in Shallow Coastal Marine Waters", Midshipman 1/C Candace Gordon, Midshipman 1/C James K. Kirby, and Midshipman 1/C Connor Knowles

2019 Project-Based Oceanography Capstone Research Posters:

• (w/ Instructor Andrew Keppel) “Coastal Nuisance Flooding of the USNA Columbarium, College Creek, Annapolis, MD”,- Midshipman 1/C Lauren E. Greenberg and Midshipman 1/C Allison R. Warnimont
• (w/ Instructor Alex Davies) “Cross-Channel Assessment of Severn River Watershed Observatory Current and Water Quality Data Using Unmanned and Autonomous Platforms”, Midshipman 1/C Kristy A. Lehmer and Midshipman 1/C Matthew E. Spelich
• “Wintertime Wave Activity Along the U.S. Naval Academy Farragut Seawall”, Midshipman 1/C Greg L. Gruseck and Midshipman 1/C Darby J. Minton
• (w/ Instructor Andrew Keppel) “Measurement of Wintertime Primary Production in the Lower Severn River”, Midshipman 1/C Paige L. Brigham and Midshipman 1/C Lucia K. Donnelly

2018 Project-Based Oceanography Capstone Research Posters:

• (w/ Instructor Andrew Keppel) " Assessment of Coastal Processes Affecting Beach Morphology at Sandy Point State Park, MD", Midshipman 1/C Garrett L Barrios and Midshipman 1/C Gage A Butler
• (w/ Instructor Alex Davies) " Validation of a Four-Component Nutrient, Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, and Detritus (NPZD) Model for the Mesohaline Chesapeake Bay", Midshipman 1/C Michael J. Cassano, Midshipman 1/C Jenna Jones, and Midshipman 1/C Shae Timmons
• " Development of High-Resolution Sediment Grain Size and Non-Cohesive Sediment Erodibility Maps for the Lower Severn River", Midshipman 1/C Kellyanne M. Hurst and Midshipman 1/C Emily G. Ranzau
• (w/ Instructor Alex Davies) " Evaluation of Physiochemical Contours in the Lower Severn River Developed from Measurements by an EcoMapper Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)", Midshipman 1/C Patrick D. Francis and Midshipman 1/C Jessie E. Sharp
• (w/ Instructor Alex Davies) " Comparison of Relative Water Levels at the U.S. Naval Academy and Annapolis City Dock in Response to Local Meteorological Forcing Conditions", Midshipman 1/C Hayden P. Spalding and Midshipman 1/C Ben R. McGrath