Advancing science at the intersection of rivers and human systems
Our work brings together hydrology, geomorphology, and human systems to support resilient riverscapes and ecosystems.
Studying the interactions of flow, sediment, ecosystems, and human activity in rivers
Our work explores how flowing water, landscapes, ecosystems, and human activity interact in and around river systems. By combining physical and ecological science, we investigate river processes from beads to watersheds. We are an applied, hands-on group working with restoration projects in real time, informing current and future efforts to increase the resilience of river systems.
Our work is…
Interdisciplinary
We integrate hydrology, geomorphology, ecology, and social perspectives to understand river systems.
Cooperative
We work closely with students, communities, and partners to co-produce meaningful river science.
Systems-oriented
We study rivers as connected networks where physical, ecological, and human processes interact.
“We are all connected to this river. What happens to it happens to us.”
—Winona LaDuke
Latest news
May 22, 2026
New Geophysical Research Letters Paper on Channel-Spanning Log Jams
Check out this new paper from AGU’s Geophysical Research Letters with first author Aleah Hahn! The paper focuses on modeling approaches to modeling head loss and roughness in large wood jams. Congrats, Aleah!
May 16, 2026
Mariah Papac and Nick Christensen complete their degrees!
A huge congratulations to Mariah Papac and Nick Christensen on graduating!
Mariah received her MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering after successfully defending her master's thesis on carbon storage in headwater streams, and Nick earned his PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering on flood attenuation at network scales.
We're so proud of you both—can't wait to see what's next! 🎓
May 12, 2026
Ryan Morrison and Rachel Spurrier receive departmental awards
Congrats to PI Ryan Morrison and Research Associate Rachel Spurrier on earning awards from the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering! Ryan received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, and Rachel received Outstanding Staff Service.
Why this work matters
Transforming scientific discoveries into practical solutions
Rivers are shaped by constant interactions of flow, sediment, living systems, and human decisions. Our group studies these relationships to better understand how river networks evolve and how ecosystems respond to change. In a changing climate, more frequent and severe wildfires, floods, and droughts will affect rivers and the species that depend on them. Our goal is to advance scientific understanding while supporting restoration, ecological resilience, and sustainable relationships between rivers and the communities that depend on them.