Rachel C. Glade (CV)
Department Spotlight
Assistant Professor 
I’m interested in self-organized patterns and how they can (or can’t!) provide insight into natural processes. Current research focuses on Arctic landscapes, where ice, water and soil interact to form striking, large-scale patterns. By linking observations with fluid/granular mechanics, we can better understand how cold landscapes will respond to climate change. Other interests: lithologic controls on landscape evolution, fluvial sediment diffusion, and broadly, links between geomorphology and different fields.  

David Cúñez (website)
Postdoc. PhD University of Campinas
My research focuses on the spatial and temporal evolution of patterns that arise at fluid-granular interfaces in different applications, from fluidized beds to sediment transport, using laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. Research interests include: fluid-grain interactions; jamming in granular materials; turbulence; fluidized beds; sediment transport; subaqueous dunes.     

Div Patel
Undergraduate. Anticipated B.S. in Geomechanics And B.A. in Physics
My current research investigates the formation of the Finger Lakes, particularly the overdeepening of Cayuga and Seneca Lake, by means of a 1-D thermomechanical model of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Past research I’ve done in the DRIP Lab looked at the effect of grain size on granular segregation phenomena within dry granular flows. In general, my research interests are multifarious and include matters pertaining to geo- and astrophysical flows and the interactions of the Earth’s climate and biota with the development and evolution of its surface.

Nacere Mohamed Samassi
PhD Student. B.S. in Environmental Science; Geography, U Maryland
I have always been interested in Earth’s dynamic surface and its active processes, especially water and sediment flow. My undergraduate research required the analysis of closed-circuit TV videos to reconstruct discharge hydrographs for an extreme urban flood that exceeded maximum stage on the discharge rating curve. Areas of interest: dams and their environmental implications; fluvial geomorphology; sediment flow and transport.

JohnPaul Sleiman
Department Spotlight
PhD Student. B.S. in Physics; Earth and Environmental Science, Furman U
I have always longed to learn about space and to understand the processes that shaped the Earth. I conducted geochemical and radio astronomy research during my undergraduate studies. I’m also a JPL Space Ambassador and a member of the SC collegiate speech and debate team. Research interests: Near surface processes; Sediment transport; Ocean chemistry; Ocean sediment deposits

Elisa Yang
Undergraduate Student. Anticipated major in Environmental Science.
My interest areas are mostly water related. I’m interested in lakes, rivers, sediment transport, and other things happening in or caused by water. I’m currently working on figuring out how to define rock shape in a river.

Cyrano de Bergerac (AKA Sir Nose D’VoidOfFunk)
Field Technician
I prefer a hands-on approach to geomorphology. My primary area of research focuses on the initiation and subsequent dynamics of granular avalanches and flows ranging from dry to saturated conditions (the muddier the better). I take a holistic approach, using all senses- especially taste and smell- to study material properties. I also dabble in ecology, and have developed a fondness for crunchy dried sticks and succulent spring flowers.