University of Florida Associate Professor and researcher Nina Stark was named the new director of the Center of Coastal Solutions — known as CCS — within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.
Stark currently serves as faculty lead of UF’s Coastal and Marine Geotechnics research group. Her new role starts Jan. 1.
“Dr. Stark brings unparalleled expertise in geotechnical storm and flood reconnaissance and mitigation. Her work has advanced understanding of extreme event impacts and community resilience through on-the-ground reconnaissance during major events, including Hurricane Harvey (2017), Hurricane Irma (2017), Tropical Storm Melissa (2019), the western European floods (2021), the Yellowstone Flood (2022) and Hurricane Idalia (2023),” College of Engineering Interim Dean Warren Dixon noted in the announcement.
Founded in 2020, CCS leads research to develop and deliver the science and tools that support decision-making for healthy and resilient coasts.
Stark contends the center has been a leader in coastal research for decades, praising former Interim Director Andrew Altieri, Ph.D., and former Director Christine Angelini, Ph.D.
“My vision for the next phase of the CCS is to build on the previous successes and strengths and foster further growth,” Stark said. “I am particularly excited to explore broadening the research portfolio through new and large — as well as smaller — high-risk/high-outcome research opportunities.”
She plans to strengthen student engagement and expand the center’s role in workforce development and professional education.
Stark joined UF in 2023 after serving as associate professor in Virginia Tech’s geotechnical engineering program. Her career accolades include a National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2018 and the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award in 2018. In 2022 she led the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program Munition Response Project of the Year.
She has written peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, delivered keynotes worldwide and, Dixon said, secured substantial research funding that has driven innovation and impact in coastal resilience.
“We look forward to her vision and leadership as the center continues to grow and make a lasting impact,” Dixon said.
And Stark looks forward to positioning UF as a leader in mitigating coastal threats and subsequent damage.
“The importance of coastal research has risen to a new high with a steadily increasing population in coastal zones, coastal habitats facing new and increasing challenges, and the increasingly dynamic nature of coastal processes and increasing number and intensity of coastal extreme events,” Stark said.
By gathering researchers from different disciplines across the university — particularly the College of Engineering — CCS tackles complex problems that challenge coastal communities, habitats and infrastructure.