Brandee Carlson
Brandee Carlson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston. She earned her Ph.D. in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences from Rice University in 2020, with research focused on the geomorphic evolution of abandoned deltaic lobes and distributary channels. Prior to her appointment at the University of Houston, Brandee conducted postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt University, investigating signal preservation in the stratigraphy of the modern Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, and at the University of Colorado’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, where she studied the impacts of varying sediment supply on Arctic delta-front transport processes as an NSF EAR Postdoctoral Fellow. At IMAGE25, Brandee is leading a field trip to Matagorda Peninsula, where participants will explore the dynamic coastal system, including sedimentary and groundwater processes within this region. The Texas coast, including Matagorda Peninsula, faces significant threats from subsidence and coastal erosion, with barrier islands playing a critical role in protecting the mainland from hurricanes, storms, and sea-level rise. Understanding sediment transport is crucial for mitigating erosion, as sediment lost offshore is difficult to recover, while sediment accumulation within bays supports barrier island nourishment and land stability. The field trip will utilize near-surface geophysical methods, including GEM-2 electromagnetic surveys and moored offshore instruments, to demonstrate how these tools aid in research and landscape management. Brandee's expertise in coastal geomorphology and sediment transport will provide insights into the interactions between natural processes and anthropogenic influences, highlighting strategies for enhancing coastal resilience.
Brandee Carlson

University of Houston