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
June 10, 2026
New River Research and Applications Paper on Beaver Dams and Floodplain Connectivity
Group alumna Kayla Schultz has published a first-author paper in River Research and Applications on how beaver dam loss reduces floodplain connectivity in Colorado headwater streams — and how much that reduction varies by site and flood conditions. Congratulations, Kayla!
May 23, 2026
Cat McClure attends Society of Freshwater Science Annual Meeting
Postdoctoral fellow Cat McClure headed to Spokane, Washington, for the Society of Freshwater Science annual meeting, where she presented research on biogeomorphic feedbacks on the Green River — and finished second in the conference's 5k to boot. Congratulations, Cat!
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!
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.