Welcome to the Ocean Circulation & Robotics Lab
Our mission: we develop and use advanced technologies to explore the frontiers of ocean science!
We study the physical and biogeochemical processes in coastal, shelf, and deep oceans. Our work integrates long-term monitoring data with multi-scale modeling systems to capture critical interactions between the climate and the ocean.
As the climate changes and extreme weather events become more frequent, the resiliency of coastal ecosystems and communities is increasingly threatened. Our lab investigates how these climate events reshape coastal ocean dynamics, linking physical processes to pressing environmental issues such as marine heat wave, coastal hypoxia, and microplastic pollution.
Our research integrates long-term monitoring data with advanced ocean modeling and observational techniques. Beyond applying these technologies, we actively develop and innovate new tools for the field.
Latest News
- DEC 15 2025
New paper 'Quantifying the Flushing Time of Major Coastal Bays in the Northern Gulf of Mexico from 20-Year Simulations' published on Estuaries and Coasts - DEC 12 2025
Robot Mission Success: 800m cross-channel mission completed. - NOV 06 2025
First open-water field test of our ASV at Shell Beach successful.
Why Numerical Modeling?
Numerical models are the most effective tools for providing a synoptic, three-dimensional view of oceanographic processes. They allow us to integrate sparse in-situ measurements and satellite data into a mathematically consistent 3D environment. Furthermore, numerical models are the only means by which we can predict future conditions and conduct large-scale “what-if” experiments to understand our changing planet.
Why Marine Robots?
Reliable scientific discovery depends on consistent observation. Marine robots are becoming essential for exploring our oceans, particularly during extreme weather events like hurricanes when conditions are too dangerous for traditional research vessels. Our lab is engineering cost-efficient, versatile autonomous vehicles designed to transform the future of coastal water surveys and ensure data continuity in the harshest environments.