Senior Research Scientist
- Principal investigator, Fluvial Geomorphology Group.
- Adjunct professor, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Pennsylvania.
- Adjunct faculty, Department of Geography, Kansas State University.
- Affiliate faculty, Department of Geography, University of Delaware.
- Affiliate faculty, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Delaware.
Contact
mdaniels@stroudcenter.org
tel. 610-910-0044
970 Spencer Road, Avondale, PA 19311
Interests and Expertise
Melinda Daniels’ research program focuses broadly on the fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, and stream ecosystem ecology of both natural and human-modified river systems, from reach to watershed scales. Her interests include river restoration, watershed management, and stream ecosystem science. Though much of it is theoretically based, all of her research is placed within the context of better understanding our impact on rivers, improving river management, and enabling successful river restoration.
Daniels’ work includes examining how people perceive river environments and the process of communicating science to river managers and stakeholders. Essentially, her research perspective examines rivers as coupled human and natural systems.
Education
- Ph.D., physical geography, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.
- Master of Research in environmental science, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
- B.S., natural resources and environmental science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Professional Experience
- Senior research scientist, Stroud Water Research Center, 2023–present.
- Associate research scientist, Stroud Water Research Center, 2013–2022.
- Associate professor, Department of Geography, Physical and Environmental Geography, Kansas State University, 2010–2013.
- Assistant professor, Department of Geography, Physical and Environmental Geography, Kansas State University, 2008–2010.
- Assistant professor, Department of Geography, Physical and Environmental Geography, University of Connecticut, 2002–2008.
- Instructor, University of Illinois, 2001–2002.
- Research assistant and fellow, stream confluence dynamics, river restoration science, University of Illinois, 1998–2001.
Publications
The potential influence of small dams on basin sediment dynamics and coastal erosion in Connecticut
Perceptions of wood in rivers and challenges for stream restoration in the United States
Assessing dam removal impacts on downstream geomorphic stability using hydrodynamic modeling
See all publications by Stroud Center authors
