Research Professional, College of Engineering
Matt Chambers credits his background in ecology and engineering as having helped him understand the perspectives of both practicing engineers and conservation biologists. He hopes this dual background will help span the gap between disciplines in a field of research that is interdisciplinary by design, and by necessity. Chambers’ research is aimed at seeking natural infrastructure solutions for flood risk mitigation. When the team reconnects a floodplain or re-meanders a stream to lessen flood severity, they design with natural features, such as topography, or bank vegetation, to satisfy engineering requirements. The “natural spaces” they introduce to engineered systems have the co-benefits of providing habit and restoration opportunities for conservation biologists.