My plans for the near future are to concretely outline an attainable and productive project within the current funding environment here at USM ( Universidad Santa Maria). We are currently considering a project that would look at whether tectonic subsidence is driving shoreline erosion along the central coast. This would be scientifically relevant as tectonics is generally ignored as a driver of erosion. This would be socially relevant as there is significant damage occurring at various central coast beaches as shorelines retreat inland.

I am currently working with Dr. Catalan to gather the available data as well as reach out to colleagues at other Chilean universities who will be partners in the research. In particular we would be working with researchers in Concepción in geomatics who have expertise and data regarding vertical land motions. Another University would be helping us with shoreline profiles detailing the recession of the coastline.

This month has mainly been introduction centered but I have made many strong connections with the faculty and some of the students here at the university. There is a lot of interest in my research here at the university and I think that, while so far I have mainly been meeting people and discussing how my skills overlap with research here, I will be able to provide a significant benefit in the future.