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Molly Mitchell

Assistant Professor

Email: [[molly]]
Phone: (804) 684-7931
Office: Davis Hall 214
Section: Ecosystem Health
Unit: Center for Coastal Resources Management
Research Interests: Sea level rise, coastal ecology, coastal adaptation

Education

  • B.S. Biology and Environmental Science, College of William & Mary, 1999
  • M.S. Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, 2003
  • Ph.D. Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, 2018

About

My research interests focus on shifts in coastal resources due to the interaction of sea level rise and human-driven changes.  Although primarily an ecologist, I work on projects involving physical dynamics (sea level rise trend analysis, shoreline geology) and human decision making (social vulnerability, sea level rise adaptation, adaptive management application).  Changes in shoreline resources are dependent both on the physical processes that drive the natural dynamics of the coastal system and the way in which humans react to those changes.  Coastal adaptation (shoreline stabilization, flood walls, etc.) change the physical characteristics of the systems and affect the natural adaptations of the ecological system. Understanding the interaction of these different disciplines is critical to projecting the future of our coastal resources.

My current research focus is in three, interrelated categories:

  1. How are sea levels changing along coastlines and what are the factors driving variability between rates of change?
  2. As sea levels rise and humans respond to increased flooding, what changes occur in our coastal resources, particularly in our wetlands and wetland-related ecosystem functions?
  3. How can we adapt to rising sea levels in ways that maximize the sustainability of both the natural and human resources along the coast?

My research is meant to be applied by planners on all levels (local, state, federal, etc.) and across resources (marshes, roads, buildings, etc.) I work with representatives from many different groups to help translate research and current scientific understanding into practical recommendations.