Opportunities

PhD Position in Coastal Resilience and AI-Driven Risk Management

The Department of Marine Affairs (MAF) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Coastal Resilience and AI-Driven Risk Management, with a focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve natural hazard early warning systems and decision-support tools for coastal communities.

This student will work with the Coastal Hazards Analysis Modeling and Prediction system (CHAMP) (https://www.richamp.org), a cutting-edge initiative that integrates advanced modeling, stakeholder engagement, and decision-support to help communities prepare for and adapt to coastal hazards such as storm surge, flooding, and sea-level rise. CHAMP combines physical science models with social science insights to create actionable tools for planners, emergency managers, and policymakers.

The successful candidate will join the Marine Affairs Coastal Resilience Lab (MACRL), working in an interdisciplinary environment alongside ocean engineers, oceanographers, civil engineers, and social scientists under the supervision of Dr. Austin Becker.

Research Focus This PhD project will explore innovative applications of AI, such as:

  • AI for Risk Communication and Decision Support
    • How can AI-driven tools (e.g., chatbots, adaptive dashboards) or infomatics improve communication of complex hazard forecasts to diverse endusers?
    • Explore how natural language processing (NLP) can tailor messages for clarity, cultural relevance, and trust-building before and during emergency preparedness and response.
  • Decision Support for Emergency Management and Planning
    • Develop AI-assisted frameworks that help local planners and emergency managers prioritize resilience investments based on social vulnerability, infrastructure risk, and community feedback.
    • Investigate how machine learning can synthesize stakeholder input and scenario data to support transparent, equitable decision-making.
  • Social Dimensions of AI Integration in Coastal Resilience
    • Examine public perceptions, ethical considerations, and governance challenges of using AI in hazard planning.
    • Research how trust in AI systems influences adoption by municipalities and emergency agencies, and design strategies to increase transparency and accountability.

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Masters degree in social sciences, geographic information systems (GIS), or other interdisciplinary fields related to coastal resilience.
  • Familiarity with AI concepts, GIS, and/or computer programming (e.g., Python) is strongly preferred.
  • Strong interest in applying AI to real-world challenges in hazard modeling, risk communication, and decision-making.
  • US Citizen, but qualified international candidates eligible for student visas are also welcome to apply

Why URI and Marine Affairs?

  • National leadership in ocean and coastal research, home to the Graduate School of Oceanography and strong interdisciplinary programs.
  • One of the few programs worldwide focused on the intersection of social science, policy, and coastal management.
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities, coastal field sites, and a vibrant research community on the Kingston campus.
  • Environmental Data Center (EDC) provides expertise in geospatial analysis, data visualization, and decision-support tools—critical for integrating AI and GIS into coastal resilience research.

This position is fully funded, and the PhD student will receive full tuition coverage along with academic-year stipend, as listed on URI’s website. The ideal start semester is Spring 2026, although a summer or Fall start is also fine.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Austin Becker (abecker@uri.edu) with the subject line: “PhD Application in Coastal Resilience and AI-Driven Risk Management.” Please include: 1) your experience or background related to these topics, 2) a brief description of how your AI skills could be applied to hazard assessment or risk communication given access to data and a system like CHAMP, 3) a PDF version of your CV, 4) Unofficial transcripts. After initial review, we will invite selected candidates to submit a full application through the URI graduate application system at https://web.uri.edu/graduate-school/apply/. More information on the MAF PhD program and how to apply can be found at https://web.uri.edu/maf/academics/ph-d/.

The University of Rhode Island is a comprehensive doctoral research university and a Land, Sea, and Urban Grant institution, recognized as an R1 university for its high level of research activity. Located in a beautiful coastal town, URI offers abundant access to nature and ocean while being conveniently located near Boston and New York City, providing students with both a serene environment and proximity to major urban areas. The Department of Marine Affairs, the first of its kind in the United States and internationally recognized, offers a multidisciplinary program with a social science focus (https://web.uri.edu/maf/).