Degree program: Ph.D.
Year accepted: 2026
Advisor: Austin Becker
Research: Artificial Intelligence and Decision Support, Coastal Hazards, Early Warning Systems
Background: LL.M. Maritime and Environmental Law, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis; M.S. Integrated Coastal and Ecosystem Management, University of Corsica
Profile:
Vassilis is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island and a member of the Coastal Resilience Laboratory. His research focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence with the Coastal Hazards Analysis Modeling and Prediction system (CHAMP) to explore how to support decision makers during natural hazards. Vassilis is also interested in research on implementing early warning systems into decision support tools through these applications.
Before joining URI, Vassilis built an international career spanning more than a decade across governmental, intergovernmental organizations, and environmental consulting. Most recently he worked as a Project Scientist with Tetra Tech, where he led oil and chemical spill modeling projects for governments, coast guards, energy operators, and international organizations worldwide.
Vassilis also worked as an environmental engineer at Cedre (France), where he developed oil spill contingency plans, trained emergency responders internationally, and served on the Emergency Response Team during real spill incidents. He has also worked with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), ACCOBAMS, and the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service on projects related to conservation of cetaceans, marine spatial planning, and ballast water management.
Vassilis holds an M.S. in Integrated Coastal and Ecosystem Management from the University of Corsica. His thesis covered the thematic and spatial scope of actions related to the implementation of ACCOBAMS using GIS. Vassilis also holds a Master of Laws in Maritime and Environmental Law from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
Originally from Greece and France, Vassilis has lived and worked in several countries and enjoys scuba diving and exploring coastal environments around the world.