Degree program: Ph.D.

Year accepted: 2026

Advisor: Dr. Austin Becker

Research: Decision Support Tools, Environmental Decision-Making, Artificial Intelligence, Adaptive Management

Background: M.S. Environmental and Energy Policy, Michigan Technological University; B.S. Natural Resource Management, Northland College

Profile:

Zachary Hough Solomon is Ph.D. student that joined the Marine Affairs Department in the Fall of 2026. He is a member of the Coastal Resilience Lab (MACRL) and advised by Dr. Austin Becker. Zachary holds an M.S. in Environmental and Energy Policy and Graduate Certificate in Public Policy from Michigan Technological University, and a B.S. in Natural Resource Management from Northland College.

His research integrates social science methods and artificial intelligence into improving environmental decision-making. Currently, he is working on developing artificial intelligence features to support the Coastal Hazards Analysis, Modeling, and Prediction (RI-CHAMP), a storm impact forecasting system. His research interests include decision support tool development and stakeholder co-development, environmental decision-making, and adaptive management.

Prior to joining the MACRL lab, he conducted social science research with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), working with both the Coastal and Marine Hazards Resources Program and the Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Centers. In this role, Zachary researched the Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework for federal land managers, an applied toolkit for climate adaptation, and increased the usability of USGS coastal hazard tools. He found the work on decision tool development important which led him to continue working on coastal management in the department. He also brings professional experience in forest management, wetland mitigation, and wildlife research that informs his approach to policy and social research.

Zachary grew up in Michigan and has lived throughout the Great Lakes states. He enjoys biking, canoeing, and birdwatching