A Pioneer in Remote Sensing and Coastal Hazard Assessment
Associated with :
University of Alaska FairbanksMatthew Balazs serves as Research Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Deputy Director of the Alaska Coastal Cooperative, where he combines expertise in geospatial sciences with innovative approaches to climate change adaptation. After completing his PhD in Geology with emphasis in remote sensing in 2021, he has established himself as a leader in applying advanced remote sensing technologies to natural hazard assessment. His research spans novel applications of UAS data collection, GIS technology, and 3D remote sensing for coastal hazard monitoring. As a key figure in the $13.9 million NSF-funded AC³TION project, he works to help coastal communities respond to climate change challenges, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships between researchers and local communities. His expertise in visualization and virtual reality has enhanced education and outreach activities, making complex scientific data more accessible to stakeholders. Through his work at the Geophysical Institute, he continues to advance the understanding of mass wasting hazards in Alaskan fjords while developing innovative approaches to coastal resilience and climate adaptation.