Education

Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1997
M.A. Philosophy, University of Massachusetts, 1990
M.E., B.E. Engineering Sciences, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, 1983
B.A. Engineering Sciences, Dartmouth College 1982

Biography

Dr. Tom Ravens is a Professor in the Civil Engineering Department at UAA, and former Associate Dean of Research for the College of Engineering.  Currently, Tom’s research focuses on Arctic coastal hazards and risks including coastal erosion, flooding, permafrost thaw, and saltwater intrusion, as well as hydrokinetic renewable energy. Tom is PI of the Arctic Coastal Risk Network (ACRN), which is an NSF-funded Research Coordination Network (arcticcoastalrisk.net). The Network is a collaborative community of coastal researchers and practitioners from the natural and social sciences, which develops techniques to define, communicate, and mitigate Arctic coastal hazards and risks.

Teaching Responsibilities

Over the past few years, Tom has taught a number of courses in the general area of Water Resources Engineering, including:

ES A341 Fluid Mechanics 
ES A341L Fluid Mechanics Lab
CE A476/676 Coastal Engineering
CE A479/679 Sediment Transport and Coastal Processes
CE A677 Coastal Measurements and Analysis
CE A686 Civil Engineering Project
CE A698 Individual Research
CE A699 Thesis

Professional & Department Service

• Public
• Presentation on Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy at the UAA Bookstore (Oct. 18, 2012)
• University
• Civil Engineering Department Assessment Committee
• UAA Committee on the Responsible Conduct of Research
• UAA Fluid Mechanics Lab Director
• Professional
• Reviewer of numerous journal articles for Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, Journal of Coastal Research, Oceanography and Limnology.  Reviewer of proposals for Sea Grant, NSF, etc.

Research Interests

• Development of Arctic Xbeach and other process-based models to forecast Arctic geomorphic change. 
• Modeling and forecasting of Arctic coastal hazards including coastal erosion and coastal flooding.
• Development of techniques to quantify and communicate the risks of Arctic coastal erosion and flooding. 
• Design of coastal protection in Arctic settings, including both thermal and mechanical controls, as well as nature-based approaches.
• Assessment of hydrokinetic energy resources and environmental impacts of hydrokinetic device deployment. 

Publications

Refereed Journals and Significant Refereed Reports and Books

Yanwu Zhang, Brett Hobson, Brian Kieft, Michael Godin, Thomas Ravens, and Michael Ulmgren. 2023. Adaptive Zigzag Mapping of a Patchy Field by a Long-Range Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering. Accepted.

Henke M., Ferreira C.M., Zhang J., Ravens T.M., Miesse T.W., Cassaho F. 2023. Assessment of Arctic Sea Ice and Surface Atmospheric Conditions in Nine CMIP6 Climate Models. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research. Accepted. 

Schwoerer, T., Berry, K., Rasmus, S. M., Joe, J. P., Naneng, N. W., & Ravens, T. M. 2023. Climate policy must account for community-specific socio-economic, health, and biophysical conditions—evidence from coastal Alaska. Regional Environmental Change, 23(3), 90.

Brown E.J., King A.L., Duvoy P.X., Trochim E., Kasper J.L., Wilson M.L., Ravens T.M. 2023. Site suitability analysis of hydrokinetic river energy resources at community microgrids on the Kuskokwim River, Alaska, Renewable Energy, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2023.119083

Rolph, R., Overduin, P. P., Ravens, T., Lantuit, H., & Langer, M. (2022). ArcticBeach v1.0: A physics-based parameterization of pan-Arctic coastline erosion. Frontiers in Earth Science, 10, 962208.

Cassalho, F., Miesse, T.W., Khalid, A., de S. de Lima, A., Ferreira, C.M., Henke, M. and Ravens, T.M., 2022. Intercomparing atmospheric reanalysis products for hydrodynamic and wave modeling of extreme events during the open-water Arctic season. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, 54(1), pp.125-146.

Miller A. and Ravens T. 2022. Assessing Coastal Road Flood Risk in Arctic Alaska, a Case Study from Hooper Bay. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10, 406, https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10030406.

Ravens, T. M. and Peterson S., 2021. Geologic Controls on Erosion Mechanism on the Alaska Beaufort Coast. Frontiers in Earth Sciences – Cryospheric Sciences, 15 October 2021. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2021.693824/full

Edgerly E. M. and Ravens, T. M. 2019. Measuring the hydraulic effect of hydrokinetic energy extraction in the Tanana River, Alaska. J. of Ocean Engineering and Marine Energy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40722-019-00142-x.

Kupilik M., Witmer F., MacLeod E.-A., Wang C., Ravens T. 2019. Gaussian process regression for Arctic coastal erosion forecasting. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing. 57:3, 1256-1264.

Eicken H., Mahoney A., Jones J., Heinrichs T., Broderson D., Statscewich H., Weingartner T., Stuefer M., Ravens T., Ivey M., Merten A., and Zhang J. 2018. Sustained observations of changing Arctic coastal and marine environments and their potential contribution to Arctic maritime domain awareness: A case study in northern Alaska. Arctic, 71, 1-15.

M. Ali, T. Ravens, T. Petersen., A. Bromaghin, and S. Jenson. 2015. Impact of Sediments on Wear Performance of Critical Sliding Components of Hydrokinetic Devices. Renewable Energy, 80: 498-507.

Collins, R. Zhang, M. Zhang, X. Hulsey, J.L. Ravens, T. and Van Veldhuizen, R. 2015 Evaluation of geofibers and nontraditional liquid additives on erodible slopes in Interior Alaska. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 43(5): 412-423. DOI: 10.1016/j.geotexmem.2015.04.015

A. Bromaghin, M. Ali, T. Ravens, T. Petersen, and J. Hoffman. 2014. Experimental Study of Abrasion Characteristics for Critical Sliding Components for use in Hydrokinetic Devices. Renewable Energy, 66: 205-214.

Kartezhnikova, M. and T. M. Ravens. 2014. Hydraulic Impacts of Hydrokinetic Devices. Renewable Energy, 66: 425-432.

Burkett, V.R. and Davidson, M.A. [Eds.]. (2012). Coastal Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability: A Technical Input to the 2012 National Climate Assessment. Cooperative Report to the 2013 National Climate Assessment, pp. 150.

Jacobson, P., Ravens, T., Cunningham K., and Scott, G. 2012. Assessment and Mapping of the Riverine Hydrokinetic Resource of the Continental United States. EPRI Technical Report.

Ravens, T. M. , Jones B. M., Zhang, J., Arp, C. D., and J. A. Schmutz. 2012. Process-Based Coastal Erosion Modeling for Drew Point, North Slope, Alaska . J. of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering.  138(2): 122-130.

Feagin, R.A., Lozada-Bernard, S.M., Ravens, T.M., Möller, I., Yeager, K.M., and Baird, A.H. 2009. Does vegetation prevent wave erosion of salt marsh edges? Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(25): 10109-10113.

Ravens, T. M., Thomas, R. C., Roberts, K. A., and P. H. Santschi. 2009. Causes of Salt Marsh Erosion in Galveston Bay, Texas.  J. of Coastal Research, 25(2): 265-272.

Ravens, T. M. and M. Sindelar. 2008. Flume Test Section Length and Sediment Erodibility. J. of Hydraulic Engineering, 134(10): 1503-1506.

Rogers, A. and T. M. Ravens. 2008. Measurement of longshore sediment transport rates in the surf zone on Galveston Island, Texas. J. of Coastal Research, 24(2): 62-73.

Ravens, T. M. and R. C. Thomas. 2008. Ship wave-induced sedimentation of a tidal creek in Galveston Bay. J. of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering. 134(1): 21-29.

Ravens, T. M., and K. I. Sitanggang. 2007. Numerical modeling and analysis of shoreline change on Galveston Island. J. of Coastal Research, 23(3): 699-710.

Ravens, T. M. 2007. Comparison of two techniques to measure sediment erodibility in the Fox River, Wisconsin. J. of Hydraulic Engineering, 133(1): 111-115.

Ravens, T. M., and R. A. Jepsen. 2006. CFD analysis of flow in a straight flume for sediment erodibility testing. J. of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 132(6): 457-461.

Wüest, A., Ravens, T. M., Kocsis, O., Schurter, M., Sturm, M. and N. Granin. 2005. Cold intrusions in Lake Baikal - direct observational evidence for deep water renewal. Limnology and Oceanography, 50(1): 184-196.

Ravens, T. M., Kocsis, O, Wuest, A. , and N. Granin. 2000. Small-scale turbulence and vertical mixing in Lake Baikal.Limnology and Oceanography, 45(1): 159-173.

Ravens, T. M., and P. M. Gschwend. 1999. Flume measurements of sediment erodibility in Boston Harbor.J. Hydraulic Engineering 125(10): 998-1005.

Ravens, T. M., Madsen, O. S., Signell, R. P., Adams, E. E., and P. M. Gschwend. 1998. Hydrodynamic forcing and sediment quality in Boston Harbor. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering. 124(1): 40-42.

Jerard, R. B., and Ravens, T. M. 1986. Continuous extrusion of reacting polyurethane foam. Polymer Engineering and Science, 26(4): 326-331.

Selected Publications and Presentations (at conferences and workshops)

Ali, M., Ravens, T., Peterson, T., Bromaghin, A., and Jenson, S. 2014. Experimental Study of Tribological Performance of Bearing-Seal Assembly of Hydrokinetic Devices in Sedimented Water. Proceedings of the 2nd Marine Energy Technology Symposium METS2014, April 15-18, 2014, Seattle, WA.

Yager, G. C. and Ravens, T. M. 2013. Causeway Impacts on Sediment Transport in the Sagavanirktok River Delta, North Slope Alaska. Presented and published by ASCE’s 10th International Symposium on Cold Regions Development. Anchorage AK June 2-5, 2013.

Bromaghin, A., Ali, M., Ravens, T., Peterson, T. and Hoffman, J. 2013. Abrasion Analysis of Critical Sliding Components of Hydrokinetic Devices: an Empirical Study. Presented at the 6th Annual Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference. April 10-11, 2013. Washington D.C.

Ravens, T. M. and Allen, J. 2012. Modeling Storm-Induced Inundation on the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta for Present and Future Climates. Presented at the AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec. 2012.

Ravens, T. Kartezhnikova, M, Ulmgren, M., Yager, G., Jones, B., Erikson, L., Gibbs, A. Richmond, B., Zhang, J., Tweedie, C., and Aguirre, A. 2011. Arctic coastal erosion modeling. Presented at the AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec. 2011.

Ravens, T.M. 2010. Storm surge modelling on the Y-K Delta for study of climate change impacts on geomorphology and water quality. Spectacle Eider Recovery Research and Planning Meeting. Anchorage AK.

Ravens, T. M. 2008.  Predictive Coastal Erosion Modeling for Teshekpuk Lake Special Area. Alaska Forum on the Environment. Jan., Anchorage, Alaska.

Ravens, T. M. and Lee, W. 2007. Evolution of a North Slope barrier island (Narwhal Island, North Arctic Alaska) 1955-2007. AGU Fall Meeting, Dec. 10-14. San Francisco.

Ravens, T. M., Lee, W. and Naidu, S. 2007. Morphodynamics of a North Slope barrier island (Narwhal Island, North Arctic Alaska) 1955-2007. AAAS Conference, Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-26.

Ravens, T. M. and Thomas, R. 2006. Ship-wave induced sediment transport in tidal creeks. Coastal Environments. Rhodes, Greece, June 5-7.

Ravens T. and Kushwaha, V. 2005. Design of Tidal Creeks for Beneficial Use Marshes. MTS/IEEE Oceans 2005 conference, Washington D. C., Sept. 19-23.

Ravens, T. (2004). Sediment Stability. ESTCP-SEDP Workshop on Contaminated Sediments,Charlottesville Virginia, August 10-11.

Ravens, T. M. and K. I. Sitanggang (2002). Galveston Island: Texas’ first open beach nourishment project, 1995-2001. National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology, BiloxiMississippi, Jan. 23-25.

Ravens, T. M., Kocsis, O., Wüest, A., Sturm, M., and N. Granin. 2000. Direct evidence of deep water renewal in the south basin of Lake Baikal. Fifth International Symposium on Stratified Flows. Universityof British Columbia, Vancouver, July 10-13.

Wüest, A., Granin, N., Kocsis, O., Ravens, T. M., Schurter, M., and M. Sturm. 2000. Deep mixing in LakeBaikal – low replacement and high turbulence. Fifth International Symposium on Stratified Flows.University of British Columbia, Vancouver, July 10-13.

Ravens, T. M., Schurter, M., and A. Wüest. 1998. Near-bottom turbulence in the South Basin of Lake Baikal”. Third Workshop on Physical Processes in Natural Waters. Magdeburg, Germany, Aug. 30-Sept. 2.

Ravens, T. M., and P. M. Gschwend. 1995. Surfactant-Enhanced Soil Flushing in Low Permeability Media.Petroleum Contaminated Low Permeability Soil: Hydrocarbon Distribution Processes, Exposure Pathways, and In Situ Remediation Technologies. API Publication No. 4631, Washington D.C. pp. H-1 to H-24, Sept. 1995.

Career History/Work Experience

2015 - 2018  University of Alaska Anchorage, Associate Dean for Research

2010 - Present  University of Alaska Anchorage, Professor, Civil Engineering

2007-2010 University of Alaska Anchorage, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering

1999-2007 Texas A&M University, Galveston, Assistant/Associate Prof.

1997-1999 Swiss Federal Institute, Zurich, Switzerland, Postdoctoral Researcher.

1989-1991 Peace Corps, Nepal, Urban Planner/Civil Engineer

1988-1989 Groundwater Technology, Springfield MA, Environmental Engineer

1983-1988 Rogers Corporation, Danielson, CT, Consultant/Research Engineer