Matthew Bilskie

Fred C. Davison Early Career Scholar Award 2025

Matthew Bilskie, assistant professor in the College of Engineering, is advancing the field of coastal resilience through innovative modeling of storm surge, flood risk, and nature-based infrastructure. As head of the college’s Coastal Ocean Analysis and Simulation Team and an affiliate of the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems, he develops high-resolution hydrodynamic models that inform risk reduction strategies for vulnerable coastal communities. Bilskie’s research integrates engineering, computer science, and natural resource economics, providing critical insights into how tidal dynamics, sea-level rise, and climate change impact coastal flooding. His collaborations with the U.S. Marine Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have led to real-world applications, including flood mitigation planning for military installations. With over $32 million in research funding, 53 peer-reviewed publications, and leadership in interdisciplinary resilience efforts, Bilskie is at the forefront of shaping coastal adaptation strategies. His work continues to influence both policy and engineering solutions for climate resilience.