Dr. Ivan Haigh has been appointed as the director of the National Center for Integrated Coastal Research at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and will also serve as a professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering. Haigh brings a wealth of experience in oceanography, having dedicated over 25 years to studying coastal science.
Originally from Zambia, Haigh’s fascination with the ocean began during family trips to Durban, South Africa. This early exposure ignited a passion for marine sciences that shaped his academic and professional journey. In his new role, he aims to establish UCF Coastal as a globally recognized hub for interdisciplinary coastal research.
Vision for UCF Coastal
As the newly appointed director, Haigh intends to foster collaboration across various fields to develop comprehensive strategies addressing critical coastal issues such as sea-level rise, habitat loss, and storm impacts. “By fostering collaboration across disciplines, the center will develop holistic strategies to address the complex and interconnected issues of sea-level rise, storm impacts, habitat loss and coastal resilience,” he stated.
Haigh envisions UCF Coastal as a vibrant bridge connecting engineering, environmental science, social science, conservation, public policy, community planning, and emergency management. His goal is to ensure that the center produces tangible solutions for Florida’s coastal communities.
Furthermore, Haigh plans to involve students in hands-on research and mentorship opportunities. He intends to develop a course on coastal science and resilience, which he plans to teach during his second year at UCF. Haigh encourages early-career researchers to connect with him and participate in upcoming events to explore opportunities within the center.
A Journey Through Coastal Science
Haigh’s academic journey began at the University of Southampton in England, where he discovered his passion for oceanography during a lecture on tidal dynamics. After earning his bachelor’s degree in oceanography, he gained industry experience before returning to Southampton for his doctoral studies and later completing postdoctoral research in Australia.
His contributions to global coastal projects are noteworthy. In Vietnam, he mapped flood risks in the Mekong River Delta, a region highly sensitive to climate change. In the United Kingdom, Haigh developed innovative methods for predicting and managing coastal erosion and flood risks, significantly contributing to the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan, which aims to protect London from flooding.
Despite the excitement surrounding this new opportunity, Haigh expresses gratitude for the connections he forged during his time at Southampton. “Leaving was not an easy choice; Southampton holds deep professional and personal connections for me,” he remarked. “But the chance to lead UCF Coastal was too exciting to pass up.”
With a strong focus on community engagement and a commitment to real-world impact, UCF Coastal is poised to become a key player in addressing the pressing challenges faced by coastal regions globally. As Haigh embarks on this new chapter, he looks forward to collaborating with the talented faculty and students at UCF to advance coastal science and foster resilient communities.