University of West Georgia Professor David Bush Is Recognized For His Research

University of West Georgia geosciences professor David Bush is among six distinguished scientists from around the globe who have been appointed research fellows with Western Carolina University’s Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines.

Collectively, the group represents more than 100 years of experience conducting coastal research, have authored dozens of books, and have active research projects extending from the Black Sea to South Africa, said Rob Young, PSDS director.

Bush is joined by Andrew Cooper, professor of environmental sciences, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland; Joseph Kelley, professor of earth sciences, University of Maine; William Neal, professor emeritus of geology, Grand Valley State University, Mich.; Benjamin Tanner, assistant professor of geosciences and natural resources, Western Carolina University; and Arthur Trembanis, assistant professor of earth, ocean and environment, University of Delaware.

“It is a great honor to be a part of this premier group of scientist who are studying coastal impacts from human activity around the world,” said Bush. “I have been a part of the program since it began in 1986, and it has been a significant part of my life for 24 years.”

“We are proud to announce our inaugural class of research fellows at the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines. This is a group of distinguished researchers from other institutions who regularly collaborate with us on research projects and publications,” said Young. “They all are world-class researchers, and their association with our program will only increase our ability to conduct internationally relevant coastal management research.”

Founded at Duke University in 1986 by Orrin H. Pilkey, the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of the Earth Sciences at Duke, PSDS relocated to WCU in 2006 under the guidance of Young, a former student of Pilkey.

The program has become an internationally known advocate for responsible coastal management policies that consider and balance economic and environmental interests. The program emphasizes research focusing on beach replenishment and other forms of shoreline stabilization, hazard risk mapping on barrier islands, sedimentary processes on shorefaces, and mitigation of hurricane property damage on barrier islands.