Experience Reflection: Narayan Kumar

This grant not only facilitated my participation in this prestigious [conference] but also supports my lab experiments, which aim to advance our understanding of coastal resilience. These efforts are pivotal in bridging critical knowledge gaps and promoting sustainable solutions for vulnerable coastal communities worldwide.

BY NARAYAN KUMAR

I’m Narayan, a first-generation graduate student and coastal researcher. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student in the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering department at the University of Delaware, conducting research under the guidance of Prof. Tian-Jian (Tom) Hsu at the Centre for Applied Coastal Research. My work focuses on developing and implementing advanced numerical modeling tools to predict sediment transport and shoreline evolution, with the goal of fostering sustainable coastal resilience and addressing real-world challenges faced by vulnerable communities. This work involves validating numerical models through in-field experiments, often conducted in environments with extreme weather and logistical challenges.

Recently, I had the honor of presenting my research at the 38th International Conference on Coastal Engineering (ICCE 2024), held at the historic Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. This invaluable experience, made possible in part by the support of a Field Inclusive research grant sponsored by the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, underscored the global significance of collaborative coastal science and further fueled my commitment to developing innovative and inclusive solutions to address pressing coastal challenges.

The grant not only facilitated my participation in this prestigious event but also supports my lab experiments, which aim to advance our understanding of coastal resilience. These efforts are pivotal in bridging critical knowledge gaps and promoting sustainable solutions for vulnerable coastal communities worldwide.

Field experiences in coastal engineering demonstrate adaptation, resilience, and collaboration. The unpredictability of coastal weather frequently influences the day’s workload. While calm, bright days make operations more efficient, abrupt changes to rain, heavy winds, or dangerous seas necessitate quick decision-making and modifications. These varied conditions not only put technical expertise to the test, but also need the team to be adaptable and inventive.

Team bonding appears as a critical component in resolving these problems. Long hours of collaboration, whether setting up apparatus, repairing equipment, or collecting data, fosters a sense of community and mutual reliance. Each member’s position becomes increasingly important, and the collaborative effort enhances the group’s ability to deal with unexpected challenges. The physical demands of fieldwork are high. Stamina and meticulous coordination are required for tasks such as sensor deployment, heavy equipment handling, and crossing difficult terrains. These efforts demonstrate the necessity of proper preparation, and the endurance required to complete a job.

Uncertainty is an ongoing companion in coastal experiments. Shifting tides, unpredictable wave patterns, and sediment fluctuation frequently necessitate last-minute changes to plans. However, this volatility creates chances for learning and innovation. It improves our awareness of natural processes and develops problem-solving abilities that are useful in both research and practical coastal management. Despite the hurdles, the experience is extremely fulfilling, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.

Beyond my technical work, I aim to connect science to marginalized communities, foster diverse collaboration, and inspire future researchers. Served as the Diversity Committee Co-Chair for the Graduate Student Governance and Vice President of Project Brain Light, I actively advocated for equitable STEM opportunities for underrepresented groups.

My intended career goal is to get trained as top-level graduate student to be a future professor/mentor in coastal engineering and then mentoring new research fellow’s intellectual capacity and commitment to excel in research and learning. Collaborating with other Coastal researcher of diverse background and find the solution of coastal related issues.

Narayan Kumar is a 2nd year PhD student in the Civil and Environments Engineering department of University of Delaware with Coastal Engineering program and was a recipient of Field Inclusive’s 2024 Research Grant, sponsored by the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center.