University of Miami
06/16/2026 | Press release | Archived content
Protecting coastlines and people
Research Science and Technology
Protecting coastlines and people
Scientists are studying how mangroves protect shorelines from storm surge and flooding by dissipating wave energy.
Video: Diana Udel and Hannah Heath/University of Miami - June 2, 2026
As coastal flooding, erosion, and ecosystem loss continue to affect communities, researchers at the University of Miami are developing nature-based solutions that strengthen coastal resilience. Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, project Strong Coasts is an interdisciplinary effort that brings together scientists, engineers, policymakers, and local stakeholders to examine how coral reefs, mangroves, and other natural systems can protect vulnerable coastlines while supporting the communities that depend on them.
The research team, led by Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos, associate professor in the College of Engineering, collaborated with Rafael Araujo, a mangrove expert and senior research associate at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, to test mangrove structures at the Alfred C. Glassell Jr. SUSTAIN (SUrge-STructure-Atmosphere-INteraction) laboratory.
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