A deeper dive into the “blue and green” of coastal vegetationAssistant Professor Gary Lei hopes that his research on how hydrodynamics may affect aquatic plants’ ability to curb erosion and promote carbon sequestration, especially in seagrass ecosystems, can further underscore on the importance of coastal vegetation to economic activities.

Welcome to our group

@ NUS CEE!

We study environmental fluid mechanics, flow-vegetation interaction, and nature-based solutions to coastal protection!

Education

Ph.D., MIT, Civil and Environmental Engineering (2019)
B.S., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Civil and Environmental Engineering (2014)
B.S., Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Mechanical Engineering (2014)

Selected research projects

Wave attenuation over coastal vegetation

We study flow-structure-vegetation interaction under orthogonal wave-current conditions through experiments and mathematical modeling.

Dynamics of flexible vegetation under orthogonal waves and currents

We use imaging processing techniques, force measurements, and numerical simulation to investigate the dynamics of flexible vegetation under orthogonal waves and currents.

Sediment and carbon retention within coastal vegetation

We study the impact of hydrodynamics on sediment dynamics within coastal habitats. The flow-vegetation-sediment model will be applied to predict the retention rate of sediment and carbon.

Underwater imaging for monitoring submerged structures and vegetation

We prototype the monitoring system with a live stream for submerged structures and vegetation for operation, predictive maintenance, and emergency response.