Two Projects Selected for 2026 GIRAF

The third cohort of Graduate Interjurisdictional Research Fellowship (GIRAF) projects have been announced.

GIRAF is a joint effort of Louisiana Sea Grant and Louisiana Space Grant, along with the North Carolina Sea and Space Grant Programs. The transregional aspect of GIRAF is to promote a greater understanding of the issues researched and create professional development opportunities for the funded graduate students. Fellowship recipients use data from a variety of archives and the remote sensing capabilities available through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to address high priority needs within both Louisiana’s and North Carolina’s nearshore environments. Each fellow is awarded $10,000 for a one-year research project.

Louisiana projects selected for the 2026 cycle are:

Sensing Restoration: Hyperspectral Monitoring of POC and TSS Dynamics Across a Coastal Louisiana Restoration Gradient

Fellow: Max Newman, Master of Science student, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Science, Louisiana State University (LSU)

Advisor: John White, professor of oceanography and coastal science, LSU

Louisiana’s coastal wetlands are rapidly disappearing, threatening local fisheries and storm protection. Organic matter – which accounts for approximately 25 percent of surface sediments in the state’s coastal wetlands – plays a pivotal role in wetland accretion and ecosystem vibrancy. The goal of this study is to use LiDAR and hyperspectral satellite imagery to assess suspended sediment and particulate organic carbon (POC) at the basin scale, and to link their fluxes to structural and biotic changes in surrounding Barataria Basin marshes. By mapping these nearly invisible changes, the research team hopes to identify concealed erosion before a marsh collapses. Findings will be shared with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), and training materials will be produced so the process can be used elsewhere along the coast.

Protecting Our Coast: Evaluating Restored Oyster Reef Designs for Reducing Coastal Erosion

Fellow: Avi Strange, Master of Science student, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Tulane University

Advisor: Thomas DeCarlo, professor of earth and environmental sciences, Tulane University

Oyster reefs are a crucial part of Louisiana’s coastal ecosystem, culture and economy. They also act as natural breakwaters, reducing shoreline erosion. However, there has been a decline in oyster reefs in recent decades, in part due to dredging and overharvesting. This study proposes using drone-based LiDAR to evaluate how the size, shape and depth of restored oyster reefs affect shoreline erosion mitigation over time. By comparing areas with and without reefs, the research aims to identify which specific designs are most effective for protecting coastal Louisiana shorelines. The project will also investigate the role of these structures in supporting local oyster habitats, aligning with broader ecological restoration goals. Ultimately, the findings will provide actionable data for resource managers to optimize future coastal protection strategies.