Postdoctoral Scholar

Ciara seeks to understand nearshore processes using imagery collected from drones and fixed camera systems along our coastlines. During her doctoral research at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, she studied surfzone vorticity (circulation) through tracking naturally occurring foam on the surface of the ocean, and since arriving to Scripps she has expanded her research to include coastal hazards and morphological change. Ciara took a circuitous route to becoming a coastal scientist, first pursuing her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and working as an Electromechanical Engineer for three years building aircraft radios before returning to graduate school to pursue a career centered on her passion for understanding and protecting our environment. Originally from San Diego, she spends her free time going to the beach with her dog Phoebe, hanging out with her cat Freya, playing music, knitting, hosting board game nights, and sneaking out for a hike or backpacking trip when her schedule allows.