Ivan Haigh, a distinguished oceanographer, has been appointed as the director of the University of Central Florida’s National Center for Integrated Coastal Research (UCF Coastal). This new role marks a significant milestone in Haigh’s career, which began far from the ocean in Zambia, a landlocked country in South-Central Africa. His fascination with the sea ignited during family trips to Durban, South Africa, where he spent time on the beach.
Haigh’s commitment to coastal science aligns well with UCF’s interdisciplinary approach and community engagement focus. He expressed enthusiasm about his new position, saying, “UCF’s strong interdisciplinary approach and commitment to community engagement perfectly match my belief that science should have real-world impact.”
Vision for Coastal Research
In his capacity as director, Haigh aims to transform UCF Coastal into a globally recognized center for interdisciplinary coastal science. He envisions a collaborative environment that addresses the pressing challenges faced by Florida’s coastal communities. His strategy includes developing comprehensive solutions to issues such as sea-level rise, storm impacts, habitat loss, and coastal resilience.
Haigh emphasizes the importance of collaboration across various fields, including engineering, environmental science, social science, and public policy. “By fostering collaboration across these fields, the center will develop holistic strategies to address the complex and interconnected issues of sea-level rise,” he stated.
Students will play a vital role in Haigh’s vision for UCF Coastal. He plans to engage them in hands-on research and mentorship opportunities, as well as introduce a new course on coastal science and resilience in his second year at the university. Haigh encourages early-career researchers to connect with him and participate in upcoming events to explore research opportunities.
A Journey Through Coastal Science
Haigh’s passion for oceanography blossomed during his studies at the University of Southampton, where he attended a lecture on tidal dynamics that solidified his commitment to the field. With over 25 years of experience, Haigh has worked on various coastal projects worldwide, including mapping flood risks in the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam and developing flood risk management strategies in the U.K.
His notable contributions include the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan, which provides a framework for protecting London from flooding. Additionally, Haigh collaborates with government agencies in the U.K., U.S., and the Netherlands to assess the effectiveness of storm surge barriers in the face of extreme weather and rising sea levels.
While Haigh departs from his previous academic home at Southampton, he expresses gratitude for the relationships forged there. “Leaving was not an easy choice; Southampton holds deep professional and personal connections for me,” he remarked. Nevertheless, the opportunity to lead UCF Coastal was too compelling to resist.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Haigh looks forward to collaborating with UCF’s talented faculty and passionate students. Together, they aim to advance coastal science and contribute to building resilient communities along Florida’s shores. “I’m confident we can make a lasting, meaningful impact that reaches far beyond our shores,” he said, highlighting his commitment to real-world applications of research.
