Dr. Christa Van Ijzendoorn

Biography

Christa van IJzendoorn is an Assistant Professor focused on Nature-Based Solutions and Dynamic Delta Challenges at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. She obtained her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Earth Sciences from Utrecht University. Her professional journey began as a junior advisor and researcher in Flood Risk Management at Deltares. She completed her PhD in Coastal Engineering at Delft University of Technology, where she investigated the decadal dune development along the Dutch coast, specifically examining the effects of grain size on wind-driven (aeolian) sediment transport. Following her doctorate, she undertook a postdoctoral position at Oregon State University (USA) where she simulated decadal coastal dune development in relation to aeolian sediment transport and dynamic cobble revetments and collected measurements of subsurface compositions at composite cobble beaches. Her research addresses the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, especially on communities living in delta regions. She aims to mitigate these impacts by informing delta adaptation strategies in the Netherlands, with a particular focus on enhancing climate resilience through nature-based solutions. Her expertise includes quantifying aeolian sediment transport and predicting the development of coastal dunes, which aids in the design and implementation of nature-based solutions. Furthermore, she has developed the Jarkus Analysis Toolbox and is a lead developer of the open-source numerical model AeoLiS.

Research Interests

Experience