Dr. Heidi Nepf

Professor

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Biography

Heidi Nepf is the Donald Martha Harleman Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her research focuses on the interactions between flow and aquatic vegetation, examining the feedback mechanisms of sediment transport and chemical fluxes on ecosystem function. The Nepf Lab develops models to study physical processes in vegetated habitats, including green infrastructure, seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangroves. Professor Nepf's work aims to provide insights into coastal protection, mitigate anthropogenic nutrient pollution, and enhance blue carbon reservoirs. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of how these ecosystems can improve natural resource management and design of green infrastructure. Nepf also teaches courses related to fluid mechanics, surface water transport processes, and physical limnology, influencing the next generation of engineers and researchers in her field.

Research Interests

Awards

#2023

IAHR M. Salim Yalin Lifetime Achievement Award

#2018

Fellow, American Geophysical Union

#2019

ASCE, Hunter Rouse Hydraulic Engineering Award

#2017

Chi Epsilon Honor Member

#2013

18th Harold Jan Schoemaker Award