Dr. Peter Van Hengstum

Professor

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Biography

Peter van Hengstum is a Professor in Marine Coastal Environmental Science at Texas A&M University Galveston, where he also serves as Interim Associate Dean & Associate Vice President for Research & Graduate Studies. He obtained his Doctorate in Philosophy in Earth Sciences from Dalhousie University in 2010, a Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences from McMaster University in Canada in 2008, and an Hons. Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the same institution in 2005. His research interests include paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, coastal landscape change, hurricanes, and micropaleontology. Van Hengstum has made significant contributions to the understanding of historical hurricane activity in the Bahamas and the effects of climate change on coastal environments. He has published works in various esteemed journals and is actively involved in teaching courses related to Earth Ocean Science and Environmental Micropaleontology. In addition to his academic roles, he has been awarded several grants for research on predicting hurricane risk and evaluating precipitation extremes in a changing climate.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

Texas A&M University Galveston • Galveston, TX

Teaching and conducting research in Marine Coastal Environmental Science.

Postdoctoral Fellow

— Present

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution • Woods Hole, MA

Conducted research on marine geological processes.

Courses

Earth Ocean Science Environmental Micropaleontology Research Marine Sciences

Requirements for Texas A&M University Galveston

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field Undergraduate research experience (recommended)
Application Checklist
  • GraduateCAS Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Chemistry; GRE General and Subject scores are not required or expected for Fall 2026.