Joni Thomas Backstrom

Dr. Joni ‘Osku’ Backstrom is a coastal geologist and environmental marine scientist with close to 20 years of professional industry and academic expertise across Europe and the United States. Prior to joining UNCW in 2015 as faculty, he spent over five years in Europe as a Principal Marine Geologist with a focus on offshore renewable energy, marine sand & gravel and coastal environmental impact studies. He is particularly interested in beach and shoreface morphodynamics, offshore wind, coastal storms, sand resource management and using remote sensing, diving and sampling techniques to map and characterize reefs, shipwrecks and coastal/marine environments. During his free time, he enjoys surfing, camping and traveling.

Education

Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Ulster University, Coleraine, N. Ireland
M.S. in Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington
B.S. in Geology (Marine), Florida Atlantic University

Specialization in Teaching

Courses Taught:
· Offshore Energy and Resource Management
· Marine Survey Techniques/Seafloor Mapping
· Introduction to Environmental Science
· Global Environmental Issues
· Environmental GIS
· Natural Hazards
· Environmental Geology

Research Interests

Seafloor Mapping and Characterization
Coastal Storm Impacts
Offshore Wind and Marine Renewables
Sand Resource Management
Oceanography
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA's)
Coastal Geology
Shipwrecks and Reefs
Sedimentology
Maritime Archaeology
Underwater Soundscapes
Scientific Diving
GIS

Professional Service

UNCW Center for Marine Science - Council Member
Faculty Advisor - UNCW Surfrider Foundation
EVS Graduate Application Review Committee