Dr. Phillip P. Schmutz

I am an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of West Florida.

My research focuses on coastal and aeolian geomorphology, with particular emphasis on beach–dune systems and the processes that influence sediment transport, dune development, and coastal resilience.

Methodologically, I integrate field-based measurements, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), geospatial analysis, and environmental statistical modeling to examine coastal processes across space and time. My work leverages drone-derived topography, LiDAR data, field surveys, and long-term monitoring datasets to evaluate relationships between coastal geomorphology and habitat use, supporting data-driven conservation and coastal management decisions.

I have published in journals such as Geomorphology, Aeolian Research, Geophysical Research Letters, Southeastern Geographer, and Ocean and Coastal Management, and regularly present at national and regional professional conferences.

At UWF, I teach courses in Earth Science, geomorphology, and coastal systems, and am committed to undergraduate and graduate research, field-based learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.