Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science

Wesley E. Highfield

Professor
Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science

E-mail: highfiew@tamug.edu

Phone: +1 (409) 740.4726

Fax: +1 (409) 740.4429

Ocean and Coastal Studies Bldg., Office 364

Google Scholars Page

Learn more about Wesley E. Highfield

Get To Know Wesley E. Highfield

What in your life drew you to your current field of study?

At some point I figured out that I enjoyed learning, and sought to continue to learn--and disseminate knowledge--through research that is applicable to societal problems. I have also always enjoyed tinkering--taking things apart, repairing them, etc. Once I figured out that I could "take apart," rearrange, and combine data through geographic tools, unique summaries and analyses, the die was cast.

What do you hope your students gain from studying or working with you?

My primary aim is that my students gain or sharpen their ability to problem solve and think independently. These two skills can be difficult to teach, but are applicable in all avenues of life. I emphasize the role of quantitative spatial data and analyses, and firmly believe that the nexus of these skills through data is indispensable in today's world.

What are you passionate about in your personal life?

Family. Food & Beverage (creation and consumption). Data. Cool Maps. Stained glass and other hands-on hobbies.

Publications

Highfield, W.E., Brody, S.D., Shepard, C.S. The Effects of Estuarine Wetlands on Flood Losses Associated with Storm Surge. Ocean and Coastal Management, Forthcoming.

Brody, S.D. Highfield, W.E., Blessing, R., Makino, T., and Shepard, C. (2017). Evaluating the Effects of Open Space Configurations in Reducing Flood Damage along the Gulf of Mexico Coast, Landscape and Urban Planning, 167, 225-231.

Highfield, W.E., Brody, S.D. (2017). Determining the Effects of the FEMA Community Rating System Program on Flood Losses in the United States, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 41: 396-404.

Highfield, W.E., Brody, S.D., Blessing, R. (2014). Measuring the impact of mitigation activities on flood loss reduction at the parcel level: the case of the clear creek watershed on the upper Texas coast. Natural Hazards, 1-18.

Highfield, W.E. and Brody, S.D. (2013). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Local Mitigation Activities in Reducing Flood Losses. Natural Hazards Review, 14(4): 229-236.

Brody, S.D. and Highfield, W. E. (2013). Open Space Protection and Flood Mitigation: A National Study. Land Use Policy. 32: 89-95.

Highfield, W. E., Van Zandt, S. and Peacock, W.G. (2013). Mitigation Planning: Why Hazard Exposure, Structural Vulnerability, and Social Vulnerability Matter. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 34(3): 287-300.

Highfield, W. E., Norman, S. and Brody, S. D. (2012). Examining the 100-Year Floodplain as a Metric of Risk, Loss, and Household Adjustment. Risk Analysis, 33(2):186-91.

Highfield, W. E. (2012). Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship between Section 404 Permit Activity and Peak Streamflow in Coastal Texas. Environmental Management, 49 (4): 892-901.