John Rybczyk
Dr. John Rybczyk currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Environmental Science at Western Washington University. His research focuses on coastal wetland restoration, restoration monitoring, and the response of coastal wetlands and estuarine systems to climate change, particularly sea-level rise. His work combines field measurements, ecological modeling, and long-term monitoring to understand how wetlands respond to changing water levels, sediment supply, and other environmental pressures. A central theme of his research is the capacity of coastal wetlands to maintain their elevation relative to rising seas through sediment accumulation and other ecological feedbacks. His research also examines the role of coastal wetlands as carbon sinks, including rates of carbon accumulation and the potential for restored wetlands to contribute to climate-change mitigation.
Research Interests
Modeling the effects of climate change and sea level rise on estuarine systems
Estuarine sediment dynamics
Restoration monitoring
Blue carbon stocks and sequestration
Estuary resilience to sea level rises
Education and Credentials
Ph.D., oceanography, Department of Oceanography, Louisiana State University 1997
M.S., environmental science, Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, 1990
B.S., fisheries and wildlife biology, Michigan State University, 1981
Affiliations and Professional Service
Founding member of the Skagit Climate Science Consortium
Society of Wetlands Scientists
Estuarine Research Federation
Founding member of the PNW Blue Carbon Working Group
President, Pacific Estuarine Research Society
Board Member, Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation
NWCASC Consortium Leadership Team
Contact
Email: john.rybczyk@wwu.edu
Additional Information