Robert S. Young, Ph.d., PG

Robert S. Young is the Director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, a joint Duke University/Western Carolina University venture. He is also a Professor of Geosciences at Western Carolina University and a licensed professional geologist in three states (FL, NC, SC). The Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines (PSDS) is a research and policy outreach center serving the global coastal community. Currently, he is leading a major project for the National Park Service to identify the vulnerability of all coastal park assets to coastal storms, erosion and sea level rise for the purpose of adaptation planning. Dr. Young received a BS degree in Geology (Phi Beta Kappa) from the College of William & Mary, and MS degree in Quaternary Studies from the University of Maine, and a PhD in Geology from Duke University where he was a James B. Duke Distinguished Doctoral Fellow. Dr. Young has been awarded Western Carolina University’s University Scholar Award and Paul A. Reid Distinguished Service Award, and was named Fulbright Senior Scholar for the 2012-2013 academic year. He also received the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Pelican Award for Coastal Stewardship, and, most recently, Washington State presented him an award for Excellence in Environmental Education and Diversity in Action for his work with science education in Native American communities.