Stephen is a fluvial geomorphologist interested in the physical processes at work in gravel-bed rivers and the interactions between fluvial processes and river ecosystems. His research has two main strands:
- Ecogeomorphology, ecohydraulics and freshwater zoogeomorphology, particularly the role of biotic energy in driving and conditioning geomorphological processes in rivers and the interactions between organisms, sediment transport and near-bed hydraulics. This includes recent work on the zoogeomorphic roles of crayfish, freshwater fish and aquatic insect larvae using a combination of field investigations and experiments at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s River Science Laboratory.
- The sedimentary structures and size characteristics of gravelly, river-bed sediments including sediment sorting and water-worked structures, bar formation processes and the links between fluvial sediments and lotic ecology. This includes ongoing work on emergent rocks as a key oviposition resource for aquatic insects, recent work on fine sediment ingress into river beds and a longstanding interest in the role of “sedimentary links” and geomorphologically significant confluences in structuring and explaining sediment characteristics and biodiversity at network scales.
Academic Career
- 2024-: Visiting Professor of River Science
- 2018-2024: Associate Dean (Research), School of Social Sciences & Humanities, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
- 2016-2018: Head of Department of Geography, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
- 2011-present: Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader and Professor of River Science, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
- 1996: Ph.D. Geography, University of British Columbia
- 1990: M.Sc. Geography, University of British Columbia
- 1988: B.A. Geography, Oxford University, G.W. Gilbert Prize
Professional Responsibilities
- Previously: Bureau, International Association of Sedimentologists; Vice-Chair British Society for Geomorphology; NERC Peer Review College; Chief Editor Sedimentology
- Currently: Editorial Board RGS-IBG Book Series; Editorial Board IAHR Journal of Ecohydraulics