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Justin Ridge

Instructor in the Marine Science and Conservation Division
Marine Science and Conservation

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Instructor in the Marine Science and Conservation Division · 2023 - Present Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment

Recent Publications


Comparison of 3D structural metrics on oyster reefs using unoccupied aircraft photogrammetry and terrestrial LiDAR across a tidal elevation gradient

Journal Article Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation · August 1, 2023 Physical structures generated from ecosystem engineers can have a cascade of impacts on the ecological community and the surrounding landscape. The Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica can form extensive intertidal reefs, whose three-dimensional structures ... Full text Cite

Estimation of Intertidal Oyster Reef Density Using Spectral and Structural Characteristics Derived from Unoccupied Aircraft Systems and Structure from Motion Photogrammetry

Journal Article Remote Sensing · May 1, 2022 Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are an important component of the ecology and economy in coastal zones. Through the long-term consolidation of densely clustered shells, oyster reefs generate three-dimensional and complex structures that yield a sui ... Full text Cite

Considerations and tradeoffs of UAS-based coastal wetland monitoring in the Southeastern United States

Journal Article Frontiers in Remote Sensing · January 1, 2022 Coastal wetlands of the Southeastern United States host a high abundance and diversity of critical species and provide essential ecosystem services. A rise in threats to these vulnerable habitats has led to an increased focus on research and monitoring in ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


NC Flies to MaRRS

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Burroughs Wellcome Fund · 2021 - 2025

Research to Operationalize the use of UAS in Wetland Monitoring in support of the NOAA/NERRs science mission.

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · 2020 - 2024

Tracking shoreline position, elevation change, and habitat shifts in the Rachel Carson Reserve using UAS-based remote sensing

ResearchResearch Scientist · Awarded by NC Division of Coastal Management · 2022 - 2023

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · 2017 Ph.D.