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Since 1860, LSU has served its region, the nation, and the world through extensive, multipurpose programs encompassing instruction, research, and public service. The university brings in more than $150 million annually in outside research grants and contracts, a significant factor for the Louisiana economy.

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River Hydrodynamics & Sediment Transport

Dr. Clint Willson is the Callais and Woods Professor and Dean of the College of the Coast & Environment at Louisiana State University, and Director of the LSU Center for River Studies. He is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of Louisiana. Dr. Willson previously served as the Director of Engineering Design and Innovation at the Water Institute of the Gulf, as well as the Chair of the Changing Course Technical Team. With over 25 years of service at LSU, his expertise is in environmental and water resources engineering, with primary research interest in the physical and numerical modeling of Mississippi River hydrodynamics and sediment transport. Dr. Willson holds a BS degree in Aerospace Engineering from Penn State, an MS degree in Environmental Health Engineering from UT-Austin, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from UT-Austin. Prior to LSU, he spent two years as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

River Engineering

Physical Modeling

Sediment Transport

Environmental Fluid Mechanics

LSU Faculty Profile

Coast & Climate: LSU Center for River Studies

Mornings with Brian Haldane: Clint Wilson

A 10,000-square-foot replica of the Mississippi Delta gives insights on climate resiliency

how-lsu-is-helping-keep-louisiana-at-the-center-of-the-nations-seafood-map

Callais and Woods Professor and Dean, College of the Coast & Environment | Director, LSU Center for River Studies

1. Strengthening the Seafood Workforce   Through outreach programs like Louisiana Fisheries Forward, a partnership between Louisiana Sea Grant and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, LSU helps fishers and processors modernize their operations.

These voluntary programs teach best practices in handling, traceability, and sustainability — directly improving product quality and market reputation. LSU’s extension agents also provide hands-on disaster recovery assistance after hurricanes and market disruptions, helping ensure Louisiana’s seafood workforce remains resilient and ready for the next season.

2. Building Seafood Resilience  The total economic value for oysters in 2018 was more than $180 million.

Resilience defines LSU’s seafood science. Researchers at the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant are leading selective breeding programs and developing genetic tools to combat disease, temperature changes, and salinity stress.

With a powerful combination of hatchery capacity, genetics expertise, and industry collaboration, LSU is helping Louisiana’s seafood industry adapt faster and smarter — protecting both the food supply and the economic backbone of coastal communities.

3. Powering Economic Growth   Every part of LSU’s seafood research and outreach ties directly to Louisiana’s economy. AgCenter economists analyze market data and advise state and federal partners on strategies to grow the seafood sector.

Meanwhile, Sea Grant specialists help entrepreneurs develop value-added seafood products, from branded lines to ready-to-eat options, that increase profit margins and create new jobs in coastal towns.

By helping Louisiana seafood businesses stay competitive, LSU keeps more of the industry’s economic benefits right here at home.

4. Supporting Communities  Louisiana’s seafood industry faces constant challenges. LSU’s coastal extension agents and Sea Grant programs provide on-the-ground support to help communities recover and rebuild after disasters.

Whether assisting with dock repairs, connecting fishers to relief programs, or helping restart operations, LSU’s commitment ensures that Louisiana’s coastal workforce can weather any storm.

5. Preparing the Next Generation   LSU’s work extends from the lab to the dock — and into the classroom. New research and education programs are training future scientists, producers, and entrepreneurs to continue Louisiana’s seafood legacy. 
 

For new LSU students interested in the coast, Bayou Adventure, a trip created by the College of the Coast & Environment (CC&E), was designed specifically to educate incoming freshmen about some of the challenges and marvels of the Louisiana coastline.

The trip stops at sites that showcase "not just the significance of these areas to the state and nation, but the important work that is being done to sustain and preserve them," said Clint Willson, dean of CC&E.

Through workforce development, hands-on learning, and applied research, LSU is shaping the next wave of innovators who will protect Louisiana’s coast and ensure its seafood remains world-renowned.
 Looking Ahead  As the seafood industry faces new challenges and opportunities, LSU’s mission remains clear: to protect Louisiana’s coast, empower its seafood workforce, and ensure the state remains synonymous with the best seafood in America.


How LSU is Helping Keep Louisiana at the Center of the Nation’s Seafood Map

Clint Willson, Interim Dean of the LSU College of the Coast & Environment, on how your contributions on Giving Day can make a difference in the  lives of students.

CC&amp;E Interim Dean Clint Willson on LSU Giving Day 2024

This video was originally recorded by Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Clint Willson to send a message to our Res Life students, CEE Class of 2020, and our alumni during this time. We thought it was a good message to share with our entire LSU Engineering family.

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