University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States.
Jason Tzu-Yao Lin is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), specializing in river engineering and fluvial geomorphology. With a strong academic foundation, he holds a Master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor’s from National Taiwan University, where he ranked first in his class. His research primarily focuses on understanding the dynamics of river systems, particularly the hydrodynamics and morphodynamics of meander chute cutoffs, dam removal effects, and particle transport in channel confluences. With a diverse skill set ranging from numerical modeling and fieldwork to laboratory experimentation, Jason’s work is aimed at improving ecological sustainability and informing water resource management. His leadership roles in various academic organizations complement his research expertise, making him a well-rounded professional in his field.
Professional Profile
Education:
Jason Tzu-Yao Lin’s educational journey demonstrates a strong commitment to understanding environmental systems and their dynamics. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), under the guidance of Professor Marcelo Garcia. Prior to this, Jason earned a Master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, where he further honed his research and analytical skills. His undergraduate education at National Taiwan University (NTU) in Bioenvironmental System Engineering laid a solid foundation, with him graduating as the top student in his cohort. His academic journey was also enriched by an exchange program at the National University of Singapore, where he gained exposure to international perspectives in environmental engineering. His diverse and extensive academic background serves as the bedrock for his current and future contributions to river engineering and fluvial geomorphology.
Professional Experience:
Jason has an extensive professional background that combines research, fieldwork, and teaching. As a Research Assistant at UIUC since 2021, he has worked on several key projects, including studies on meander chute cutoffs, dam removal effects on river morphology, and particle transport in channel confluences. In addition to his academic contributions, Jason has been involved with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as a Research Associate, where he played a crucial role in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. His responsibilities included planning fieldwork, executing scientific experiments, and conducting data analysis to improve restoration strategies. Jason has also contributed to teaching, serving as a Teaching Assistant at both UIUC and UC Berkeley. His research experience and technical expertise make him a well-rounded professional, prepared to tackle complex challenges in the field of environmental engineering.
Research Interests:
Jason’s research interests lie at the intersection of hydrodynamics, morphodynamics, and ecosystem restoration. His work primarily focuses on understanding how water flow interacts with natural landscapes to shape river morphology. He is particularly interested in the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes that occur during meander chute cutoffs, where river channels shift direction. Jason also investigates the ecological consequences of these processes, such as the effects of low-head dam removal on river ecosystems. His ongoing research on particle motion in channel confluences and the use of 2D numerical models to simulate river restoration further emphasizes his commitment to applying scientific methods to real-world environmental challenges. By combining experimental, numerical, and fieldwork techniques, Jason seeks to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical solutions in water resource management.
Research Skills:
Jason possesses a wide range of research skills that enable him to tackle complex problems in river engineering and environmental science. His proficiency in various programming languages such as Matlab, R, Python, and Fortran, combined with his expertise in using numerical modeling tools like OpenTelemac, allows him to simulate complex river and water systems with high accuracy. Jason’s fieldwork experience includes the use of specialized equipment like Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters and Particle Tracking Velocimetry to measure water flow and sediment transport. Additionally, his laboratory skills are complemented by his use of water quality multiparameter sondes and LISST devices for particle size analysis. His ability to integrate these advanced research methods with his analytical skills makes him an effective researcher capable of contributing to a wide variety of environmental projects.
Awards and Honors:
Throughout his academic career, Jason has earned several prestigious awards and honors that reflect his dedication to his studies and research. He was awarded the Taiwan-equivalent of the Fulbright Scholarship, the Scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Taiwan, for 2024-2026. This honor recognizes his outstanding academic achievements and potential for future contributions in the field. At National Taiwan University, he was consistently recognized for his excellence in academics, earning the Dean’s Award for Academic Achievement and ranking in the top 5% in multiple semesters. Additionally, his research work earned him a Research Fellowship from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan, where he contributed significantly to ecosystem service research in watershed management. These honors underscore his commitment to academic excellence and innovative research.
Conclusion:
Jason Tzu-Yao Lin’s academic journey, research experience, and professional accomplishments demonstrate his passion and dedication to advancing the field of river engineering and environmental science. His current Ph.D. research at UIUC, combined with his extensive experience in hydrodynamics, morphodynamics, and ecosystem restoration, positions him to make significant contributions to the field. Jason’s combination of strong technical skills, innovative research, and leadership experience equips him to tackle complex challenges in river management and restoration. With his work, Jason seeks to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and real-world applications, particularly in improving water resource management and ecosystem sustainability. His future work promises to continue making impactful contributions to environmental engineering, with an emphasis on practical, sustainable solutions.
Publications Top Notes
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Hydrodynamic Processes of Incipient Meander Chute Cutoffs: Laboratory Experiments With Implications for Morphodynamics and Depth-Averaged Modeling
- Authors: Jason T.‐Y. Lin, Esteban Lacunza, Roberto Fernández, Marcelo H. García, Bruce Rhoads, Jim Best, Jessica Z. LeRoy, Gary Parker
- Year: 2025
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Hydrodynamic Processes of Incipient Meander Chute Cutoffs: Laboratory Experiments with Implications for Morphodynamics and Depth-Averaged Modeling
- Authors: Jason Tzu-Yao Lin, Esteban Lacunza, Roberto Fernández, Marcelo H. García, Bruce L. Rhoads, James L. Best, Jessica Zinger LeRoy, Gary Parker
- Year: 2025
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Hydrodynamic Processes of Incipient Meander Chute Cutoffs: Laboratory Experiments with Implications for Morphodynamics and Depth-Averaged Modeling
- Authors: Jason Tzu-Yao Lin, Esteban Lacunza, Roberto Fernández, Marcelo H. García, Bruce L. Rhoads, James L. Best, Jessica Zinger LeRoy, Gary Parker
- Year: 2024
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Hydrodynamic Processes of Incipient Meander Chute Cutoffs: Implications for Morphodynamics and Depth-Averaged Modeling
- Authors: Jason Tzu-Yao Lin, Esteban Lacunza, Roberto Fernández, Marcelo H. García, Bruce L. Rhoads, James L. Best, Jessica Zinger LeRoy, Gary Parker
- Year: 2024