Maya Trotz Research Group

University of South Florida

How can coastal protection strengthen communities as well as ecosystems? Maya Trotz’s research connects environmental engineering, water quality, and community participation. Her coastal resilience work investigates equitable nature-based solutions, including coral reef and mangrove restoration, and how those ecosystems can work alongside built infrastructure. Projects consider physical protection from environmental hazards together with social and economic benefits for coastal communities. Her broader interests include protecting water sources and providing sustainable water systems, making the research a bridge between engineering design, environmental processes, and community priorities.