Celso Ferreira

Dr. Celso Ferreira is a Professor in the Civil, Infrastructure, and Environmental Engineering Department at George Mason University, where he leads the Mason Flood Hazards Research Lab and co-directs the Virginia Climate Center. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University, specializing in water resources and coastal engineering, and is a registered Professional Engineer in Maryland. Dr. Ferreira was an author to the 5th National Climate Assessment Coastal Effects Chapter with the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and was part of the author team for the 6th National Climate Assessment Northeast Chapter before withdrawing due to changes in administration priorities. His current research focuses on developing solutions to enhance society’s resilience to flooding and climate change, promoting equitable and natural climate adaptation strategies. Dr. Ferreira’s work includes quantifying and evaluating flood hazards in coastal, riverine, and urban environments, considering climate change impacts. He collaborates with federal, state, and local stakeholders to support climate adaptation and community resilience. Dr. Ferreira’s research on the capacity of natural areas to attenuate waves provides scientific and technical evidence for adopting green infrastructure as a resilient coastal defense. He has authored over 80 technical publications, with funding from NSF, NASA, EPA, NOAA, DOI, DOD, USCRP, NFWF, and private organizations. With over 18 years of consulting experience in water resources, environmental, and coastal engineering in the US and Brazil, he has provided technical expertise for various private and non-profit organizations, including the development of the US National Flood Factor with the First Street Foundation. He was a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University and an Associate Researcher at the USGS National Research Program.