Jon Miller Helps Support New Jersey Climate Resilience Through $1M NOAA and NJDEP Investment

The project is part of a statewide $72M grant for the Building a Climate Ready NJ initiative

Jon Miller, research associate professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, is leading a team providing critical expertise to secure the future of New Jersey's coastline.

Rising sea levels, intense storms and unpredictable weather patterns continue to threaten New Jersey's 16 coastal counties. To address these challenges, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has provided $72 million to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for its Building a Climate Ready NJ initiative. The award is part of the federal $575 million Climate Resilience Regional Challenge.

To create climate protection plans for the state's vulnerable areas, the NJDEP is gathering experts from organizations including Stevens, Rutgers University, Monmouth University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Kean University and environmental and community-based groups.

Protecting New Jersey's shoreline-naturally

Stevens has worked on climate resilience issues for more than 30 years, dating back to the creation of its NJ Coastal Protection Technical Assistance Service (NJCPTAS), which partners with the state and its communities to solve pressing coastal issues. Miller and Laura Kerr, senior research scientist with Stevens' Coastal Engineering Research Group (CERG), have worked with the NJDEP for years on climate change and coastal resilience issues.

"Stevens' well-established work in the areas of climate resilience, coastal protection and flood modeling, and its leadership as part of the NJ Coastal Resilience Collaborative, makes this team a natural fit for leading some of this nature-based solutions design work," said Nick Angarone, New Jersey Chief Resilience Officer. "These initiatives, implemented with the many other institutions on this project, will ultimately reduce the risk of flood and storm damage in some of our most vulnerable communities."

These nature-based solutions, also known as living shorelines, use natural elements such as planting salt-tolerant vegetation, constructing oyster reefs to absorb wave energy, and installing permeable pavements to allow water to filter through instead of pooling on the surface.

CERG will establish a Nature Based Solutions Technical Advisory Service (NBSTAS) to collaborate with the NJCPTAS. It will provide engineering knowledge and recommendations on effective, sustainable, nature-based solutions aligned with each community's unique landscape and goals.

"We're focused on techniques that not only prevent flooding and erosion but also support local ecosystems," Miller said. "This way, communities gain a protected shoreline and a healthier environment."

Ian Day, Ph.D. in ocean (coastal) engineering, '26, surveyed elevations at a living shoreline project at Berkeley Island County Park in Ocean County, New Jersey. Stevens researchers worked on the conceptual design of the stone part of the structure.

Engaging residents to create coastal resilience

The communities will also be involved. The project team will work with local residents to incorporate their insights and create solutions that meet their needs. This will help ensure that projects are successful, sustainable and widely supported.

Stevens will also participate in the Resilience Planning and Project Design Pipeline, creating detailed plans for climate resilience in disadvantaged and overburdened communities that also enhance the quality of life in these neighborhoods.

For example, working with the NJDEP and local communities, Stevens will contribute to plans to revitalize Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The vision includes enhancing coastal habitats, supporting climate resilience, and expanding recreational access. In Camden, a similar project would create a waterfront state park to mitigate flooding, improve water quality, provide a wildlife habitat, and expand green space for residents.

Stevens and the NJ Sea Grant Consortium will develop the Coastal Restoration Extension and Credentialing Program (CRECP) to provide training in coastal ecology, climate change, natural and engineered shoreline solutions, public engagement and co-design with communities. Graduates will be prepared to address the complex challenges of coastal management and restoration, and they can return for continuing education to stay up to date on best practices and new understandings.

Reflecting on the legacy of this work, Miller emphasized the importance of present and future efforts to engage communities in creating lasting resilience across New Jersey's coastline.

"In 2012, Hurricane Sandy revealed just how vulnerable we are," Miller said. "This is about securing a safe, thriving environment for future generations. We're not just delivering a solution and moving on-we're building local capacity and empowering communities to own their resilience. I'm especially excited to educate the next generation of coastal restoration practitioners, building the future of coastal resilience, one community at a time."