Rate My Professor Andrew Short

Andrew Short is an Honorary Professor in the School of Geosciences within the University of Sydney's Faculty of Science. He earned a BA (Hons), MA, and PhD in Marine Science. Joining the University in 1977, he has dedicated his career to advancing knowledge in coastal geomorphology, establishing the Coastal Studies Unit and leading extensive fieldwork across Australia's coastline. Short personally surveyed and classified every beach in Australia, compiling the Australian Beach Database that documents over 20,000 kilometers of sandy shores. This database forms the foundation for Surf Life Saving Australia's beach safety ratings, hazard assessments, and rip current warnings, significantly enhancing public safety and coastal management practices.

His research focuses on beach and shoreface morphodynamics, surf zone variability, tide range effects on beach morphology, and coastal vulnerability to climate drivers such as El Niño and rising sea levels. Short has authored influential books including Handbook of beach and shoreface morphodynamics (1999), Sandy Beach Morphodynamics (2020), Australian Coastal Systems: Beaches, Barriers and Sediment Compartments (2020), and Brazilian Beach Systems (2016). Key papers encompass "Morphodynamic variability of surf zones and beaches: a synthesis" (1984, with L.D. Wright), "The effect of tide range on beach morphodynamics and morphology: a conceptual beach model" (1993, with G. Masselink), and "Coastal vulnerability across the Pacific dominated by El Niño/Southern Oscillation" (2015). With 266 publications, over 17,000 citations, and recognition as a highly cited researcher, his work has profoundly shaped understanding of global beach systems. Short received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to coastal science. He continues to contribute through ongoing projects on sediment characteristics and rock coast morphodynamics.