My research has focused both on circulation and mixing in the estuarine environment and cohesive sediment transport on highly energetic continental shelves. A common theme in this research has been the interactions between turbulent mixing and vertical density stratification. The input of freshwater, thermal heating and the presence of suspended sediment all result in vertical density gradients in the coastal ocean. This stratification significantly alters the characteristics of turbulent mixing with significant implications for coastal circulation, sediment transport, and the distribution of a suite of important biological and chemical constituents. The goal of my research is to identify the processes that govern vertical density stratification, understand the implications that stratification has on circulation and transport, and to quantify vertical mixing in the coastal and estuarine environment. My research primarily utilizes field observations, but includes the use of three-dimensional numerical models of coastal and estuarine flows as well. Much of my recent research has focused on making detailed observations of stratified turbulence in estuaries. Estuaries are ideal natural laboratories for studying stratified turbulence, and understanding estuarine turbulence is essential to managing water quality in these important coastal ecosystems.