Corey Dawson

Research topics

• Surface water management
• Riverscape morphology change assessment
• Synthetic stream channel modelling
• Landscape restoration design

Education

• PhD, Geography and Environment, Western University
• MLA, Landscape Architecture, University of Guelph
• BES, Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo
• Certificate in University Teaching and Learning, Western University

Research vision and interest

Dr. Dawson’s research involves GIS applications to evaluate how landscape grading design and river restoration approaches are simplifying naturally complex systems and encourages nature-based solutions for more resilient surface water management. Corey became interested in the concept of ecological microclimates and how altering landscape surfaces have direct impacts on the function, quality, and biodiversity of ecosystems. He believes landscape architects are particularly suited for addressing sustainable development through research aimed at understanding how natural complexity can be designed for balancing social and ecological objectives, including flood risk management.

Teaching

• LARC 4001 -- Landscape Architecture Studio I
• LARC 2010 -- Design Studio III: Design with Plants
• LARC 2002 -- Grading and Drainage
• LARC 1004 -- Visual Communications I

Memberships

• Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) Full Member
• Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) Full Member
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist

Green Infrastructure Performance Lab

Dr. Dawson and Dr. leBrasseur are the directors of the Green Infrastructure Performance Lab (www.gipl.land) which examines the impacts of human development and urbanization on natural features and human wellbeing to promote sustainable development and resilient design practices.

Publications


Dawson, C., Ashmore, P. (2025) Quantifying geomorphic form variation for assessing habitat complexity of river restoration designs. Ecological Engineering, 210, 107437.

Dawson, C., Ashmore, P., Corry, R. (2024). Evaluating river morphology change with a geomorphic form variation approach. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 49(2), 855-874.

Dawson, C., Ashmore, P. (2024). Urbanized stream restoration as designed adaptation: Planning using synthetic digital rivers and form variation assessment. River Research and Applications, Online. https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.4367.