Charles W. Finkl is Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, USA. He received B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Oregon State University (Corvallis) and a Ph.D. from the University of Western Australia (Perth). He is the Series Editor of the Encyclopedia of Earth Science Series (EESS) and the Series Editor of the Coastal Research Library (CRL), both published by Springer. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Environmental Studies published by Taylor and Francis. He is also the President and Executive Director of the Coastal Education & Research Foundation [CERF], an international marine science organization, that publishes the Journal of Coastal Research (JCR) of which he was a co-founding editor and has been Editor-in-Chief for 35 years. He has published numerous scientific papers and reports and is an editor or contributing author to several books. He is a certified professional in geological sciences (CPGS), soil science (CPSSc), and wetland science (PWS), and a Chartered Marine Scientist (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology). He is the recipient of the International Beach Advocacy Award presented by the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association (Tallahassee, Florida); George V. Chilingar Medal of Honor, in recognition of important contributions to sciences and engineering (Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, USA Section (Los Angeles, California); Life Time Commitment to Coastal Science Award, in recognition of contributions to the advancement of coastal sciences and global coastal issues through the Journal of Coastal Research (JCR) and the International Coastal Symposium (ICS); Morrough P. O’Brien Award, in recognition of dedication to coastal research, beach protection, and dissemination of coastal information by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). Charlie was an editor, co-editor, or author ofmany entries in several volumes in the EESS (i.e. Encyclopedias of: Soil Science; Applied Geology; Field and General Geology; Mineralogy; Beaches and Coastal Environments; Coastal Science; Environmental Science; Natural Hazards; Marine Geosciences); Editor of Soil Classification (Benchmark Papers in Soil Science); numerous entries in Funk and Wagnall’s New Encyclopedia (1983, 1989), and Compton’s Encyclopedia (Encyclopedia Britannica) (1986).Christopher Makowski is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, Florida, USA) and has earned degrees with an emphasis in remote sensing of biogeomorphological resources (Ph.D.) and marine ecosystem diversity and conservation (M.Sc.). For the past decade, he has served as the Senior Vice President and Assistant Director of the Coastal Education and Research Foundation, Inc. (CERF) and the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the internationally published Journal of Coastal Research (JCR). He has published numerous peer reviewed papers, authored several chapters, and co-edited and/or contributed to various volumes in Springer's Coastal Research Library (CRL) Series. In addition to these accomplishments, he is professionally recognized by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), served as the Assistant Director of the Marine Science and Biological Research Division at the coastal engineering firm, Coastal Planning & Engineering (CPE), and held the position of Principle Marine Scientist for the municipality of Collier County, Florida, U.S.A. In addition to his academic and professional career, Dr. Makowski is also a certified Master Scuba Diver Trainer through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Other professional registrations and certifications include: Journal of Coastal Research (JCR) Editorial Board Member, The International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS) Member, The Florida Association of Environmental Professionals (FAEP) Chapter Member, American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Registered Diving Safety Officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Member, Coastal Education and Research Foundation (CERF) Board of Directors (Trustees), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Certified Marine Mammal and Protected Species Observer, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor, PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Instructor, Emergency First Responder (CPR/FirstAid/AED) Instructor, PADI Specialty Underwater Photographer Instructor, and Divers Alert Network (DAN) Sustaining Member.
