Joseph Hankerson is a geoscientist focused on sediment inventory analysis and coastal geomorphology. Hankerson joined The Water Institute as an intern on the Applied Geosciences team in May 2021, where he worked on examining core and seismic data in Barataria and Terrebonne bays, GOMA MMiS formatting, and working on a project in Onslow Bay in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Hankerson’s thesis work is using Chirp seismic and vibracoring to explore shallow stratigraphy, mapping geomorphologic change across northern Gulf of Mexico using historical and recently acquired imagery, and working on correlations of stratigraphic units to better understand the framework of Terrebonne Basin.

Hankerson’s research interests include the mapping of sand resources for coastal restoration and geomorphology. Originally from North Carolina, Hankerson said he’s excited to be a minority scientist and looks to be a role model and supporter for the next generation of minority geologists and scientists.

Hankerson received his bachelor's degree in geosciences and master's degree in coastal geomorphology from the University of New Orleans.