Recent Graduates
Nicole Elko in 2006, overseeing the Sand Key Beach Renourishment Project, a $50
million federal project that restored 14 km of developed coastline in Pinellas County,
Florida.
Nicole Elko
Nicole is the Coastal Coordinator for Pinellas County, Florida and a Director of
the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. Nicole’s research focus is
the profile and planform adjustment of beach nourishment and the influence of storms
on nourished beaches. She has published 4 peer-reviewed journal articles and given
13 scientific presentations on these topics. As Coastal Coordinator, Nicole is responsible
for obtaining federal and state funding and managing a multi-million dollar coastal
budget encompassing five shore protection projects. She represents Pinellas County
as the “local sponsor” for federal projects and administers state and local contracts
for the design/permitting, construction, and physical and biological monitoring
of beach projects. Nicole also obtains Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Joint Coastal Permits for shore protection and inlet projects in the Pinellas County
Aquatic Preserve. She has in-depth knowledge of coastal processes, the technical
aspects beach nourishment, and the mechanical operations of dredging.