Professor David M. Kennedy is a Professor in Physical Geography in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, at the University of Melbourne. As a coastal geomorphologist with over 20 years of experience, his research focuses on the effects of climate change, storms, tsunamis, and sea level rise on coastal landforms. He investigates diverse aspects of coastal dynamics, including rock coast geomorphology, shoreline change hotspots mapped from satellite data in southeast Australia, tectonic and geomorphic evolution of estuaries and coasts, patterns of vegetation expansion during dune stabilization, monsoon-driven recession of mangrove shorelines, morphodynamics of urbanized estuarine beaches influenced by sediment budgets, and large structural estuaries' global distribution and morphology. Kennedy contributes to several research clusters within his school, such as Earth Surface Processes, Past Climates and Environments, Climate Change and Society, and Archaeological Science. His interdisciplinary work also intersects with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage.

Kennedy has made significant contributions through his publications. He edited the book Rock Coast Geomorphology and authored The Science and Culture of Surfing. Key papers include 'Mapping spatial variability in shoreline change hotspots from satellite data: a case-study in southeast Australia' (with Teresa M. Konlechner et al.), 'Tectonic and Geomorphic Evolution of Estuaries and Coasts' (with Sarah L. McSweeney), 'Large structural estuaries: Their global distribution and morphology' (2024), 'Monsoon-driven waves induce a prevailing recession in mangrove shorelines' (2026), 'Shoreline dynamics of an urbanised estuarine beach under the influence of changing sediment budgets' (2025, corresponding author), 'Patterns of vegetation expansion during dune stabilization at the decadal scale' (2023, with Jinjuan Gao et al.), and 'Morphodynamics and management challenges for beaches in microtidal settings' (2024). His research informs coastal management strategies, nature-based defenses, and hazard assessment, including rock fishing hazards and cliff erosion using UAV data. Kennedy's email is davidmk@unimelb.edu.au.

Professional Email: davidmk@unimelb.edu.au