Corey Dawson

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 topics

• Nature-based design solutions
• Riverscape restoration and planning
• GIS-based landscape analysis and 3D digital modelling

Research vision and interest

Dr. Dawson’s research aims to advance landscape architecture and river restoration design through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). GIS, 3D modelling, and hydro-morphodynamic simulations are leveraged to create digital landscapes that are measurable, flexible, and presentable to enhance stakeholder engagement in the planning phase of NbS. Corey believes landscape architects are particularly skilled at balancing ecological objectives with aesthetic preferences and new design frameworks are needed improve how we address flood mitigation, ecosystem services, and blue-green infrastructure.   

Teaching

• LARC 4010 - Studio VII: Independent Project
• LARC 4005 - Independent Project Proposal
• LARC 3010 - Studio V: Landscape Analysis
• LARC 2010 - Studio III: Design with Plants
• LARC 2002 - Grading and Drainage

Memberships

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

Publications

Dawson, C., Bilodeau, M., Zuo, K., Heung, B., Esau, T. (2025) River morphology responses and riparian canopy loss: Two case studies from a high-intensity storm in Atlantic Canada. Environmental Research Communication, 7(12), 125003. https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/ae2240

Dawson, C., Indigo, A., Manning, P. (2025) Stakeholder feedback on perspective renderings indicate broad support for no-mow management of campus greenspaces. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 113, 129111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.129111

Dawson, C. (2025) Advancing blue-green infrastructure design with synthetic 3D drainage channels: A scenario-based flood model in Nova Scotia, Canada. Nature-Based Solutions, 7, 100238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100238

Dawson, C., Ashmore, P. (2025) Quantifying geomorphic form variation for assessing habitat complexity of river restoration designs. Ecological Engineering, 210, 107437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2024.107437

Dawson, C., Ashmore, P. (2025). Urbanized stream restoration as designed adaptation: Planning using synthetic digital rivers and form variation assessment. River Research and Applications, 41(2), 268-284. https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.4367

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. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5744

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.