Dr. Gregory Guannel is a distinguished expert in green technology and environmental resilience, currently serving as the Director of the Green Caribbean Center (CGTC) at the University of the Virgin Islands. In this role, he leads initiatives aimed at the social and economic transformation of the U.S. Virgin Islands by promoting the adoption of green technologies, including renewable energy, green infrastructure, and recycling. His work is instrumental in enhancing the energy and infrastructure resilience of the Territory, fostering the implementation of sustainable practices that address both environmental challenges and economic development.
With a robust background in civil and coastal engineering, Gregory’s career has been marked by his commitment to leveraging natural systems for disaster risk reduction and improving the quality of life in vulnerable communities. Before his current role, he served as the Florida Urban Programs Director for The Nature Conservancy, where he spearheaded research, implementation, and outreach efforts that underscored the importance of natural infrastructure in Southern Florida.
Gregory’s academic journey is as impressive as his professional one. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University, an M.S. in Ocean and Coastal Engineering from Texas A&M University, and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the Ecole Superieure des Travaux Publics in Paris. His expertise has been honed through various roles, including as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow and Research Associate with the Natural Capital Project at Stanford University, where he focused on modeling and designing natural infrastructure solutions for urban and coastal areas.
Gregory’s career began as a Coastal Engineer with the sediment remediation consulting firm Anchor QEA, where he applied his engineering knowledge to practical environmental challenges. His multidisciplinary approach and dedication to sustainable development have made him a leading voice in the field, advocating for the integration of green technologies to build more resilient and sustainable communities.
