Dr Chrissy Mitchell works in flood and coastal erosion risk management at the Environment Agency. Chrissy is an expert in climate, flood and coastal adaptation and works on developing innovative national risk management strategies in response to flooding and coastal erosion.
About
Dr Chrissy Mitchell is a national R&D leader in flood and coastal erosion risk management at the Environment Agency. With extensive experience across policy, forecasting, climate adaptation, flood and coastal adaptation. She is a chartered scientist, geographer and environmentalist, committed to advancing professional practice and mentoring future experts.
Preferences
- Location: South
- Availability: daytime, evening, in person and online
- Key stage: KS3, KS4 and KS5
- Themes: cities, environment, environmental management, fieldwork, geopolitics, hazards
Current or most recent role
I’m a national lead research scientist at the Environment Agency specialising in flood and coastal risk management R&D. My work focuses on asset management, engineering, infrastructure resilience and reservoir safety, developing evidence and innovation that strengthen national risk management approaches and support long‑term resilience across communities, assets and the wider environment.
Previous experience
I previously chaired the CIWEM Rivers and Coastal Group, mentoring early‑career professionals and leading the international Young FLOODsite network. I publish and present at conferences, mentor via CIWEM and at the Environment Agency. Im a STEM ambassador and have taught undergraduates. I currently serve as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Flood Risk Management, supporting inclusive professional development.
Why I want to become a professional ambassador
I look to champion applied geography, inspire future practitioners and promote professional development. I am committed to evidence‑based environmental resilience, allowing me to share real‑world experience, supporting chartership pathways and strengthening the visibility and impact of geographical expertise. I value supporting the next generation and particularly enjoy working in education.
Types of activities
- Talking about current job and career pathway
- Attending a careers fair
- Running activities about my career sector and the opportunities available; talking about what geographical skills I use at work and how geography is used in the 'real world'
- Inspiring young people to choose geography
- Classroom based activities or working with small groups of students to talk about career options
- Supporting a geography club or eco club
- Supporting fieldwork and opportunities outside the classroom
