Zehao Xue

Austin, TX 78717 · hello@zxue.io

I am a geologist and developer experienced in creating and maintaining web-based geospatial data visualization applications using ESRI and open source geospatial technologies to providing mission-critical coastal hazards data to enhance response and resilience for coastal communities. I am also experienced in working with interdisciplinary teams using my background in both geoscience and computer science.


Experience

Geologist & Web Developer

US Geological Survey

Developed and maintained the USGS Coastal Change Hazards Portal, providing geospatial data access for coastal managers. Analyzed geological and geotechnical data from the Strait of Gibraltar. Optimized extraction and management of lidar- and satellite-derived shoreline position data workflows in ArcPy and MATLAB.

November 2019 - Present

Geoscience Intern

BGP International

Tested and validated proprietary seismic processing and interpretation software, GeoEAST, by characterizing structures and seismic horizons in the Niger Delta. Applied corrections for accurate interpretation of complex subsurface geology in Sichuan basin.

July 2019 - August 2019

Graduate Research Assistant

Louisiana State University

Designed and led field exercises and lab sessions focused on geospatial and sedimentary analysis focusing on coastal and marine geology. Mentored students in field data collection and report synthesis.

Aug 2017 - May 2019

Education

Austin Community College

Geographic Information Systems Certificate

Austin, TX
Jan 2024 - Present

Louisiana State University

M.S. Geology
Thesis: Sandy Dredge Pit Sedimentation – Characteristics and Processes in Caminada Borrow Area, Ship Shoal, Louisiana Shelf, USA

Baton Rouge, LA
Aug 2017 - Dec 2019

University of Texas at Austin

B.S. Geology
Business Foundations Program Certificate

Austin, TX
Aug 2013 - May 2017

Skills

Programming Languages & Tools
GIS & Geology
Coursework

Awards & Publications

  • 2019 - Finalist, Rock Stars Poster Competition, LSU Department of Geology & Geophysics
  • 2018 - Mary Jo Klosterman Superior Graduate Student Scholarship
  • Coastal Change Hazards Portal
    https://marine.usgs.gov/coastalchangehazardsportal/
  • Chaytor, J.D. and Xue, Z., Data Evaluation Report for the Strait of Gibraltar Fixed-Link (Tunnel) Project. US Geological Survey Internal Report (2024).
  • Xue, Z., Wilson, C.A., Xu, K.H. et al. Sandy Borrow Area Sedimentation—Characteristics and Processes Within South Pelto Dredge Pit on Ship Shoal, Louisiana Shelf, USA. Estuaries and Coasts 45, 658–676 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-021-00975-6
  • Xue, Z., Wilson, C.A., Bentley, S.J., Liu, H., Xu, K., Li, C., Miner, M., Sediment Transport and Slope Stability of Ship Shoal Borrow Areas for Coastal Restoration of Louisiana, Presented at AGU Fall Meeting 2017, Poster