A. Spicer Bak

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

A. Spicer Bak is an emerging researcher specializing in coastal engineering, autonomous systems, and nearshore environmental surveying. Their work focuses on developing and evaluating robotic and uncrewed platforms capable of operating in some of the most challenging coastal environments, particularly the dynamic and hazardous surfzone. Bak's most notable contribution involves pioneering the use of amphibious uncrewed ground vehicles — specifically the commercial Bayonet-350 platform — for seamlessly mapping topography and bathymetry across the beachface, surfzone, and very nearshore, a historically difficult zone to survey safely and efficiently. By integrating RTK antenna systems onto these platforms, Bak has pushed the boundaries of what autonomous technology can achieve in data collection precision. Their complementary research evaluating autonomous system performance in the surfzone, conducted at the renowned US Army Engineer Research and Development Center's Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina, further demonstrates a commitment to rigorous, real-world testing of these emerging technologies. With a combined citation count of 7 across their most prominent works, Bak represents a forward-thinking voice in coastal robotics, advancing both safety and data availability in environments that have long posed significant risks to human surveyors.