Ivor van Heerden is a South African-born American scientist, recognized for his work in the marine sciences and his significant contributions in the field of hurricane research.

[citation needed] Van Heerden is also known for his criticism of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), attributing the 2005 levee failures in New Orleans to their faulty design and execution.

This controversy was further fueled when LSU instructed him to avoid media engagements, raising concerns that his book The Storm might jeopardize federal grant money directed to the university.

[4] In a subsequent interview with Harry Shearer on his Le Show radio program, Van Heerden revealed that he learned about his dismissal from news media and was never personally informed.

[16][17] The lawsuit ended in a settlement after emails between the Louisiana Governor's office and LSU officials were made public, indicating an early plan to silence van Heerden after his criticisms of the Army Corps of Engineers.