East Carolina University’s Integrated Coastal Programs and the Coastal Studies Institute are hosting an open house Feb. 29 at the ECU Outer Banks Campus location in Wanchese.
The 1-4 p.m. event at 850 N.C. 345 is free of charge. Attendees will be able to tour the campus, grounds and facilities, learn about current research and education programs, take part in family friendly activities and interact with faculty and staff from ECU, CSI and partners including North Carolina Sea Grant, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research.
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The Coastal Studies Institute is a multi-institutional research partnership led by East Carolina University, in association with North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington and Elizabeth City State University. CSI focuses on integrated coastal research and education programming centered on responding to the needs, issues and topics of concern of the residents of eastern North Carolina.
Research and education initiatives span a variety of coastal topics from nearshore coastal estuaries to the offshore waters along the continental shelf, including the following:
- Coastal geoscientists are researching the processes that drive coastal change, their effect on communities and ways to become more resilient in the face of increasing hazards that threaten the coast.
- Ecologists are studying estuarine systems, their inputs and how to ensure healthy coastal ecosystems.
- Oceanographers and coastal engineers are exploring ways to harness the power of the Gulf Stream, waves and other renewable ocean energy sources, using new technologies to broaden North Carolina’s energy portfolio.
- Social scientists are working with coastal residents, visitors and relevant social statistics to better understand the impacts coastal change has on communities, while working to develop new and prosperous economies.
- Maritime archaeologists are researching and discovering new shipwrecks using advanced technologies while celebrating the maritime heritage of eastern North Carolina.
- Faculty and staff are engaging the local community and the next generation of scientists and decision makers in education programming that fosters student interest in the fields of technology, engineering, art, math and science.
