Coastal Studies Institute to host open house April 13
The ECU Outer Banks Campus (ECU Photos)
East Carolina University’s Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) and the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) will host an open house from 1-4 p.m. April 13 at the ECU Outer Banks Campus in Wanchese, North Carolina.
The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend this free event. Attendees will 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, NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research. The LEED Gold certified ECU Outer Banks Campus is located at 850 NC 345 Highway, approximately one mile from the intersection of Highway 64 and NC 345.
ECU ICP is a leader in coastal and marine research, education and engagement. The program uses an interdisciplinary approach and scientific advances to provide effective solutions to complex problems while helping coastal communities, ecosystems and economies thrive. ECU ICP includes the newly formed transdisciplinary Department of Coastal Studies, a doctoral program in Integrated Coastal Sciences and the CSI.
CSI is a multi-institutional research partnership led by ECU in association with N.C. State, UNC-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.
ECU ICP and CSI research and education initiatives span a variety of coastal topics from nearshore coastal estuaries to the offshore waters along the continental shelf. Visitors to the open house will learn about research initiatives from faculty and staff stationed throughout the facility.
The ECU Outer Banks Campus
Coastal geoscientists are researching the processes that drive coastal change, their effect on our communities and ways that residents can become more resilient in the face of increasing hazards that threaten the coast.
Ecologists are studying estuarine systems, their inputs and ways to ensure healthy coastal ecosystems for the future.
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 for the future.
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.
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ECU News Services
Howard House, 1001 E. Fifth Street
Greenville, NC 27858
ecunews@ecu.edu
Phone: 252-328-6481
news.ecu.edu
Contact: John McCord, assistant director for engagement, Coastal Studies Institute, mccordr@ecu.edu
Telephone: 252-475-5450