Coastal Studies Institute to host open house on ECU Outer Banks Campus

Published May 25, 2022 by
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East Carolina University’s Integrated Coastal Programs (ICP) and the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) will host an open house from 1-4 p.m. June 4 at the ECU Outer Banks Campus in Wanchese.

East Carolina University’s Integrated Coastal Programs (ICP) and the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) will host an open house from 1-4 p.m. June 4 at the ECU Outer Banks Campus in Wanchese.

The event is free and open to the public. 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 partner organizations. The LEED Gold certified ECU Outer Banks Campus is on Roanoke Island at 850 N.C. Highway 345.

ECU’s Integrated Coastal Programs 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 transdisciplinary Department of Coastal Studies, a doctoral program in Integrated Coastal Sciences, and the Coastal Studies Institute.

CSI is a multi-institutional research partnership led by East Carolina University, 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 for residents of eastern North Carolina.

ECU ICP and CSI research and education initiatives span a variety of coastal topics from nearshore estuaries to the offshore waters along the continental shelf. Visitors to the open house will learn about the following research initiatives from faculty and staff stationed throughout the facility:

  • 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. 
  • Estuarine systems, their inputs and how to ensure healthy coastal ecosystems for the future. 
  • Harnessing the power of the Gulf Stream, waves and other renewable ocean energy sources, using new technologies to broaden North Carolina’s energy portfolio. 
  • Working with area residents, visitors and relevant social statistics to better understand the impacts of coastal change on communities, while working to develop new and prosperous economies for the future.
  • Investigating 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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