Oceanographic & Coastal Processes
Research Focus AeaResearch Focus Area Overview
The coastal ocean, from the estuarine shoreline to the edge of the continental rise, is perhaps the most important and yet vulnerable areas of the world’s oceans. The chemical, physical, and biological processes that affect these coastal seas are intertwined and complex. Our researchers use interdisciplinary approaches, modeling and empirical, to obtain a quantitative understanding of these processes.
Research Labs
Marine Geochemistry & Coastal Dynamics
Lab
Oceanography & Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Ocean Lab
Coastal Engineering & Adaptation
Lab
Coastal Marine Processes & Geomorphology Lab
Ecology & Biogeochemistry
in Marine & Coastal
Systems Lab
Coasts & Oceans Observing
Lab
News
New Event Oct. 27: From Tide to Table, an Oyster Tasting Occasion
The Coastal Studies Institute & ECU Outer Banks Campus, in partnership with the NC Coastal Federation, are excited to announce a new adult program entitled From Tide To Table: Exploring Oyster Ecology, Farming, and Culinary Delights. Join us on October 27, 2023,...
CSI Open House Set for Earth Day, April 22
Celebrate 10 years on the ECU Outer Banks Campus with us at our 2023 Open House! Spend Earth Day, April 22nd learning about coastal and marine science research and education programs at ECU and the Coastal Studies Institute.East Carolina University’s Integrated...
See “The Cigarette Surfboard” at the Pioneer Theater on April 17
The Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), in partnership with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, is hosting a film screening of the award-winning The Cigarette Surfboard at the historic Pioneer Theater in Manteo on April 17, 2025. The film screening is part of CSI’s ongoing...
March 20 Science on the Sound Features Greentails and Wind Energy
Join us for the March 2025 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...
2025 CSI Summer Camp Registration Now Open!
Registration for 2025 CSI Summer Camps is now open. Don't wait to sign up as we may fill up quickly! Our summer camps focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) concepts and utilize hands-on experiences and exploration of the great outdoor spaces...
Dr. Sean Charles: A Man for the Swamps
The newest addition to the Department of Coastal Studies’ faculty is no stranger to the ECU Outer Banks Campus and the Coastal Studies Institute. In fact, before his recent promotion to Research Assistant Professor, Dr. Sean Charles had been a postdoctoral scholar in...
Next Science on the Sound Lecture RESCHEDULED to February 27
Join us for the February 2025 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...
New Buoy at Jennette’s Pier Provides Info for All
Those recently visiting Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC may have noticed a tall, yellow buoy floating in place just off the pier. In late 2024, the Oceanography & Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Lab at CSI, in partnership with NOAA’s Ocean Systems Test &...
Happy Holidays from CSI and ICP!
From all of us at ECU Integrated Coastal Programs and the Coastal Studies Institute, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, warmth, and coastal inspiration.
Integrated Coastal Programs Announces 2024-2025 Scholarship Recipients
ECU Integrated Coastal Programs (ICP) is pleased to announce five student scholar awards for the 2024-2025 academic year. Elnaz Pezeshki received the Anja Sjostrom Memorial Scholarship in Coastal Studies, an award that was established in January 2022 after the...
Field Site Students To Present Capstone Research on Dec 12
Join us for the December 2024 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...
Buzzing Around the Everglades
How did Kinsey Blumenthal (left in top photo), an Integrated Coastal Sciences (ICS) Ph.D. student, end up studying blood-borne pathogens carried by mosquitos in the Florida Everglades? The story is not as straightforward as one might think. In short, it took years for...
Based at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) advances inter-disciplinary marine energy solutions across UNC System partner colleges of engineering at NC State University, UNC Charlotte, and NC A&T University. Click on the links below for more information.
ECU's Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) is a leader in coastal and marine research, education, and engagement. ECU ICP includes the Coastal Studies Institute, ECU's Department of Coastal Studies, and ECU Diving and Water Safety.
The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
