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
Bonner Selected as 2021-2022 Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow
The Atlantic Council's Veterans Advanced Energy Project recently announced the 2021-2022 cohort of Veteran Advanced Energy Fellows, and CSI is thrilled to share that George Bonner, Director of the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program at the Coastal Studies...
CoastLines Fall 2021 – ECU Integrated Coastal Programs Newsletter
Welcome ECU to the Fall 2021 semester! It’s an exciting time to be a Pirate! As the semester really ramps up, sometimes we need a little lift, a spring in our step, a quick break…well, let us help! Check out some of the exciting happenings and how you can get...
Newly Installed Water Level Sensors Can Help OBX Citizens Prepare For Flooding
For those who live on the Outer Banks, the words soundside flooding can carry heavy weight. As large storm events threaten coastal North Carolina, storm surge, and even high tides, can have a significant impact, particularly along the shores of the eight sounds of the...
Faculty Highlight: Dr. Nadine Heck
How does one choose a career when interested in so many different things? That is a question that Dr. Nadine Heck, Assistant Professor in the Department of Coastal Studies, once had to answer. Dr. Heck grew up in Germany on Lake Constance – an inland “ocean” bordered...
CSI Internship OPENS Doors for ECU Student
An internship reflection by Cora McQuaid.I spent the past 8 months at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) in Manteo, North Carolina. As a freshman in East Carolina University’s “Semester at the Coast Program” I took an in-person field-based course on physical...
CSI Summer Camps See Successful Return
After a hiatus in 2020, the CSI summer camps were back and better than ever this summer! Each of the four sessions offered was quick to fill with 12-13 campers from all over the US. About one-third of the students attending each week were from the Outer Banks, while...
NCROEP Summer Internship Is Worthwhile Experience
An internship reflection by Vega Sproul.Over the past twelve weeks, I have had the pleasure of interning at CSI under George Bonner, Director of the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP).My role under George was ultimately to ultimately learn as much...
A Special Edition of Meet the Scientist Airs July 15
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a scientist? Or are you curious about what research takes place on the ECU Outer Banks Campus? If you answered “YES!” to either of these questions, you should tune in to our monthly, live-streamed video series Meet the...
Mangrove forest study has takeaways for coastal communities
By Matt Smith (ECU News Services, Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement). Photo: Despite resilient grow back in the past, Lagomasino and his research team estimate that nearly 11,000 hectares of mangrove forest, about 27,000 acres, failed to regrow...
Jennette’s Pier and CSI Use Spotter Buoys to Enhance Wave Energy Development
By Vega Sproul and Cora McQuaid.The Coastal Studies Institute has an ongoing relationship with NC Aquariums’ Jennette’s Pier for many years. Located just five miles apart, CSI, in partnership with Jennette’s Pier, operates a renewable ocean energy testing site at the...