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
Newest Installment of Meet the Scientist Premieres April 29
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...
Supporting Energy Resilience on the Outer Banks
In the Fall issue of Coastlines, we announced that CSI and the NCROEP, in conjunction with the Energy Production & Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at UNC-Charlotte, had been chosen as a regional partner for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Transitions...
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Susan Lovelace
The Integrated Coastal Sciences, formerly known as Coastal Resource Management (CRM), Ph.D. Program has produced many successful alumni over the years. Among them is Dr. Susan Lovelace, a 2008 graduate who joined the program at the beginning of its second year. After...
Student Internship Reflections
An Experience for Growth and Maturity By Chanel SturdivantAs my spring semester in the OBX and first year at East Carolina University end, I have a lot to share about my experience. I am a junior-year transfer student from a community college earning a degree in...
Academic Programs at the ECU OBX Campus
Step on the ECU Outer Banks Campus most any weekday, and in addition to the hustle and bustle of boats being loaded up and research being conducted, you’ll also likely find a class in session or students wandering about. In the last few years, the Coastal Studies...
Solving Wicked, Complex Coastal Problems One Ph.D. at a Time
Coastal Studies Institute and ECU Outer Banks Campus are known for renowned research and excellent educational programs. K-12 programs reach far and wide serving children and youth from around North Carolina and the surrounding states. UNC-Chapel Hill students can...
Meet the Scientist, Episode 4 Premieres March 25
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...
Pirate Nation Gives, ECU Day of Giving, Happening March 17
Support ECU Integrated Coastal Programs and the Coastal Studies Institute on March 17, 2021, during our annual "Pirate Nation Gives" fundraising event. ECU’s Day of Giving, known as Pirate Nation Gives, is a 24-hour online fundraising event that brings the ECU...
Cora McQuaid: A Semester Experience at the Coast Internship Spotlight
For ECU students, the Semester Experience at the Coast offers many benefits each spring. During the pandemic, it has offered safe, in-person classes, and each of the courses has ample opportunities for collaborative fieldwork. In addition to the hands-on experience...
Virtual Blue Heron Bowl A Big Success
After almost a year of virtual events, it’s almost become second nature to stream events online and to use video-conferencing platforms for various meetings throughout the day. But when it comes to organizing a large, virtual, trivia-style competition for high school...