Upcoming Events

Visit the ECU Outer Banks Campus!

The Coastal Studies Institute and ECU Outer Banks Campus host a variety of monthly, seasonal, and annual events and programs.

Please check back regularly for the most up-to-date list of upcoming events. Last updated January 6, 2025.

Monthly Events

GUIDED TOURS are offered on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 AM. Pre-registration is required.

  • January 8 & 22
  • February 12 & 26
  • March 12 & 25
  • April 9 & 23

SCIENCE ON THE SOUND occurs at 6 PM every third Thursday of the month, August- May. Pre-registration is NOT required, and the program is free to attend. Please check back soon for 2025 topics.

FAMILY PROGRAMS are educational opportunities for elementary school-aged children and their accompanying adult(s). These events are offered 1-2 times per month, and the content changes seasonally. Each program incorporates fun, hands-on activities for experiential learning. These programs will take place from 3:30-5 PM on each occurrence. Pre-registration is required. Please check back soon for 2025 dates.

Soundside Science Scouts

Because of the great success with the initial program, the Coastal Studies Institute plans to host mini-camp programs throughout the 2024-2025 school year on the following days: 

  • Monday, Feb 10
  • Friday, March 14
  • Friday, April 25

These programs will occur from 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM each day and will be open to students ages 7 to 9. Pre-registration is required.

NC Renewable Energy Challenge

The 2025 NC Renewable Energy Challenge will be held on March 22, 2025, at the ECU Outer Banks Campus.

This day-long competition is for students in Grades 4-12. With two age divisions and Wind and Underwater Currents categories, this event strives to increase student interest in green technology, promote innovation, and foster 21st-century skills that better prepare students for the growing renewable energy industry. There is no cost for entry, but registration is required and will remain open through February 15, 2025.

Led by East Carolina University (ECU), The Coastal Studies Institute is a multi-institutional research and educational partnership of the UNC System including North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington, and Elizabeth City State University.

MORE INFORMATION

CSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

JENNETTE'S PIER WAVE ENERGY TEST CENTER

SMALL-SCALE WAVE TANK

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.

MORE INFORMATION

The faculty and staff at the Coastal Studies Institute come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, as well as departments and organizations including ECU Department of Biology, ECU Department of Coastal Studies, NC Sea Grant, the North Carolina Renewable Energy Program, and the UNC Institute for the Environment.

MEET THE TEAM

Tour the ECU Outer Banks Campus and learn about the research, education, and engagement projects of CSI and ECU Integrated Coastal Programs through our 360 virtual tour.

VIRTUAL TOUR

The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
Located on Roanoke Island along the banks of the second largest estuary
in the United States, this coastal campus spans 213 acres of marshes, scrub wetlands, forested wetlands, and estuarine ecosystems.

FACILITIES

SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS