East Carolina University’s Integrated Coastal Programs and the Coastal Studies Institute welcomes the public to the free Open House on Saturday, April 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the ECU Outer Banks Campus location in Wanchese.
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 partners including North Carolina Sea Grant, NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research.
The LEED gold certified ECU Outer Banks Campus is located at 850 N.C. 345 Highway, approximately one mile south of the U.S. 64 and N.C. 345 intersection.
Located on the ECU Outer Banks Campus, 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 newly formed transdisciplinary Department of Coastal Studies, a PhD program in Integrated Coastal Sciences, and the Coastal Studies institute.
The Coastal Studies Institute is a multi-institutional research partnership led by East Carolina University, in association with NC 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 of the residents of eastern North Carolina.
ECU ICP and CSI research and education initiatives span a variety of coastal topics from nearshore coastal estuaries to the offshore waters along continental shelf. Visitors to the 2019 Open House will learn about research initiatives first hand from faculty and staff stationed throughout the facility.
Coastal geoscientists are researching the processes that drive coastal change, their effect on our communities and ways we can become more resilient in the face of increasing hazards that threaten our coast.
Ecologists are studying our estuarine systems, their inputs and how we can ensure healthy coastal ecosystems for the future.
Oceanographers and coastal engineers are exploring ways to harness the power of the Gulf Stream, waves and other renewable ocean energy sources, using new technologies to broaden North Carolina’s energy portfolio.
Social scientists are working with coastal residents, visitors and relevant social statistics to better understand the impacts coastal change has on communities, while working to develop new and prosperous economies for the future.
Maritime archaeologists are researching 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.