Celebrate Earth Day early with us at the ECU Outer Banks Campus during our 2024 Open House! Spend April 20th learning about coastal and marine science research and education programs at ECU and the Coastal Studies Institute.
East Carolina University’s Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) and the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) are hosting their annual Open House from 11:00 AM – 3:00 pm on April 20, 2024, at the ECU Outer Banks Campus. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. 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 our partners. The LEED gold-certified ECU Outer Banks Campus is located at 850 NC 345 Highway, approximately one mile from the Highway 64 and NC 345 intersection.

ECU ICP and CSI research and education initiatives span a variety of coastal topics from nearshore coastal estuaries to the offshore waters along the continental shelf.

Visitors to the Open House will learn about research initiatives first-hand from faculty and staff stationed throughout the facility including:

  • Coastal geoscientists 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 studying our estuarine systems and fisheries, their inputs and how we can ensure healthy coastal ecosystems for the future.
  • Oceanographers and coastal engineers 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 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 researching and discovering new shipwrecks using advanced technologies while celebrating the maritime heritage of eastern North Carolina.
  • Faculty and staff 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.

Join us for an afternoon of learning and fun as we celebrate the Earth and showcase all of Integrated Coastal Programs and the Coastal Studies Institute’s fantastic work!

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.

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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.

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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