Integrated Coastal Programs (ICP) is pleased to announce Dr. Rosana Ferreira as the next director of the Integrated Coastal Sciences (ICS) Ph.D. program. The ICS program equips students to solve complex coastal problems through multidisciplinary training, and, as an atmospheric scientist, Ferreira will bring yet another perspective to this approach.
Ferreira began her career at ECU in 2007 as a faculty member in the Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment (DGPE) and has a proven record of leadership and advocating for students. In her time at ECU, she has served as the Graduate Director of the ECU M.S. in Geography, the ECU Faculty Senator for Geography, Planning, and Environment, and on various other committees. Additionally, as an international, first-generation college student herself, Ferreira is “aware of the academic challenges faced by first-generation students, students with multicultural backgrounds, and international students.” She is organized, proactive, and ready to take on new challenges, all while maintaining compassion for students and their academic journeys.
Dr. Ferreira is eager to begin her work as ICS Director and, thus far, has enjoyed meeting ICS students and affiliated faculty.
“I am thrilled to be the new director for the Integrated Coastal Studies PhD program. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and contribute to the advancement of coastal research and education, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff to explore the complex challenges and opportunities of our coastal environment, ecosystems and communities.”
In the future, she hopes to add more atmospheric sciences into the ICS curriculum and mentor atmospheric science PhD students in the program. Her research, which focuses on the integration of observations and models of the atmosphere to study changing climate, is well-suited to fold into the interdisciplinary nature of the ICS program and has the potential for collaboration with other ICS faculty and students.
In the meantime, she is excited that ICS students will have the opportunity to fulfill one elective requirement through a course called Coastal Storms this spring. She and other faculty in DPGE and in the Department of Coastal Studies, will teach this course which will examine the meteorology of coastal storms and their social and ecological impacts on the North Carolina coast.
Whether it be funding, connections, research, or student support, Dr. Ferreira has her sights set on increased opportunities, and with that, the new growth for the Integrated Coastal Sciences Ph.D. program.
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.
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.
The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
