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
New Event Oct. 27: From Tide to Table, an Oyster Tasting Occasion
The Coastal Studies Institute & ECU Outer Banks Campus, in partnership with the NC Coastal Federation, are excited to announce a new adult program entitled From Tide To Table: Exploring Oyster Ecology, Farming, and Culinary Delights. Join us on October 27, 2023,...
CSI Open House Set for Earth Day, April 22
Celebrate 10 years on the ECU Outer Banks Campus with us at our 2023 Open House! Spend Earth Day, April 22nd learning about coastal and marine science research and education programs at ECU and the Coastal Studies Institute.East Carolina University’s Integrated...
Mike O’Driscoll: Water Resources Extroidinaire
Dr. Mike O’Driscoll has a long history with East Carolina University. He first started as a geology instructor in 2004 and has since climbed the faculty ranks to become a Professor in the ECU Department of Coastal Studies. Though his main office is in Greenville, his...
Sam Farquhar Tackles Arctic Fisheries & Food Security in Ph.D. Research Project
Sam Farquhar began her Ph.D. journey amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. At the time, she had recently completed her master’s program in Marine and Environmental Affairs at the University of Washington in Seattle, followed by a nine-month fellowship in Madagascar....
June 19 Science on the Sound Features Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Join us for the June 2025 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...
Semester Experience at the Coast Proves To Be Memorable Opportunity for Students
Makenzie Allen is a first-year ECU undergraduate student who recently participated in the Semester Experience at the Coast. The following is an account of her time spent on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. Throughout the spring semester of 2025, I have had the chance to...
Another Busy Year at the Outer Banks Field Site
Another Fall semester came and went, and with that another cohort of students from UNC- Chapel Hill wrapped up an exciting semester of courses, internships, and research. In the last quarter of 2024, twelve students from Chapel Hill and beyond traveled to the coast to...
CoastLines Spring 2025 Available Now
We are proud to announce the Spring 2025 issue of the ECU Integrated Coastal Programs Newsletter, CoastLines. Stay up to date on the research, education, and outreach programs of ECU ICP and the Coastal Studies Institute.In This Issue Corbett’s CornerStudent Section...
ECU, CSI faculty member appears in new environmental film
Dr. David Lagomasino, depicted in the film still above walking through a study site in the Florida Everglades, is stationed at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus, yet his research reaches around the world. Much of his work focuses on mangrove...
Performing Arts- Based Science on the Sound, May 8
Join us for the May 2025 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...
2025 CSI Open House to be Held May 17
Join us at the ECU Outer Banks Campus during our 2025 Open House! Spend the afternoon of May 17th learning about coastal and marine science research and education programs at ECU and the Coastal Studies Institute.East Carolina University’s Integrated Coastal Programs...
Energized Youth Compete in CSI Student Challenge
On a recent Saturday in late March, over eighty 4th-12th graders and their mentors and guardians gathered at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) to compete in the annual North Carolina Renewable Energy Challenge. Sponsored by the KidWind Project, the NC Renewable...
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.
