Research Overview

Research at the Coastal Studies Institute focuses on solving complex problems across the coastal zone. Our team of interdisciplinary researchers has a broad diversity of scientific expertise. Our research provides stakeholders with valuable insight and data on environmentally and culturally important issues. These data inform and guide important decisions regarding coastal management. Find out more about the main research areas by clicking each of the buttons below.

Research Focus Areas

Coasts & People

An aerial image of waterways snaking through an expanse of marsh.

Marine & Coastal Ecosystems

A riptide forms in the ocean just off the beach.

Oceanographic & Coastal Processes

Marsh and maritime forest on the backside of a barrier island.

Marine & Coastal Resource Management

An underwater view of the sea surface. The sunlight penetrates from above.

Renewable Ocean Energy

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.