REU site: coastal resilience across communities

The National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities awarded East Carolina University $509,636 on November 1, 2026, under the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site program to provide undergraduate students with hands-on research opportunities focused on coastal resilience. Through the award, students from across the United States will participate in intensive, team-based, transdisciplinary research projects under faculty and researcher mentorship, developing scientific skills, professional networks, and career preparation while addressing coastal challenges. The award carries a period of performance from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2029, with work performed in Greenville, North Carolina. The REU Site program, funded under Geosciences (CFDA 47.050), aims to strengthen the national scientific enterprise through expanded fundamental knowledge and integrated Earth system understanding in atmospheric, earth, and ocean sciences. No subawards are planned for this award.

Abstract

This project will provide undergraduate students with hands-on research opportunities in a variety of scientific disciplines. Students from across the united states will be selected to participate in intensive research projects, working closely with faculty and researchers who offer mentorship and guidance. Students will gain valuable scientific skills, professional networks, and career exploration, strengthening the workforce of outstanding scientists and engineers. This REU site focuses on coastal resilience. The students will develop skills in team-based, transdisciplinary science through independent research projects and collaboration within a cohort of researchers. These experiences will prepare students for the workforce and provide them with the tools to address current and future coastal challenges. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.