\u2022 ghost forests in Coastwatch<\/em>: go.ncsu.edu\/ghost<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 adapted from Laura Oleniacz\u2019s NC State News story<\/p>\n\n\n The Society for Sedimentary Geology has awarded East Carolina University\u2019s Stanley R. Riggs the Francis P. Shepard Medal in recognition of his seminal contributions to marine geology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStan has been at the forefront of research, trying to understand how our coastal systems work and respond to stressors,\u201d says John Fear, North Carolina Sea Grant\u2019s deputy director. \u201cAll those he has taught, encouraged, and inspired continue his work and are helping make our state more resilient to the constant hazards, natural and manmade, that we face.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For decades, North Carolina Sea Grant has supported numerous projects Riggs spearheaded. During his career, he explored the water bodies around Roanoke Island, located sand resources off the Outer Banks and mapped the hard bottoms of Onslow Bay, and even trekked deep into the striking nightscapes of the Outer Albemarle Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis award is the product of a large team of coastal marine scientists and students working together since the 1960s to understand and manage the many complex aspects of North Carolina\u2019s world-class coastal system,\u201d says Riggs, who also has written for Coastwatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMany different state and federal agencies, universities, nonprofits, local and state leaders, and particularly the local citizens in eastern N.C. have contributed to the science, funding, publication, education, and implementation aspects that led to this award,\u201d Riggs says. \u201cThis is a team award.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Riggs\u2019s nonprofit, NC Land of Water: NClandofwater.org <\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n \u2022 \u201cA Brief History of Sea Level Rise in North Carolina”: \u2022 \u201cThe Greatest Show on the East Coast:” go.ncsu.edu\/greatest-show<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n NOAA and Sea Grant have announced 74 finalists for the 2022 class of the Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program, including four graduate students from North Carolina: Olivia Vil\u00e1, Anderson Tran, Molly Bruce, and Colleen Baker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The year-long fellowship honors John A. Knauss, a founder of the National Sea Grant program, NOAA administrator, and dean of the University of Rhode Island\u2019s Graduate School of Oceanography.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cThe Knauss Fellowship program offers talented students an opportunity to delve deeply into the work of their host offices, offering their expertise and unique perspectives that absolutely enhance much-needed research, education, and outreach,\u201d says Susan White, executive director of North Carolina Sea Grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2022 Knauss Fellowship finalists from North Carolina have a wide array of research interests and experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Olivia Vil\u00e1<\/strong>, a Ph.D. candidate at NC State University, works with multiple interdisciplinary teams on hazard mitigation and resilience research. Her current work uses environmental justice, leadership, and policy frameworks to assess communities\u2019 ability to engage in recovery and mitigation, as well as to support improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI look forward to being pushed outside of my intellectual and professional comfort zone,\u201d Vil\u00e1 says.<\/p>\n\n\n Anderson Tran<\/strong> received his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After years in the natural sciences, he shifted his career to law to become more involved in policy decisions that affect fisheries and other coastal resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI hope to bring my merged scientific and legal training to help craft effective policy that will sustain our coastal resources to use and enjoy for generations to come,\u201d Tran says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Molly Bruce<\/strong> earned law and master\u2019s degrees from Duke University, where she focused on the intersection between water and climate. She has participated in client-centered representation and environmental policy design, as well as research using remotely sensed data from drones and satellites to monitor coastal ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m excited by the incredible opportunities I\u2019ll have as a Knauss Fellow to learn about federal policy design and the nuances of representing national interests,\u201d Bruce says.<\/p>\n\n\n Colleen Baker<\/strong> holds a master\u2019s degree from Duke University in environmental management, with a focus on coastal environmental management. Her research looks at small-scale fisheries and fisheries governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have spent a lot of time understanding management decisions and evaluating fisheries policies, but the Knauss Fellowship offers me the opportunity to be on the inside of decision making and implementation,\u201d Baker says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This year\u2019s finalists join about 90 from North Carolina who have served during the four-decade history of the Knauss Fellowship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 MORE: go.ncsu.edu\/new-Knauss<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Lauren D. Pharr<\/p>\n\n\n\n The invasive marine fouling species Clavelina oblonga<\/em> reduces ecological diversity, according to new research that North Carolina Sea Grant and the National Science Foundation supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marine fouling species are invertebrate filter-feeding organisms, like barnacles and mussels, and they also include soft-bodied \u201ctunicates,\u201d like Clavelina oblonga<\/em>. Tunicates use tubular openings to siphon and expel water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the recent proliferation of C. oblonga<\/em> on the coast, researchers with NC State\u2019s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City wanted to explore the invader\u2019s impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n David Eggleston and Kayla Christianson duplicated experiments performed 50 years ago in Beaufort. Along the docks, they observed submerged terra cotta plates and detected 22 different fouling species that settled on the plates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They found that wherever C. oblonga<\/em> settled, the species rapidly crowded out others. Even when cold weather and a hurricane removed C. oblonga<\/em>, it quickly regrew, and again reduced diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cC. oblonga<\/em> has only been here since 2015, but it seems to have no real natural predators, it crowds out native species, and it has a foothold,\u201d Eggleston says. \u201cWe will have to monitor this species and be sure that it doesn\u2019t impact our local shellfish industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 the full study: go.ncsu.edu\/foul-play <\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n \u2014 adapted from Tracey Peake\u2019s NC State News story<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cayla Cothron recently joined North Carolina Sea Grant\u2019s team as a climate resilience extension associate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCayla brings an impressive track record of working with communities as a public and private sector planner,\u201d says Frank L\u00f3pez, North Carolina Sea Grant\u2019s extension director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSea Grant serves a unique role in building relationships and facilitating discussions with communities,\u201d says Cothron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cothron will connect with community members and natural resource managers, working alongside L\u00f3pez, as well as North Carolina Sea Grant\u2019s coastal resilience specialist, Sarah Spiegler, and coastal construction and erosion specialist, Spencer Rogers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cothron also will work directly with students, fellows, researchers, and other stakeholders. In particular, she will collaborate with the North Carolina Sentinel Site Program\u2019s partners along the N.C. coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n North Carolina is \u201cpositioned to have ongoing impacts from climate change,\u201d Cothron says, adding that this requires planning in order to mitigate damage. For instance, she already has identified a project to help a coastal community improve its climate risk communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe look forward to Cayla continuing our program\u2019s commitment to helping coastal communities consider the immediate and longer-term impacts that they face from our changing climate,\u201d L\u00f3pez says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Cayla Cothron: go.ncsu.edu\/cayla <\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Carrie Clower<\/p>\n\n\n\n Six new projects in North Carolina launch this year with support from the Community Collaborative Research Grant Program (CCRG). North Carolina Sea Grant administers the CCRG Program in partnership with the William R. Kenan Jr. Institute for Engineering, Technology and Science (KIETS) and the N.C. Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe CCRG program expands its reach across North Carolina with the latest round of projects,\u201d says John Fear, deputy director for North Carolina Sea Grant and WRRI. \u201cThe ongoing focus on local needs and use of local knowledge sets up these projects for success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n New River Oyster Restoration: <\/strong>Joel Fodrie of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Pat Donovan-Brandenburg of the City of Jacksonville will help identify where oyster restorations have succeeded on the New River to better plan future restoration efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Youth Training and Conceptualizing Disaster: <\/strong>Kathryn Stevenson of North Carolina State University and Vequainn Joyner of the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Plain will work in an underserved community to understand how K-12 students conceptualize disaster and to explore how to better engage community members in disaster resilience efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contaminants and Sharks: <\/strong>Scott Belcher of North Carolina State University and Captain Charles Locke of F\/V Salvation will work to compare contaminants present in four different shark species in the near shores of North Carolina, as well as to determine whether mother sharks pass contaminants on to their offspring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wetlands and Wastewater<\/strong> : East Carolina University\u2019s Natasha Bell and Greenville Utilities Commission\u2019s Jason Manning will work with a team of students to test a new hybrid constructed wetland at the Greenville Utilities Commission wastewater treatment plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shoreline Erosion in Nags Head:<\/strong> Reide Corbett with East Carolina University and Holly White with the Town of Nags Head will be working to provide the town with highly accurate shoreline erosion data to inform Nags Head\u2019s new Shoreline Management Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Endangered Freshwater Mussels: <\/strong>Greensboro Science Center\u2019s Lindsey Zarecky and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission\u2019s Rachel Hoch will create a new innovative visitor display at the Greensboro Science Center, based on endangered freshwater mussel research, and also will develop a video about freshwater mussels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe CCRG program provides stakeholders an opportunity to collaborate on community-related initiatives that address relevant problems and issues,\u201d says Raj Narayan, associate director of KIETS. \u201cThe CCRG continues to nurture the creativity and resiliency of these communities and enables authentic partnerships focused on developing innovative approaches and solutions with beneficial outcomes and impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 MORE: go.ncsu.edu\/CCRG<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n \u2014 Lauren D. Pharr<\/p>\n\n\n\n North Carolina Sea Grant and NC Space Grant have awarded joint graduate research fellowships to Maya Hoon<\/strong> of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Jessica Richter<\/strong> of East Carolina University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fellowships support graduate students researching high priority needs within North Carolina watersheds, coastal areas, and nearshore environments. Fellows can utilize data from the vast archives and remote sensing capabilities of NASA and NOAA, including data collected from airplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, unpiloted submersibles, and other technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hoon will study how heavy metals influence the genes of microbes in the Neuse River Basin. She plans to compare the genes of organisms from the water to those in the sediment, looking for evidence the organisms are developing a tolerance for heavy metals.<\/p>\n\n\n Richter will generate updated shoreline maps of the Neuse River Estuary that capture shoreline erosion. The maps will provide additional tools for local planners in Craven and Pamlico counties, offering important context regarding storm-induced erosion and informing future mitigation and restoration efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis fellowship uniquely encourages students to discover ways to expand their research, using new tools and data sets, or to find new topics for tools that they know well,\u201d says Jobi Cook, associate director of NC Space Grant. \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to the innovations this year\u2019s fellows will bring to their fields.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 MORE: go.ncsu.edu\/sea-space<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Lee Cannon<\/p>\n\n\n\n Left to right: Matthew Kollman, Stephanie Batalis, Emma Hughes, and Rachael Wolff. Credit: Julie Leibach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Four new North Carolina STEM Policy Fellows recently began yearlong roles in high-level state government offices. The fellowship provides non-academic career opportunities for recent graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur incoming fellows will bring new perspectives and energy as they address policy challenges and opportunities on important issues,\u201d says Susan White, North Carolina Sea Grant\u2019s executive director. This year\u2019s fellowship class includes students from four North Carolina universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew Kollman<\/strong>, a doctoral candidate at NC State University, studies the chemistry of deriving sustainable products from renewable resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs an NC STEM Policy Fellow, I look forward to working on a wide range of topics, while learning about and supporting advances in science and technology by innovative North Carolinians,\u201d says Kollman, who will serve in the N.C. Department of Commerce Office of Science, Technology & Innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emma Hughes<\/strong> graduated with a masters from Duke University\u2019s Nicholas School of the Environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI became interested in using my knowledge and skills to uplift the protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources during my time at Duke, and I\u2019m excited to continue this type of work,\u201d says Hughes, who will serve with the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Office of the Secretary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rachael Wolff<\/strong> recently graduated with a master\u2019s degree in city and regional planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs a storyteller at heart, whether through data or words, I think this fellowship will be a great opportunity to communicate the initiatives of the State Energy Office and transform science policy into equitable action,\u201d Wolff says of her new role in the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie Batalis<\/strong> has devoted the past four years to pursuing her Ph.D. in biochemistry at Wake Forest University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy current work in Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, a designated North Carolina Research Park, has shown me what can happen when research and innovation meet,\u201d says Batalis, who will serve with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to support in-state innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2021 NC STEM Policy Fellowships also include professional development sessions in science policy and communication, developed in partnership with Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, based in Research Triangle Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n North Carolina Sea Grant administers the fellowship, now in its second year, with a matching grant from Burroughs Wellcome Fund and support from some of the fellowship host offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 MORE: go.ncsu.edu\/stem-fellows<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Lauren D. Pharr<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Stanley](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/Riggs-Wins-Award-for-Career-Excellence-in-Marine-Geology.jpg\")
<\/a>Riggs Wins Award for Career Excellence in Marine Geology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Olivia](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/Olivia-Vila-headshot-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>
go.ncsu.edu\/a-brief-history<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nNOAA and Sea Grant Select New Knauss Fellows<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Anderson](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/Anderson-Tran.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Molly](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/Molly-Bruce-.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Colleen](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/Colleen-Baker--scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>Study Reveals Foul Play from Clavelina Oblonga<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cayla](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/Cothron-joins-Sea-Grant.png\")
<\/a>Cothron Joins Sea Grant to Support a Resilient NC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"sharks.](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/2x-Community-Projects-Atlantic-Blacktip-NOAA.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCommunity Projects Explore Sharks, Oysters, Youth Training, and More<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Maya](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/Sea-Grant-and-Space-Grant-...-Maya-Hoon-scaled-1.jpg\")
<\/a> Sea Grant and Space Grant Announce Joint Fellows<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jessica](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/Sea-Grant-and-Space-Grant-...-Richter_Headshot-scaled-1.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"New](\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/09\/2x-NC-Science-Policy-Fellows-landscape-option.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNC Science Policy Fellows Begin State Government Assignments <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n