Research - Oceanography and Natural Sciences Department
Research is at the heart of OcNS. Students at every level are encouraged to work alongside faculty on projects that address local and global challenges.
Current and recent areas of research include:
- Monitoring harmful algal blooms and water quality in coastal systems
- Deploying and maintaining ocean observing stations in collaboration with regional networks.
- Quantifying marine microplastic debris and ecosystem impacts in estuaries, the coastal ocean and through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
- Investigating climate-driven changes in marine and estuarine ecosystems
- Developing models of coastal risk from tsunamis.
- Computational models of photoionization at national and international labs.
Through independent projects, summer internships, and faculty-led studies, OcNS students gain experience that builds confidence and shapes careers.
