UNCW College of Science and Engineering

09/04/2026

What does a summer immersed in marine science look like?

Through UNCW's MarineQuest, teens gain hands-on experience in marine and environmental science. The program's capstone experience, Oceans 17, gives participants the opportunity to conduct research alongside UNCW experts, learning advanced scientific techniques such as GIS mapping and quantitative data analysis.

For more than 45 years, MarineQuest has inspired young learners to explore, discover and protect our coastal environments.

Through Oceans 17, MarineQuest's capstone program, participants conduct lab and field-based research alongside UNCW marine science faculty, staff and grad students.

09/03/2026

Advancing brain health through collaboration. 🧠

The UNCW Brain Health Resilience Research Hub brings together researchers across disciplines to tackle some of today’s most pressing brain health challenges. Its four focus areas include biopharmaceutical drug development, neuroplasticity, prevention of head and neck trauma, and substance use and data science.

From the beginning, the hub was designed to create meaningful research opportunities for students.

Learn more about the UNCW student researchers helping drive discoveries forward: uncw.edu/news/research/2026/08/students-shape-the-future-of-brain-health

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

For more than three decades, Jay Styron ’90 has been at the helm of UNCW’s marine research operations. From managing vessel operations and coordinating scientific missions to supervising marine technicians and captains, his work helps researchers unlock the mysteries of the ocean every day. His leadership recently helped bring R/V Osprey to life, a 78-foot research vessel he helped design, equipped with advanced laboratories and state-of-the-art technology to support the next generation of marine scientists.

Inspired by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and guided by a family legacy of mariners, UNCW's Center for Marine Science Associate Director of Marine Operations Jay Styron ’90 pursued a career that blends science with exploration.

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

UNCW officially welcomes the 78-foot R/V Osprey to its fleet, expanding the university's capabilities for research, education and stewardship.

With enhanced stability, speed, dedicated dry and wet labs, and satellite communications, the R/V Osprey will support innovative research in North Carolina's coastal waters and beyond. 🌊

UNCW officially welcomes the 78-foot research vessel Osprey (R/V Osprey) to its fleet, marking a significant investment in the university's commitment to advancing coastal and marine research, education and stewardship.

08/27/2026

This week, UNCW Coastal Engineering was proud to host the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Coastal Branch for its August meeting, bringing more than 95 local engineers and UNCW engineering students together on campus!

UNCW Coastal Engineering faculty member Dr. Greg Williams served as the featured speaker, sharing his expertise with engineering professionals and students from across the region.

During the event, Coastal Engineering students Jacquelyn Houle and Kinley Taylor were also recognized as student ambassadors to the ASCE Coastal Branch Board. They will work closely with the Board on activities and engagement throughout the academic year—an outstanding opportunity to build connections with our region’s engineering community.

ASCE has been a longtime supporter of UNCW students through scholarships and continued engagement with our engineering programs.

We are grateful for the opportunity to host the Coastal Branch at UNCW and look forward to continuing to strengthen this important partnership! 🌊⚙️

08/25/2026

Building the workforce that will power tomorrow.

UNCW has joined the Consortium for Reactor Safety Training (CRεST), a collaborative effort focused on advancing nuclear energy education and preparing students for high-demand careers in the growing nuclear industry.

UNCW is participating in a collaborative multi-institution project to underscore nuclear power’s role in a clean-energy future and to build a new wave of skilled nuclear workers, from tradespeople to engineers.

08/24/2026

Kristy Syhapanha, a postdoctoral researcher in UNCW Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has been recognized with the American Chemical Society’s 2026 Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Recognition Program Award for Leadership in Mentoring.

The award honors individuals who go above and beyond to support and guide fellow researchers and students while fostering excellence and safety in research environments. Kristy’s dedication to helping others succeed is making a lasting impact both inside and outside the lab.

Congratulations, Kristy, on this national recognition! 👏

Kristy Syhapanha has received an American Chemical Society 2026 Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Recognition Program Award.