Skip to main content
WRRI Logo NC Water Resources Research Institute

education

image: peaceful stream.

Nov 12, 2025

NC Stream Watch’s Indoor-Outdoor Classrooms

"We have goals to raise awareness about natural resource careers earlier, rather than waiting until people are in college — trying to spark those little nuggets of 'this is a possibility' early on.” 

Oct 17, 2024

Now Accepting Applications for Mountains to Sea Graduate Research Fellowship

The North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute, in collaboration with North Carolina Sea Grant, is accepting applications for proposals focused on North Carolina coastal and freshwater resources. Graduate students in good academic standing who attend an accredited North Carolina college or university are eligible to apply by 5pm on December 16, 2024. “We’re excited to…
Ellerbe Creek, a creek that runs through Durham, North Carolina, not far from Duke University

Jun 4, 2024

Tips for STEM Students: Advice for Pursuing a Career in Science from WRRI’s Current Student Fellows

Coming from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, these student fellows shared their recommendations for developing complementary skills, working between disciplines, and keeping the big picture in mind. Learn to communicate effectively Mary-Margaret Mckinney, a PhD student in the Integrated Coastal Studies program at East Carolina University and Director of Coastal Restoration for Native…

May 28, 2024

From the Mountains to the Sea: Researchers and Community Activists Focus on Plastic Pollution in North Carolina

From plastic trash littering our creeks and rivers, to microplastics in our waterways and bloodstreams, plastic pollution can feel ubiquitous and inevitable—but some North Carolina researchers are doing vital work to measure plastic in our environments, raise awareness about its impacts, and combat its effects.
Image of Fontana Dam, North Carolina

Apr 17, 2024

New NC WRRI and NC Sea Grant Fellows to Conduct Research on Environmental Change, Coastal Flooding, and More

Five fellows were selected for WRRI’s “Mountains to Sea” request for proposals, focusing on coastal and freshwater resources across the state. Four student fellows are funded by the North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute and North Carolina Sea Grant, and one is supported by the Urban Water Consortium. Their projects focus on timely topics including…

Feb 21, 2024

WRRI, DEQ, and Partners Announce NC Stream Watch Educator Cohort

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Christy Perrin, christy_perrin@ncsu.edu The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Water Resources announces an exciting new chapter for the NC Stream Watch education program. The new effort, which includes an inaugural class of Stream Watch educators, is in partnership with the North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), North Carolina Sea Grant and the nonprofit Environmental…
A screenshot showing a cartoon animation of two students talking. Off to the right side, large text states, "What makes water renewable, and how can we keep it that way?"

Aug 7, 2023

“Keeping Water Renewable” Lesson Plan Receives National Award

This year’s APEX Awards for Publication Excellence have honored Keeping Water Renewable: 5E Lesson, a free, standards-aligned lesson on renewable water for middle and high school students. The interactive blended lesson provides a thorough explanation of the water cycle, including how climate change and human interference affect water quality and availability and contains enough material for 10 to 12 class periods. The lesson was developed by PBS NC, in partnership with NC Water Resources Research Institute, North Carolina Sea Grant, and the NC Department of Environmental Quality. It is available on the PBS NC website.