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May 6, 2025

New NC WRRI and NC Sea Grant Fellows to Conduct Research on Invasive Species, Stormwater Runoff, Algal Blooms, and More

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

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…
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…
In a brightly lit room, someone fills up a clear glass with water from the sink.

Sep 27, 2023

NC WRRI Fellows Work to Improve Well Water Quality Through PFAS Research

BY EMMA SCARDINA Graduate students Tiffany VanDerwerker of North Carolina State University and Charlotte Robbins of UNC Chapel Hill are supporting communities through their research on PFAS in well water. VanDerwerker’s research considered an alternative water source for homes that have contaminated well water. Robbins’ project analyzes how PFAS leaks from landfills into surrounding groundwater…

Jul 19, 2023

The Road Less Traveled: An Academic Journey from Undergrad to Professor

Emine Fidan, former NC WRRI and NC Sea Grant Joint Funding recipient defended her dissertation in November 2022 and began her appointment as a professor in January 2023. When asked what advice she would give to other graduates, she said, “I would just say not to be discouraged by your failures in research. And that’s because I had so many. A huge part of my Ph.D. was just trying something new, finding out that it didn’t work, trying something else, and then reaching another obstacle.”

Apr 11, 2023

New NC WRRI Fellows to Consider Pressing Issues in Water, Engage Local Communities

Six graduate students across North Carolina recently began new fellowship projects. Four of these are funded by the North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute (NC WRRI), and the Urban Water Consortium and Stormwater Consortium, facilitated through NC WRRI, are each funding one project. Topics range from PFAS contamination in well water and streams, to green…
Above, left to right: Lauren Grimley installs a sensor to measure water in the storm drain and capture images of roadway flooding in real-time in New Bern, North Carolina, as part of the North Carolina Sea Grant-funded Sunny Day Flooding Project; Emine Fidan collects flood water samples from Hurricane Florence for her research project; and Holly Haflich puts together the electrochemical cell she will use for selective PFAS removal from natural waters.

May 26, 2022

New Joint Fellows Tackle Statewide Water Challenges

Five graduate students across North Carolina recently began new coastal and water-resource fellowship projects.
A truck lies inundated by flood waters from the Eno River in Durham after Hurricane Hanna.

Dec 15, 2021

Modeling Future Climate Impacts on NC Flooding with Hunter Quintal

As a 2021-22 Graduate Research Fellow, Hunter Quintal is studying how changes in precipitation and land use may affect future flooding.
Cape Fear River

Jul 1, 2021

WRRI Supporting 10 Graduate Students for 2021-22

By Justin Lindemann “We are pleased to see our funding partners join us again in support of a strong lineup of important projects from up-and-coming researchers,” notes John Fear, deputy director for the state’s Sea Grant and Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) programs. “With research focusing on chemicals of concern, factors for erosion, a variety…