Science and Environmental Academy (SEA)

The Science and Environmental Academy (SEA) meets weekly to present relevant topics from the fields of science and the environment. UNCW professors and knowledgeable community presenters share their expertise and offer stimulating discussions in a friendly, relaxed setting. 

Feb. 5 Ghost Forests of the Cape Fear River and Its Tributaries 

Andrea Hawkes, Ph.D., professor, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, UNCW and  

Monica Rother, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, UNCW 

Ghost forests along the Cape Fear River and its tributaries are stands of dead trees caused by saltwater intrusion into freshwater wetlands driven by rising sea levels and dredging. As a result, salt-intolerant species like bald cypress are dying. These eerie dead trees are a visible sign of climate change and ecosystem shifts, transforming forests into marshes and raising concerns about ecological impacts. This presentation discusses how studying tree rings and marine microfossils in sediment helps us understand this process and gain insight into the impacts of climate change and human activity on coastal ecosystems. 

Feb. 12 Nuclear Energy and the Environment 

Karen Wiliams, Ph.D., retired communications manager, Duke Energy Brunswick Nuclear Plant 

North Carolina is home to five commercial nuclear reactors, including the Brunswick Nuclear Plant near Southport. This presentation covers the basics of nuclear science and how nuclear power plants operate. We discuss issues related to radiation safety, environmental impacts, public opinion, the current state of the industry and future trends. 

Feb. 19 Wild Horse Herd at Beaufort’s Rachel Carson Reserve 

Paula Gillikin, stewardship coordinator, N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, Division of Coastal Management, NCDEQ 

The North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of 10 protected sites encompassing more than 44,000 acres of estuarine land and water. The sites provide essential habitat for wildlife and serve as living laboratories for research, education and stewardship. This presentation illustrates the work conducted by the reserve and highlights some of its management challenges, including the wild horses at the Rachel Carson Reserve. 

Feb. 26 Cultivating Energy and Agriculture: Exploring Agrivoltaics in North Carolina  

Meredith Hovis, Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental social science, Department of Environmental Sciences, UNCW 

This presentation examines agrivoltaics (AVs), which refers to the co-location of solar energy and agricultural production, through the lens of farmer and solar developer perspectives in North Carolina. Drawing on interviews with both stakeholder groups, we explore opportunities and challenges to AV adoption, focusing on economic, environmental and social factors. The goal of this research is to identify opportunities for collaboration and accelerate the adoption of agrivoltaics as a viable sustainability solution. 

March 5 Habitat Corridors for Wildlife Conservation Crossings  

Ron Sutherland, Ph.D., chief scientist and southeast program director, Wildlands Network 

Conservation scientists now realize that connecting wildlife habitats through wildlife corridors and road crossings is vitally important for the survival of many species. Sutherland, an expert on habitat connectivity, shares his insights into the opportunities for corridors and crossings in North Carolina, including the prospects for helping endangered red wolves cross busy highways in the coastal plain, creating safe passage for wildlife and motorists alike. 

March 12 Eco-practicology: Lessons from Africa, Applications in North Carolina 

Kgosietsile Velempini, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, UNCW  

Eco-practicology is the study of socio-ecological practice, which focuses on pragmatic, effective, and durable solutions that recognize the interconnectedness of ecological, social and economic systems. Velempini shares how community-based eco-practicology research in Africa could be applied to sustainable environmental solutions in North Carolina.