UNCW College of Science and Engineering

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.

08/19/2026

07/30/2026

From the volleyball court to cutting-edge geospatial research! 🏐🌎

UNCW graduate student Margo Huff ’25, ’27M is turning her passion for environmental science into a thriving career in geospatial science. A former Division I volleyball player and UNCW Environmental Sciences Department alumna, Huff is making her mark through innovative research and a prestigious internship with GIS industry leader Esri.

Margo Huff ’25, ’27M is advancing geospatial science through research at UNCW and a prestigious internship with GIS leader Esri.

07/29/2026

This summer, Dr. Laavanya Rachakonda led the research-intensive course, "Hardware for Hunger: Engineering Smart Systems from Soil to Sea," as part of UNCW's Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics program. High school students explored how IoT, smart agriculture, coastal aquaculture and cyber-physical systems are transforming food ecosystems and critical infrastructure.

To bring classroom concepts to life, students ventured into the field for immersive visits across the Wilmington area, including:

🐟 Finfish Facility
🚜 Black River Organic Farms
🦪 Oyster Hatchery
⚡ Duke Energy Brunswick Nuclear Plant
🌱 Hydroponics at James Sprunt Community

Back in the lab, students turned inspiration into innovation by designing, programming and building autonomous prototypes using ESP32 and Arduino microcontrollers, environmental sensors and predictive analytics.

By connecting technology, sustainability and real-world problem-solving, these young researchers gained firsthand experience tackling the challenges and opportunities shaping our food systems of tomorrow.

06/22/2026

Beginning in August 2026, UNCW will offer a new undergraduate degree in Data Science, designed to prepare students for success in the fast-moving worlds of data science and artificial intelligence. Through a blend of foundational coursework and hands-on learning experiences, students will gain the skills needed to navigate emerging technologies, solve complex problems and lead in a data-driven future.

A new undergraduate program in data science will be offered at UNCW beginning in August 2026.

06/17/2026

More than ONE-THIRD of the honorees on the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list are Seahawks! 🦅🙌

This annual spotlight celebrates rising stars across southeastern North Carolina—young leaders who are making a real impact in their organizations and communities.

Here’s to Seahawk innovators, changemakers and trailblazers leading the way!

More than one-third of the names on the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce's annual 40 Under 40 list are Seahawks.

06/02/2026

From lab to land 🌱🤖 - a UNCW student-faculty team is combining AI and robotics to give farmers smarter, ground-level insights for better decisions.

It started with a suburban backyard garden but could provide the decision-making tools that farmers and others need to cultivate their land for long-term viability.