Connecticut's coastal location gives UConn a unique vantage point for studying and protecting marine ecosystems. Spearheaded at the Avery Point campus, the University's work in this area spans ocean science education, hands-on fieldwork along the Long Island Sound, and interdisciplinary research exploring how climate change and human activity affect coastal and marine environments.

Featured Efforts

View of Long Island Sound coast from the UConn Avery Point campus

Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA)

The Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) is a multi-disciplinary research center bringing together experts in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, economics, political science, finance, and law to create practical solutions to climate change challenges. CIRCA collaborates with local, regional, and national partners to translate research into real-world action that protects lives, property, and natural environments.

About CIRCA

The flagship R/V Connecticut, a custom designed 90-foot steel single screw research vessel

Department of Marine Sciences

The UConn Department of Marine Sciences (DMS), located at the Avery Point campus, 'advances research, education, and innovation to support resilient marine and coastal ecosystems.' The Marine Sciences major coursework spans ocean biology, chemistry, physics, and geology, highlights the human impact on the coastal environment, and includes fieldwork and other experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in research, consulting, regulatory agencies, and more.

 

About Marine Sciences

John S. Rankin Seawater Facility

The John S. Rankin Laboratory, located at the Avery Point campus, is a large wet laboratory designed to be a teaching and research seawater lab. The building is capable of supplying up to 250 GPM (gallons per minute) of seawater drawn directly from Long Island Sound, untreated and thus representative of ambient ocean conditions. The lab also houses a dry laboratory used for small classes, research, and monitoring equipment.

About the Rankin Laboratory

Recent Articles

Recent Articles

Click the boxes below to learn more about UConn's contributions to each of the SDGs.