UNCW has received $1.5 million in grant funding to lead the TEAL-SHIPS Transect Expedition, a groundbreaking project to study coastal land-to-sea habitats.  

Over the next three years, this funding will support an interdisciplinary research initiative, spearheaded by principal investigator Bradley Tolar, that focuses on coastal marine sciences. Other collaborators include: 

• Co-PI: Christian Briseño-Avena, Department of Biology and Marine Biology, UNCW  
• Co-PI: Winifred Johnson, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UNCW  
• Co-PI: Matthew McLean, Department of Biology and Marine Biology, UNCW  
• Co-PI: Sutara Suanda, Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, UNCW  
• Harvey Seim, Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences, UNC-Chapel Hill  
• Janet Nye, Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences, UNC-Chapel Hill 
• Ryan Paerl, Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, NC State University  
• Rebecca Asch, Department of Biology, East Carolina University 

“This project reflects an intentional investment by the UNC System in marine science within the system, especially given the projected changes in coastal ecosystems with climate change,” said Tolar, assistant professor of biology and marine biology. “TEAL-SHIPS will enhance our ability to provide research and training opportunities for students and faculty to participate in oceanographic research expeditions from Wilmington and set the stage for the types of science that can be supported by UNCW’s future advanced research vessel. It is critical to monitor our coastal ecosystem long-term to better understand how shifts in the Gulf Stream or climate could impact our state’s marine industries, including fisheries and aquaculture.”

The TEAL-SHIPS project, in collaboration with East Carolina University, NC State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, will conduct seasonal expeditions to explore the critical habitats that stretch from the Cape Fear River to the Gulf Stream. The research aims to assess the interconnectedness of terrestrial and marine ecosystems through comprehensive process studies, offering new insights into the environmental challenges and ecological dynamics of these regions.  

“As the state’s coastal university, UNCW is committed to teaching and research that advances our understanding of coastal and marine environments and the pressing challenges that face them. The TEAL-SHIPS Transect Expedition not only strengthens collaboration across the UNC system but also provides vital data that will shape the future of coastal conservation and resilience,” said James J. Winebrake, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are thrilled for Dr. Tolar and the research team, and proud to be at the forefront of impactful research that aims for long-term, positive contributions.” 

More on the expedition

Earlier this year, UNCW’s Center for Marine Science announced it will add an All-American Marine-made, cutting-edge 73-foot research vessel to its fleet. With an anticipated completion date of spring 2026, UNCW will partner with Cape Fear Community College to utilize its research vessel stationed in the Cape Fear River until the CMS vessel is complete. 

Only three research teams from within the University of North Carolina System were selected as recipients of awards totaling $4.5 million from the 2025 Research Opportunities Initiative (ROI). 

The grants are funded by the North Carolina General Assembly to encourage innovative and collaborative research projects across the state. The UNC System ROI program focuses on six priority research areas: advanced manufacturing; data science; energy; marine and coastal science; military and security-related issues; and pharmacoengineering.