Research Permit

Researchers who want to use reserve sites as a location for their work are required to obtain a research permit from the research coordinator, Justin Ridge.

These permits are used for three important purposes. The first is to help manage all research projects on the reserve sites to help prevent conflicts (like sample plot encroachment and incompatible projects being conducted at the same time). The second is to help justify the usefulness of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System as a research platform to various funding agencies and Congress. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System requires the reporting of permitted projects at all reserve sites as part of annual performance measure tracking. The third is to keep track of projects as they reach completion and assist with the dissemination of results and final reports. Please help the Reserve accomplish these goals by filling out a research permit. For more information, contact Justin Ridge.

Permitted projects

Tab/Accordion Items

Daniel Weirauch and Eddie Roggenstein, Woods Hole Group, Inc (NOAA contractor). NOAA Vertical Datum Update - Southeast US. Buckridge. 

Leo Gaskins and Brian Silliman, Duke University. A day and night comparison of shoreline utilization by sharks and rays. Rachel Carson.

Aaron Ramus and Larry Cahoon. University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Indirect effects of an invasive seaweed on the production of an estuarine shellfishery. Bird Island, Zeke's Island, Masonboro Island, Permuda Island, Rachel Carson, Kitty Hawk Woods, Buckridge, Currituck Banks. 

Rachel Gittman, East Carolina University. Testing novel substrates and approaches to improve oyster and salt marsh restoration success. Rachel Carson.

Zofia Knorek and Joel Fodrie. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Evaluating the structural and functional equivalency of natural and restored oyster reefs in the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve. Rachel Carson.

Mikayla Thompson and Brian Silliman. Duke University. How does bioturbation by batoids influence intertidal mudlfat community structure. Rachel Carson. 

Mackenzie Taggart and Devon Eulie. University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Blue carbon sequestration in tidal wetlands along an estuarine salinity gradient: Implications for SLR. Zeke's Island.

2019

Amberly Neice and Susan McRae, East Carolina University. Using eDNA to determine occupancy of secretive marsh birds with a focus on King Rail and Eastern Black Rail. Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Permuda Island, Masonboro Island, Zeke’s Island, Bird Island.

Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University. Population genetics of ticks on the move: Amblyomma maculatum. Currituck Banks, Buckridge, Buxton Woods, Rachel Carson, Permuda Island, Masonboro Island, Zeke’s Island, Bald Head Woods, Bird Island.

Raymond Danner, University of North Carolina - Wilmington. The winter population biology of saltmarsh and seaside sparrows in southeastern North Carolina: density, abundance, space use, survival, and migratory status. Masonboro Island, Zeke’s Island.

Sarah Donaher and Rachel Gittman, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and East Carolina University. Evaluating the ability of bivalve facilitation to enhance seagrass bed restoration. Rachel Carson.

David Allen, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Southeastern bat diversity network bat blitz: assessment of bat diversity and presence of white nose syndrome. Buckridge.

Celso Castro-Boinaga, North Carolina State University. Geotechnical investigation of bivalve-sediment interaction with regard to bivalve farms as a self-sustained scour mitigation method. Rachel Carson.

Lea Selby and Andy Read, Duke University. Understanding visitor behavior to improve wild horse management. Rachel Carson.

Amy Yarnall and Joel Fodrie, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Effects of seagrass landscape configuration and species composition on the population ecology of an iconic bivalve. Rachel Carson.

Eve Eisemann, US Army Corps of Engineers. Modern coastal features with a long-term perspective: a close look at the relationship between quantifiable coastal features and storm response. Currituck Banks.

Dan Rittschof, Duke University. The influence of genetics on migration and habitat preference in Callinectes sapidus. Rachel Carson.

Andrea Hawkes and Joe Long, University of North Carolina - Wilmington. Post-Florence recovery of Masonboro Island geomorphology. Masonboro Island.

Emma Dressel and Carrie Wu, University of Richmond. Seed and tissue collection for native wavyleaf basketgrass. Bald Head Woods.

Chris Moore and April Blakeslee, East Carolina University. Parasites as indicators of biodiversity in restored oyster reefs. Rachel Carson.

Hector Perez, University of Florida. Examining latitudinal influence on sea oats (Uniola paniculata l.) Germination ecology and temperature stress tolerance: implications for management in light of Climate Change. Bird Island, Zeke’s Island.

Niels Lindquist, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Characterizing oyster growth rates among estuarine shoreline types in the Rachel Carson NERR. Rachel Carson.

Julianna Renzi and Brian Silliman, Duke University. Developing rapid, cost-effective methods for evaluation coastal biodiversity and resilience. Rachel Carson.

Zachary Darnell, Univ of Sothern Mississippi. An integrative field and biophysical model of thermal stress, physiological performance, and reproductive fitness in the interdial fiddler crab. Rachel Carson.

Jeffrey Plumlee and Joel Fodrie, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Biases in estimating the density of large predatory fishes using traditional fisheries independent sampling devices. Rachel Carson.

Meilin Haidl and Peter Zamora, University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Effect of groundwater-surface water interactions on thermal distribution and variability at Zeke's Island Reserve. Zeke's Island.

2018

April Blakeslee, East Carolina University. Parasites as novel indicators of biodiversity in restored coastal habitats. Rachel Carson.

Sarah Chahin & Joanne Halls, University of North Carolina – Wilmingon. Classifying Changes in North Carolina Barrier Island Geomorphology and Habitat using an Automated GIS Model. Masonboro Island.

Melenia Giakoumis & Michael J. Hickerson, City College of New York. Population Genomics of Asterias in the Atlantic. Currituck Banks. 

Marissa Bijarro, NC Wildlife Resource Council. Caterpillars count: a citizen science project to measure phenology and abundance of caterpillars. Currituck Banks.

Bo Dame & Heather McGuire, Chowan University. Dune system migration on an undeveloped coastal barrier island segment. Currituck Banks.

Mollie Yacano & Michael Piehler, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Impacts of invasive Phragmites australis on nitrogen processing in the Albemarle-Pamlico System. Currituck Banks, Kitty Hawk Woods, Rachel Carson.

Steven Pennings, University of Houston. Geographic variation in nematode diversity and crab body size. Zeke’s Island. 

Tyler Anderson & Alex Manda, East Carolina University. Simulating the influence of artificial channels and climate change on concentrations and residence times of salts in coastal wetland systems. Buckridge.

Aaron Ramus & Larry Cahoon, University of North Carolina – Wilmingon. Cascading effects of an invasive foundation species on estuarine food webs of the southeastern US. Masonboro Island.

Rachel Gittman, East Carolina University. Comparing the effectiveness of alternative living shoreline substrates at promoting oyster reef development and preventing salt marsh erosion. Rachel Carson.

Jessie Jarvis, University of North Carolina – Wilmingon. Development of SAV sentinel sites in southeastern NC: linking SAV health and resilience to environmental drivers. Rachel Carson.

Brandon Puckett, NC Coastal Reserve & NERR. Modeling to support seasonal outlooks of nuisance flood risk for high priority sentinel site areas and cooperatives. Rachel Carson.

Brandon Puckett, NC Coastal Reserve & NERR. Thin-layer sediment placement: evaluating an adaptation strategy to enhance coastal marsh resilience across the NERRS. Masonboro Island.

Melinda Martinez & Marcelo Ardon, North Carolina State University. Assessing greenhouse gases emitted from standing dead trees around the Albemarle Pamlico Peninsula. Buckridge.

Amberly Neice & Susan McRae, East Carolina University. Using eDNA to determine occupancy of secretive marsh birds with a focus on King Rail and Eastern Black Rail. Currituck Banks.

David Eggleston, North Carolina State University. Evaluation of bay scallop aquaculture in North Carolina as a means for industry crop diversification and restoration of wild stocks. Rachel Carson

2016

Dane Horowski and Suzanne Dorsey, Bald Head Island Conservancy. Bald Head Island Conservancy Deer Immunocontraception project. Bald Head Woods.

Nicholas Flanders, Old Dominion University. Estimating relative effects of dispersal limitations and environmental conditions on the distribution of oak mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum). Currituck Banks & Buckridge.

James Evans and and Susanna Lopez-Legenti, University of North Carolina - Wilmington. Diversity and host specificity of microbial symbionts in ascidians from North Carolina harbors. Masonboro.

Rachael Urbanek, University of North Carolina - Wilmington. Mesocarnivore presence and behavior on a barrier island during sea turtle nesting season. Masonboro.

Everette Newton and Dave Johnston, Duke University Marine Lab. UAS survey on Masonboro Island Reserve. Masonboro.

Danielle Keller and Joel Fodrie, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. How does seasonality of seagrass species affect the habitat-use of nekton communities in a N.C. estuary? Rachel Carson.

Martin Benavides and Joel Fodrie. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Seasonal residency patterns, landscape-scale habitat use, and movement ecology of bonnethead sharks, in N.C. estuaries. Rachel Carson.

David Johnson and Cynthia Crowley, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, Investigation of latitudinal gradients in isotopic niche width of salt marsh organisms. Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Zeke's Island.

Dave Johnston and Dan Rittschof, Duke University Marine Lab. Soundscape in the town marsh embayment. Rachel Carson.

Aaron Ramus, University of North Carolina - Wilmington. Impacts on an invasive foundation species on the multifunctionality of a coastal ecosystem. Masonboro Island. 

Emily Bernhardt and Justin Wright, Duke University. Salinization of surface waters across North Carolina's Outer Coastal Plain. Buckridge.

Fateme Yousefi and Marco Marani, Duke University Marine Lab. Field observation of the organic matter in salt marsh soils. Masonboro. 

Chris Manley, NCDOT. Eastern North Carolina Northern Long-eared Bat distribution, habitat, and presence of white-nose syndrome. Buckridge.

Brooke Milligan and Chris Shank, BHI Conservancy. BHI Conservancy deer management and immonocontraception project. Bald Head Woods.

2015

Thomas Hancock, High Point Friends School. Studying sexual and asexual reproduction in Hydrocotyle bonariensis. Zeke’s Island

Jill Ariolla, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Rising Seas: How will North Carolina coastal systems adapt to sea level rise? Buckridge

David Hill and Jeff Hill, University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Conducting volumetric change analysis of historical new inlet site at Zeke’s Island Reserve

Charles Bangley, East Carolina University. Studying estuarine microhabitat use by coastal sharks. Rachel Carson

Brooke Weigel, University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Reciprocal transplant of the sun sponge, Hymeniacidon heliophila, in Loosin Creek. Masonboro

Seth Theuerkauf, North Carolina State University. Quantifying the impact of an invasive species on ecosystem service provision: applications for phragmites australis management in the North Carolina Coastal Reserve. Kitty Hawk Woods, Currituck Banks

Elizabeth Schrack, Duke University Marine Lab. Harnessing positive interactions to enhance restoration of coastal wetlands. Rachel Carson Reserve

Anna Braswell, Duke University. Understanding the broad scale drivers of coastal wetland extent. Masonboro Island, Zeke’s Island

Amanda Faucette, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Project: Seeds of Success East. Buckridge, Buxton, Currituck Banks, Kitty Hawk Woods

Gina Digiantonio, University of Virginia. Investigating the genetic population structure of Halodule wrightii. Rachel Carson

Carrie Wu, University of Richmond. Studying patterns of habitat specialization between the emerging invasive species, wavyleaf basketgrass, Oplismenus undulatifolius, and its native congener, O. setarius, in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bald Head Woods

Chelsea Clifford, Duke University. Surveying N.C. coastal plain ditches for wetland function. Buckridge

Rebecca Atkins, University of Georgia. Quantifying spatial variation in consumer-plant interaction strengths within salt marsh ecosystems. Rachel Carson

Stacy Zhang, Duke University Marine Lab. Studying pen shell effects on seagrass bed stability. Rachel Carson

David Johnston, Duke University Marine Lab. Unmanned Aerial System utility in surveying sea birds and their habitats. Rachel Carson

David Johnston, Duke University Marine Lab. Surveying marine debris on the Rachel Carson Reserve using Unmanned Aerial System. Rachel Carson

Lynn Leonard, University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Investigating morphodynamics of a formal tidal inlet. Masonboro 

Bo Dame, Chowan University. Spatial and Biogeomorphic Properties of Oligohaline Marshes in Currituck Sound: Implications for Response to Sea Level Rise

2014

Byron Toothman, University of North Carolina – Wilmington.  Investigation of mercury methylation within Gracilaria vermiculophylla and potential transfer to trophic levels.  Zeke's Island

Michael McCoy, East Carolina University. Surveying biotic fauna and abiotic characteristics of freshwater & brackish wetlands along the coast of North Carolina. Emily and Richardson Preyer Buckridge, Buxton Woods, Currituck Banks, and Rachel Carson

Cecilia Krahforst, East Carolina University. Studying the impact of boat noise on oyster toadfish communication, reproduction and development. Rachel Carson

Charles Bangley, East Carolina University. Assessing juvenile coastal shark habitat preferences in Back and Core Sounds, specifically investigating estuarine microhabitat use. Rachel Carson

Amanda Southwood-Williard, University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Assessing diamondback terrapin presence and abundance using modified crab pots and fyke net sampling.  Masonboro Island

James "Bo" Dame, Chowan University. Exploring biodiversity surveys and monitoring with undergraduate students as part of a field ecology course. Buxton Woods and Kitty Hawk Woods

Robert Peet, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.  Documenting the composition and status of vegetation of the Carolinas using sampling techniques as part of the Carolina Vegetation Survey. Buxton Woods and Kitty Hawk Woods

Shannon Brown, North Carolina State University. Studying soundscape ecology, focusing on potential impacts of anthropogenic sounds. Rachel Carson  

Courtney Spears, Bald Head Island Conservancy. Studying predator/prey population dynamics, specifically small mammals like foxes, coyotes, and reptiles. Bald Head Island  

Justin Ridge, University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences. Studying landscape connectivity of oyster reefs and salt marshes. Rachel Carson

Karolina Heyduk, University of Georgia Athens.  Looking at the natural variation of the photosynthetic pathway in Yucca gloriosa.  Masonboro Island, Zeke’s Island, Currituck Banks, and Bird Island

Justin McNabb, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Looking at the lifespan of genus Astarte and how it varies within time and space related to shell size. Masonboro Island, Buxton Woods, and Permuda Island

Cheri Gratto-Trevor, Environment Canada and Sidney Maddock, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre. Using winter surveys in the U.S. and the Bahamas to read coded flags on piping plovers marked in eastern Canada. Rachel Carson  

2013

Devon Eulie, University of North Carolina- Wilmington. Conduct mapping exercise and ecological assessment of Zeke's Island with undergraduate class.

Michelle Brodeur, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill. Oyster reef predation experiment using vertical distance as the primary treatment effect. Rachel Carson

Robert Full, University of California Berkeley. Burrowing biomechanics of the ghost crab. Rachel Carson

Zachary Long, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Density experiments of Gracilaria vermiculophylla to determine impact on estuarine food webs. Zeke's Island

Cecilia Krahforst, East Carolina University. Acoustic sounds of fish in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) beds compared to areas without SAV beds. Rachel Carson

Alex Manda, East Carolina University. Groundwater flow in canals at Buckridge Reserve associated with wind forcings. Buckridge

Stephanie Chavez, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Assessment of bycatch reduction devices for diamondback terrapins from blue crab pots. Rachel Carson and Masonboro Island

2012

Yu-Fai Leung, North Carolina State University. Visitor use and impact monitoring program at Rachel Carson and Masonboro Reserves. Rachel Carson and Masonboro Island

Alyssa Borowske, University of Connecticut. Sparrow banding at NC Coastal Reserves as part of a larger migration study. Currituck Banks, Kitty Hawk Woods, Buxton, Buckridge, Rachel Carson, and Permuda Island

Amanda Faucette, North Carolina State University. Survey of vascular plants in Buxton Woods. Buxton Woods

Mike Piehler, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill. Comparing N2O fluxes from intertidal oyster reefs. Rachel Carson

James Morris, NOAA Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research. Developing invasive species rapid assessment/rapid response capability in NCNERR. Rachel Carson, Zeke's Island, and Masonboro Island

Drew Devine, RTI International. Investigating enzymes from salt marsh grasshoppers. Buxton

Katie O'Shaughnessy, Coastal Carolina University. Investigating the invasive impact of the mud crab parasite Loxothylacus panopaei. Rachel Carson and Masonboro Island

Joel Fodrie, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Construction and monitoring of a demonstration shoreline stabilization project. Rachel Carson

Zachary Long, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Investigation of the invasive potential of G. vermiculophylla. Zeke's Island. 

Adam Parlin, Framingham State University. Alligator survey in Kitty Hawk Woods and Buxton Reserves. Kitty Hawk Woods and Buxton

Pam Reynolds, Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Predation intensity in space and time within seagrass beds. Rachel Carson

Niels Lindquist, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Impact of salinity on oyster restoration using various substrate samples. Rachel Carson

James Lendemer, New York Botanical Garden. Lichen survey of the mid-Atlantic for use in field guide publication. Currituck Banks, Kitty Hawk Woods, Buckridge, Buxton, Rachel Carson, and Permuda Island

Amanda Southwood, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Terrapin head count and bycatch reduction experiment for crab pots. (link) Rachel Carson

Tony Rodriguez, University of North Carolina. Quantifying the carbon sequestration ability of oyster reefs and determining oyster reef growth rates. Rachel Carson

Joshua Lord, University of Connecticut. Impact of oyster drills and higher water temps on eastern oysters. Rachel Carson

Michelle Brodeur, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Examining algal interaction with oyster reefs relative to climate change. Rachel Carson

Teri O'Meara, University of North-Carolina-Chapel Hill. DEN rates on transect from maritime forest to subtidal flats. (link) Rachel Carson and Currituck Banks. 

2011

Sarah Corman, Brown University. The impact of rising global temperatures on growth of Spartina alterniflora. Rachel Carson

Amanda Southwood, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Changes in blood chemistry of terrapins in semi-natural conditions. Masonboro Island

Rachel Gittman, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Examining the effects of shoreline hardening and sea-level rise on a salt marsh ecosystem. Masonboro Island, Zeke's Island, Rachel Carson

Kristen Hall, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Tracking shoreline changes at Masonboro Island. Masonboro Island

Claudia Jones, North Carolina Division of Coastal Management. Sample of Currituck Banks' swale ponds for herbs and fish. Currituck Banks

Pam Reynolds, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences. Top-down and bottom-up impacts to Submerged Aquatic Vegetation. Rachel Carson

Matthew McCarthy, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Tracking habitat change on Masonboro Island since 2002 using remote sensing data. Masonboro Island

Chad Barbour, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Wetland Condition Assessment Program. Masonboro Island and Zeke's Island

Mike Piehler, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Biogeographic patterns of predator effects on oyster reefs. Masonboro Island

Joel Fodrie, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Do crab pots function as reef base materials for oyster restoration? Rachel Carson

Joel Fodrie, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Acoustic tagging study to examine habitat preferences of Red Drum, Sciaenops ocellatus. Rachel Carson

Maureen Dewire, Bald Head Island Conservancy. Population Estimate of Red Bay, Persea borbonia, in Bald Head Woods Reserve. Bald Head Woods

2010

Yasmin von Dassow, Duke University. Response of adult invertebrates to benthically laid egg structures. Rachel Carson 

Teri O'Meara, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Shifts in algal dominance as a result of eutrophciation and climate change. Rachel Carson

Debby Ng, Duke University. Vegetation of dredge spoils relating to bird usage. Rachel Carson

Joel Fodrie, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Habitat value of constructed oyster reefs of 15+ yrs age and comparison with initial habitat value assessed during time of construction. Rachel Carson

Niels Lindquist, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Evaluating restoration success for newly constructed oyster reefs spanning a critical intertidal elevation. Rachel Carson 

Devon Eulie, East Carolina University. Shoreline erosion at Kitty Hawk Woods and comparison with other sites in the Albemarle-Pamlico region. Kitty Hawk Woods

Joel Fodrie, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Can hard clams speed the recovery of damaged seagrass beds? Rachel Carson

Brant Touchette, Elon University. Student projects to investigate revegetation and plant/water relations. Buxton

Alex Manda, East Carolina University. Hydrology and elevation at Buckridge Reserve relative to new water control structures. Buckridge

Erin Scher, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Marsh changes and sediment Carbon content on Masonboro Island, in relation to storm impacts. Masonboro Island

Matthew Godfrey, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. DNA assessment of sea turtle eggs. All Reserve locations

Brittany DeLoach, University of Houston. Effect of eutrophication on salt marsh habitat and linkages related to arthropods. Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island, Zeke's Island. 

Amanda Southwood, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Sea turtle nesting analysis on Masonboro Island. Masonboro Island.

April Alford, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Terrapin population survey. Masonboro Island

Ryan Sutton, North Carolina School of Science and Math. Comparison of natural oyster reefs to artificially seeded reefs. Masonboro Island

2009

John Taggart, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Impact of deer on plant species in Bald Head Woods. Bald Head Woods

Rachel Clark, North Carolina State University. Vascular flora index of Kitty Hawk Woods. Kitty Hawk Woods

Dan Rittschof, Duke University. Examination of enzymes used for antifouling by crustaceans, studies of marine glues, studies of swimming behavior in blue crab females, and recruitment of hermit crabs. Rachel Carson

Kimberly Schulz, State University of New York. Examination of Si:N:P ratios in marsh sediments and plants at Zeke's Island. Zeke's Island

Huy Vu, University of Houston. Effect of insect herbivory on Solidago (goldenrod) and geographic distribution along U.S. Gulf and East coasts. Zeke's Island

Maureen Dewire, Bald Head Island Conservancy. Baseline amphibian and reptile survey of Smith Island Complex. Bald Head Woods

Brittany DeLoach, University of Houston. Effect of eutrophication on salt marsh habitat and linkages related to arthropods. Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island, Zeke's Island

Amanda Southwood, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Quantifying diamondback terrapin home ranges through radiotracking and comparison with areas of blue crab fishing. Masonboro Island

Amanda Southwood, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Sea turtle nesting analysis on Masonboro Island. Masonboro Island

Ernie Marshburn, East Carolina University. Examination of longleaf distribution patterns on Currituck Banks. Currituck Banks

Forbes Boyle, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Carolina vegetation survey. Buckridge, Masonboro Island, Buxton Woods

April Alford, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Use of headcount surveys to estimate the relative abundance of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin centrata) at Masonboro Island, North Carolina. Masonboro Island

David Johnson, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Constructing a topographic map of Masonboro Island with using GPS and comparison of marsh areas of Masonboro Island and Topsail Island. Masonboro

2008

Laura Franklin, Bald Head Island Conservancy. How have succession forest dynamics have been impacted by humans? Bald Head Woods

Steve Brewer, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Red cedar population reconstruction at Bald Head Island. Bald Head Woods

Shay Viehman, NOAA. Quantifying marine debris in Coastal Reserves. Rachel Carson

Karen Clark, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Frog samplers at Currituck Banks for education experiences and surveys. Currituck Banks

David Mallinson, East Carolina University. Dating dune ridges in Buxton Reserve and assessing climate change impacts. Buxton Woods

2007

Pete Peterson, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Enhancing scallop survival and reproduction and reducing predatory effect of cownose stingrays. Rachel Carson

Jean Lynch, Fort Fisher State Park. Beach vitex and seabeach amaranth survey. Zeke's Island and Bald Head Woods

Robert Pete, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Vegetation survey in Rachel Carson Reserve and other Eastern NC systems. Rachel Carson

Amanda Southwood, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Sea turtle nesting on Masonboro Island. Masonboro Island

Jeffery Hill, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Visitor use surveys at Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island, and Bird Island. Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island, and Bird Island

2006

Katharine Braly, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Sea Oat seed production and indirect effects on reproduction by nutrient and pollen limitation. Bird Island, Zeke's Island. 

David Love, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Microbial source tracking in the Rachel Carson Reserve. Rachel Carson

Steven Brewer, University of North Carolina- Wilmington. Examining the impact of deer on plant species in Bald Head Woods. Bald Head Woods

Angela Coulliette, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Microbial source tracking in the Rachel Carson Reserve. Rachel Carson

Jamie Rotenberg, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Painted bunting assessment- pilot project. Bald Head Woods

Justin Dellinger, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Comparison of insect and plant diversity in the Smith Island Complex. Bald Head Woods

Guy DiDonato, Hollings Marine Laboratory. Tidal creek and probabilistic sampling to examine land use/estuary health linkages. All Reserve locations

Amanda Southwood, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Sea turtle nesting analysis on Masonboro Island. Masonboro Island

2005

Jeff Agnew, Louisiana State University. Examination of mudcrab fossils and living mudcrabs to determine prey/predator cycles. Rachel Carson

Joanne Harcke, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Phytoplankton collection as part of NOAA's SEPMN program. Zeke's Island

Esther Leise, University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Effect of pH on larval metamorphosis in the marine snail,Ilyanassa obsoleta. Masonboro

Robert Peet, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Vegetation survey. Zeke's Island

Joseph Luczkovich, East Carolina University. Listening device method to correlate water quality with fish activity. Rachel Carson, Masonboro

Craig Tobias, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Monitoring ground water lens height, recharge, discharge and geochemistry. Masonboro Island

Carolyn Currin, NOAA. Estuarine shorelines. Rachel Carson

Allison Leidner, North Carolina State University. Are rare Skippers (Problema bulenta) using the Rachel Carson Reserve? Rachel Carson

2004

John Leiser, Northampton Community College. Behavioral ecology of pupfish. Bird Island

Michael Schafale, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Characterizing natural vegetation of Masonboro Island and Zeke's Island. Masonboro Island and Zeke's Island

Chuan-Kai (Kevin) Ho, University of Houston. Is diet quality an overlooked mechanism for Bergmann's Rule? Masonboro Island and Zeke's Island

Kristen Rosenfeld, North Carolina State University. Ecological characterization of Bird Island. Bird Island

Parke Rublee, University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Microarray indicator organism detection system of contaminants. Masonboro Island, Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson

Gail Chmura, McGill University. Effect of grazing on salt marsh ecosystems. Rachel Carson

2003

Paul Falso, Duke University. Compare blue crab activity to tide, salinity, and temperature. Rachel Carson

Monica Powers, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Analysis of juvenile and adult red fish in habitats found in the Rachel Carson Reserve. Rachel Carson

Meaghan Darcy, North Carolina State University. Do habitat corridors influence animal dispersal and colonization in estuarine systems? Rachel Carson

Michael Schafale, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Natural vegetation characterization. Currituck Banks, Buxton, Kitty Hawk Woods.

David Doughty, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Influence of the underlying geologic framework and storm impact on the morphology of Masonboro Island. Masonboro Island

David Nash, North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Dune vegetation selection and propagation. Rachel Carson

Dale Suiter, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Seabeach amaranth restoration project on Bird Island. Rachel Carson

2002

Hans Paerl, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Environmental indicators in the estuarine environment. Rachel Carson

Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Physiological variation and local adaptation to climate in live oak populations. All Reserve locations

Kristen Rosenfeld, North Carolina State University. Ecological characterization of Bird Island. Bird Island

Lee Otte, Northern Kentucky University. Preliminary field survey to evaluate monitoring. Kitty Hawk Woods

Meaghan Darcy, North Carolina State University. Influence of habitat corridors on organism dispersal success and mortality in seagrass. Rachel Carson

J.R. Young, Duke University. The spatial ecology of the blue crab, callinectes sapidus. Rachel Carson

2001

David Nash, North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Sea oat collection and analysis. Masonboro Island

Dan Rittschof, Duke University. Chemical and spatial ecology of salt marsh invertebrates. Rachel Carson

Katrina Shultz, high school student. Examination of oyster drills and moonsnails. Rachel Carson

William Anderson, Radford University. Water-level data collection. Buxton

Bill Pickens, North Carolina Forest Resources. Effectiveness of plants deer repellant on AWC. Buckridge

2000

Robert Christian, East Carolina University. The relative importance of organic material in salt marshes. Rachel Carson

Ned Brickhouse, North Carolina Forest Resources. Collecting AWC seedlings for nurseries. 

Sean Powers, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Recruitment and post-settlement dynamics of marine benthic invertebrates. Rachel Carson

Steve Franks, University of Georgia. Multi-scale genetic analysis of Uniola paniculata (Poaceae),: a coastal species with a linear, fragmented distribution. Currituck Banks and Rachel Carson

Charles Peterson, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The role of estuarine reserves in sustaining fisheries. Rachel Carson

Rob Evans, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The competing impacts of geology and groundwater on electrical resistivity around Wrightsville Beach, NC. Masonboro Island

Mark Holmes, University of Minnesota. Estuarine ecosystem evolution from hurricane/flood frequency. Currituck Banks

Nancy Craig, NOAA. Cycling on intertidal sand flats. Rachel Carson

Lynn Leonard, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Marsh renourishment through dredged material disposal. Masonboro Island

 

1999

Bob Buerger, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Human dimensions management on Masonboro Island. Masonboro Island

Christiane Meyer, Duke University. Female preference in sand fiddler crabs. Rachel Carson

Todd Kellison, North Carolina State University. Specific performance of juvenile summer flounder. Rachel Carson

Dan Rittschof, Duke University. Analyzing home range and growth of flounder in a micro-estuary using GPS techniques. Rachel Carson

Hans Graber, University of Miami. Shoaling waves experiment. Currituck Banks

1998

David Padgett, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Effects of organic soil amendments on success of a created salt marsh. Masonboro Island

Denise Pope, Duke University. The effect of social context on the claw waving display of Uca Pugliator. Rachel Carson

1997

Jonathan Grabowski, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Evaluation of the effectiveness of restoring intertidal oyster reef habitat. Rachel Carson

Johnny Lancaster, National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Environmental controls of short temporal fish movement in an estuarine creek. Masonboro Island

1996

Martin Posey, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Monitoring of blue crab utilization on marsh grass. Masonboro Island

Bob Buerger, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Understanding recreational use on Masonboro Island. Masonboro Island

Dan Rittschof, Duke University. Chemical ecology of salt marsh invertebrates. Rachel Carson

David Eggleston, North Carolina State University. Mudsnail distribution, patch size and age in seagrass beds. Rachel Carson

1995

Christine Damiani, Duke University. Integrating direct effects and trait-mediated indirect effects using a projection model matrix. Rachel Carson

1994

Judith Weis, Rutgers University. Effects of contaminants from chromated copper arsenate-treated lumber on benthos. Masonboro Island

Cathy Paris, University of Vermont. Genetic survey of Ammophila breviligulata along U.S. East Coast and Great Lakes. Currituck Banks

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