The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and the Center for Marine (CMS) hosted the Honorable Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and Liz Klein, Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), to recognize the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship to coastal and marine science systems.
“The unparalleled opportunity to host Secretary Haaland and Ms. Klein is a testament to UNCW's national prominence as a leading institution in marine science research and education,” said Chancellor Volety.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for Secretary Haaland, who oversees the nation’s natural resources with a particular interest in conservation, ocean science, climate policy and coastal resilience, and Ms. Klein to engage with students, faculty and leadership representing the posterity of conservationists, scientists, policymakers and leaders. They discussed pressing environmental issues facing oceans and coastal ecosystems that are essential to conservation.
An interdisciplinary group of students presented their research to Secretary Haaland and Director Klein, providing a unique experience for the students to share their passion.
“I'm thrilled to have had the chance to present my research to Secretary Haaland and discuss my hands-on experiences collaborating with conservation managers,” said doctoral student Mina Shah Suprenant. “Her active engagement and responsiveness with myself and other students significantly enhanced the overall experience. It was a pleasure to have her here and I am very grateful for her time and support.”
Jessica Weinkle, assistant professor and coordinator of UNCW’s Master of Coastal and Ocean Policy program (MCOP), was instrumental in facilitating the visit.
“The Coastal and Ocean Policy program is thrilled that the Secretary's office contacted us with interest in our students and their work,” said Weinkle. “It was a wonderful opportunity for students across departments and colleges to speak with the Secretary and Director.”
The visit underscores UNCW's role as the state’s coastal university, highlighting its vital contributions to education, research and collaborations that shape policies and practices to safeguard the nation’s natural resources for future generations.
“The visit by Secretary Haaland and Director Klein here at the Center highlights the importance of environmental and resource issues to a region of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard that is being negatively impacted by climate change, contamination and coastal development,” said CMS Executive Director Ken Halanych. “Importantly, the Interior and BOEM are both committed to exploring sustainable solutions, such as wind farms.”
Following tours of CMS and the UNCW Shellfish Research Hatchery, Secretary Haaland and Ms. Klein continued discussions with students and faculty about marine conservation, sustainable resource management and the critical role of scientific research in informing policy decisions.
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