2025 CSE Impact Report

2025 Impact Report This document is intended for print purposes.

If you need this in another format, please reach out to CSE staff at 910.962.3944 or uncwcse@uncw.edu.

CREATE. SOAR. EXPLORE. CHARTING OUR PATH FORWARD

The UNCW College of Science and Engineering is a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of learners, scholars and innovators dedicated to advancing science and engineering through education, research and service.

Our students are not just learning, they are leading. They are tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from sustainability to data security to marine conservation. With your support, they are gaining the tools, mentorship and experiences they need to make a meaningful impact locally, regionally and globally.

Your generosity is more than a gift; it is a catalyst for transformation.

Every scholarship awarded, every research opportunity funded, and every resource provided directly enhances the student experience.

Your contributions empower our students to explore bold ideas, engage in hands-on learning and develop the skills they need to turn knowledge into action.

Looking ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum. With your continued support, we are expanding our academic offerings to position our college — and our students — for success in the 21st century and beyond.

Together, we are shaping a future where science and engineering drive innovation and discovery. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.

With gratitude,

Ron Vetter, Ph.D. Founding Dean

CSE at a Glance The College of Science and Engineering fosters innovation through programs in computer sciences, mathematics and statistics, natural sciences, psychology and engineering.

CSE provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including post-baccalaureate certificates and doctoral degrees. The college is committed to excellence in STEM education and preparing students to lead in a rapidly evolving world.

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• Biology and Marine Biology

• Environmental Sciences

• Chemistry and Biochemistry

• Mathematics and Statistics

• Computer Science • Earth and Ocean Sciences

• Physics and Physical Oceanography

• Engineering

• Psychology

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GRADUATES WITH LATIN HONORS, 2024-25

4,176 First-generation student Rochelle David ’26 wanted to attend a college that offered high-quality education, service opportunities, a vibrant campus culture and resources. “UNCW excels in each of these categories,” she says.

Learn why Rochelle chose UNCW.

Rochelle David ’26 Marine Biology major Yousry Sayed Diversity Scholarship Endowment and UNCW Student Government Association Quasi-Endowment recipient

The Power of Research “Working in the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory has been the most transformative part of my journey at UNCW. This hands-on experience has allowed me to grow as an independent researcher and gain invaluable insight into water quality research, making me the scientist I am today.”

— Colleen Brown ’25 Ph.D. Applied Coastal and Ocean Sciences Ahuja Academy of Water Quality Fellowship and Dr. Ralph W. Brauer Endowed Fellowship recipient

Research is at the heart of discovery, progress and academic excellence. In the College of Science and Engineering, research is a vital part of the student experience. Engaging in research empowers students to ask questions, explore complex problems and contribute new knowledge to their fields.

Through hands-on research opportunities, students develop critical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills that prepare them for graduate study, professional careers and lifelong learning.

Whether investigating coastal ecosystems, developing sustainable technologies, or advancing robotics and machine learning, our students are turning ideas into impact.

Watch Erin describe her research and her lab.

Erin Gallagher ’25 Ph.D. Integrative, Comparative and Marine Biology

Spanning nearly 80 feet long and 5 feet wide, UNCW’s state-of-the-art wave flume holds 9,500 gallons of water and allows students and faculty to study ocean waves.

Erin Gallagher ’25 Ph.D. conducted impactful research at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, collaborating closely with the National Park Service to evaluate and improve conservation strategies.

1,196

CSE students that participated in directed independent studies, internships and theses

152 Internship partner agencies See how students are stepping straight into opportunity.

Beyond the Classroom

Applied learning transforms education into a journey of insight, purpose and impact. When students step beyond the classroom and into real-world experiences — through internships, research, service and hands-on projects — they don’t just learn, they become problemsolvers, innovators and leaders. Applied learning empowers students to connect their passions with their purpose, shaping not only their careers but the communities and industries they will one day lead.

Angel Hernandez ’21, ’27 Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Learn about Angel’s plans to make a difference in the future.

UNCW received $1.5M to lead TEAL-SHIPS, a groundbreaking project to study coastal land-to-sea habitats, that is enhancing research and training for students and faculty.

Angel Hernandez ’21, ’27 Ph.D. was inspired during his psychology practicum placement as an undergraduate at Clinica Latina, a mental health treatment center for Spanish speakers. “I witnessed the need, firsthand, for bilingual therapists and bilingual professionals,” he said.

Students Thrive with Support Scholarship support transforms lives. For many students, it’s the difference between dreaming of a brighter future and achieving it. Scholarships relieve financial stress, allowing students to focus on their education, explore their passions and fully engage in their academic journey. The impact is lasting, rippling through families, communities and generations to come.

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Scholarship support has been a financial lifeline as I pursue my graduate degree. It allows me to spend less time working outside jobs and more time focused on my research and studies, strengthening my academic foundation and future career.

I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.

­— Madison Gerdes ’27 M.S.

Geoscience Aaron Kevin Rice ’21 Learning Award in Earth and Ocean Sciences Endowment and Ahuja Academy of Water Quality Fellowship recipient

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None of us makes our way in this world alone.

We pay it forward by giving back to the people and the institutions that have supported us and encouraged us to become who we are.

Choose to give back.

­— Dr. Cecil R. Reynolds ’75

Psychology Commencement Speaker, Spring 2025

Giving Matters Philanthropic support is a powerful force behind the success of the College of Science and Engineering. Every gift — no matter the size — helps create life-changing opportunities for our students and moves our mission forward.

Your generosity supports scholarships, research, state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on learning experiences. When you give to the college, you are not just investing in education, you are investing in the future.

JULY 1, 2024 – JUNE 30, 2025

$3,196,133 CONTRIBUTED 602 DONORS

Gifts to the College of Science and Engineering: • Provide merit and need-based scholarships • Support facultydirected research opportunities • Fund study abroad trips, applied learning and student travel

Join us in shaping the future of CSE!

26,315 CSE ALUMNI

16,489 CSE ALUMNI IN NC

Whether you’re inspired to give, eager to partner with us, or want to share your expertise on one of our advisory boards, reach out to Lindsay Crighton, Senior Director of Development for Major Gifts, at crightonl@uncw.edu and be part of something extraordinary.

601 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403-5642 910.962.3944 uncw.edu/cse

UNC Wilmington is committed to and will provide equal educational and employment opportunity. Questions regarding equal opportunity may be directed to the EEO/AA Officer, 910.962.3160. UNCW does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Questions regarding UNCW’s Title IX compliance should be directed to titleix@uncw.edu.

400 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $792.56 or $1.98 per copy (G.S. 143-170.1).

@uncwcse

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