News
College of Science, Marine and Environmental Sciences
Undergraduate heads into the lab (and the marsh) to protect our coastlines
Salt marshes, often overlooked, provide critical ecosystem services to coastal communities. They protect against damaging storm surge by attenuating waves, and they guard against algal blooms and oxygen depletion by intercepting watershed nitrogen before it can prompt eutrophication in coastal waters. In recent decades, numerous anthropogenic sources have increased nitrogen inputs to these salt marsh ecosystems. Yet, many of the effects of these nitrogen inputs on the carbon and nitrogen cycles,…
July 06, 2023
College of Science, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Three Seas
Diving in to Science Communication to Protect Our Ocean: Q&A with Alumna Sophia Troeh
Sophia Troeh, a recent graduate of Northeastern University’s Three Seas program, is dedicated to protecting our oceans and their ecosystems for future generations. Sophia was chosen for the prestigious 2023 Sea Grant Knauss fellowship, where and her work showcases the vital intersection of science and advocacy in safeguarding our marine resources. Her passion for science outreach and a commitment to environmental conservation were influenced by her time in the Three…
July 06, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences
Using nature to fight rising seas
Picture Boston Harbor, a few years from now. The East Boston Greenway, a leafy urban trail, no longer stops a block from the pier, but extends into the ocean. A floating semi-circular trail arcs across the water; cyclists buzz and pedestrians stroll along it.
May 25, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences, Marine Science Center
Coming soon: A co-op experience living under the ocean
Imagine a co-op experience in which Northeastern University students live for weeks at a time in the world’s largest undersea science station, venturing into the surrounding Caribbean waters on daily scuba dives.
May 19, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences
Climate Justice Action Murals to line Northeastern tunnels
“I see Northeastern as a hub, a flower pot of environmental justice,” says Lee. The roots showcase how students remained connected following graduation and go out to “do good for the world wherever we go.”
April 26, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences, Marine Science Center, Marine Science Center
Building a more Environmentally Conscious Community
Earth Day, celebrated on April 22nd, is dedicated to sharing resources and information to promote environmental awareness.
April 24, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences
The ‘fascinating’ ways of urban beekeeping
The words “urban” and “beekeeping” might not seem to go together, but Northeastern student Katherine Antos has found a co-op that makes it possible for city dwellers to keep bees on corporate rooftops and residential side yards.
April 21, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences
Northeastern student wins Fulbright Scholarship
It was during his time at Northeastern that Michael Nelson explored his interests in meditation and the outdoors. Those linked devotions inspired him to apply for—and win—a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.
April 19, 2023
College of Science, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Three Seas
#YouAreWelcomeHere – A Safe Space For All
The You Are Welcome Here (YAWH) campaign is an initiative to display acceptance and support for LGBTQIA+ members of the Marine and Environmental Sciences (MES) community.
March 30, 2023
College of Science, Marine and Environmental Sciences
How We Can All ‘Accelerate Change’ This World Water Day: Q&A with Professor James Dennedy-Frank
James Dennedy-Frank, assistant professor of marine and environmental sciences and civil and environmental engineering, sat down to speak about World Water Day, which falls on March 22. Professor Dennedy-Frank leads the Water Resources Ecohydrology Lab at Northeastern — their work helps us understand the function of watersheds as they bring together meteorological forcing, geological settings, […]
March 21, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences
California is once again being deluged by atmospheric rivers. What are they and will climate change make them worse?
California is once again being deluged by atmospheric rivers that have unleashed major flooding across the state, with river number 12 scheduled to dump more precipitation the week of March 19.
March 17, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences
Recreational fishermen could be ‘untapped allies’ in the fight against climate change, Northeastern research says
A recent study by Northeastern marine biologists says there’s an overlap between the two groups that could be the start of a new conversation about protecting the environment—and combating climate change.
March 03, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences, Marine Science Center
Narrative | Ocean Genome Legacy || Cataloguing the Oceans
“By volume, about 99 percent of the habitable portion of our planet is underwater,” says Dan Distel, who directs Northeastern’s Ocean Genome Legacy Center. To explore and preserve the wealth of information contained in the ocean, the center collects DNA samples—over 28,000 so far—and has made that collection available to researchers around the world.
February 22, 2023
Marine and Environmental Sciences
The fungal zombies in HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ are based on real, horrifying biology
In the premiere of HBO’s big budget video game adaption “The Last of Us,” a scientist on a 1960s Dick Cavett-like talk show raises the idea that a fungal, not viral, infection will spell the end of humanity. On the surface, it’s laughable, and the idea is met with bemused laughter by the host and audience. But as the scientist explains his theory, the energy in the room slowly shifts…
January 18, 2023