January Newsletter

UCI Oyster Reef Bolsters Naval Weapons Station Earle’s Natural Defenses While Restoring Environment

Research being conducted at the reef is restoring the environment while producing valuable data on the power of nature-based solutions for improving coastal resilience.

ALSO: Take a Rare Underwater Look at the Reef

and Tour the UCI's NWSE Aquaculture Facility

'Ocean Bodies' Solo Exhibit by Kimberly Callas

Monmouth University’s Ice House Gallery will present 'Ocean Bodies,' a powerful solo exhibition by multimedia artist Kimberly Callas, from Feb. 6 through March 23. 'Ocean Bodies' offers an immersive exploration of humanity’s interconnectedness with the ocean, drawing on symbols, archetypes, and ecological narratives to invite contemplation and action, and includes works Callas created during an artist residency with the UCI.

Student Q&A: Love Blue Monmouth President Katie Marshall

Since its inception in 2021, Love Blue Monmouth has assembled hundreds of student volunteers to conduct two dozen cleanups and remove over 1,800 pounds of trash from local beaches. Read about the laudable work this student club has been up to and its future plans.

UCI, Global Ocean Forum to Present ‘Current Status and Future of the Global Plastics Treaty’ Feb. 4

Join leading experts to explore progress and solutions to tackle marine plastic pollution. Hear from top voices in conservation, policy, and ocean science as we explore the current and future status of the Global Plastics Treaty.

Forbes Receives Society for Social Work and Research Book Award for ‘Ecosocial Work’

UCI Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist Rachel Forbes was recognized with the 2025 Society for Social Work and Research Book Award Honorable Mention for her work on “Ecosocial Work: Environmental Practice and Advocacy.”

For N.J. K-12 Teachers: Monmouth Climate Change Learning Collaborative P.D. Sessions

Sign up for upcoming experiential learning opportunities, expert lessons, and networking sessions focused on teaching climate change in developmentally appropriate ways across all grade levels and subject areas.

Now Hiring: Urban Coast Institute Environmental Justice Fellow

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking candidates to serve as an environmental justice fellow to support the Building a Climate Ready New Jersey project as part of the NOAA Coastal Resilience Fellowship Program. The fellow will support UCI Associate Director Tom Herrington in coordinating the project’s Resilience Project Design Pipeline work.

Upcoming Events

January 27 | 6:30 p.m.

Exploring the “How” of Sustainability Transformations

Monmouth University Pollak Theatre

Robin Leichenko, Ph.D., will present the practical, political, and personal dimensions of sustainability transformation, drawing upon the model of the “Three Spheres of Transformation.” Part of the Monmouth University Climate Crisis Teach-In series. 

February 6 | 5:30 p.m.

'Ocean Bodies' Opening Reception

Monmouth University Rotary Ice House Gallery

Experience sculptures, large-scale drawings, and mixed-media works in which Kimberly Callas examines the “crisis of meaning” at the heart of the climate crisis and advocates for a shift in consciousness toward an “ecological self.”

February 12 | 7 p.m.

Conversations with Our Curator: 'In Cahoots, In Asbury Park'

Hosted by the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth U.

BSACAM Curator Melissa Ziobro welcomes author Josh Davidson for a virtual discussion of 'In Cahoots, In Asbury Park,' the story of one of the most important cities in music history from the perspective of one band, Cahoots, and their closest counterparts and fans. Book edited by UCI Communications Director Karl Vilacoba.

February 17 | 4:30 p.m.

Surviving Climate Change in an Authoritarian State

Monmouth University Edison Hall 201

In this Monmouth U. Climate Crisis Teach-In talk, Rechnitz Family/UCI Endowed Chair in Marine and Environmental Law and Policy Peter Jacques shares the Indigenous Amazigh people of Morocco's plan for surviving environmental change, grinding poverty and political oppression.

February 18 | 6 p.m.

Monmouth University Black History Month Alumni Career Panel'

Presented by the Intercultural Center, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, and Career Development

Join this engaging panel discussion featuring Black alumni, including UCI Advisory Committee member Kanesha Jones, as they share their journeys from college to career, the challenges they faced, and valuable advice for building a successful career.

For Students & Recent Grads

UCI Marine and Environmental Internships, Research and Job Opportunities Listings

Visit our page on the MyMU Portal for latest listings (Monmouth sign-in credentials required). Employers interested in posting may send info to uci@monmouth.edu.

UCI on Bluesky

The Urban Coast Institute is now on Bluesky! Follow us at @monmouthuci.bsky.social for our latest news and updates.

Buy for the UCI!

Support the work of the Urban Coast Institute by purchasing shirts, caps, and towels with our signature New Jersey marine life logo.

MISSION: The Urban Coast Institute's mission is to serve Monmouth University and the public as a forum for research, education and collaboration in the development and implementation of science-based policies and programs that support stewardship of healthy, productive and resilient coastal ecosystems and communities.

monmouth.edu/uci | uci@monmouth.edu | (732) 263-5662