September Newsletter

Transition at the

Urban Coast Institute

After two decades as director of the UCI, Tony MacDonald will step down on Nov. 1 and transition to a new role as a senior ocean policy fellow. UCI Associate Director Tom Herrington will serve as acting director while the University commences a national search for MacDonald’s replacement.

October 9: The Future of the Ocean Symposium and Champion of the Ocean Awards Luncheon

Don't miss the UCI's signature annual event! The free and public symposium will have a theme of “Exploring the Wine-Dark Sea – U.S. Ocean Science and Technology: Keys to Prosperity and Security.” Directly after, we hope you'll join us to honor this year's Champions of the Ocean and celebrate the UCI’s 20th year of service!

• Visit Event Website
• Purchase Awards Luncheon Tickets
• Sponsor/Support the Event (Journal Ad Deadline: Sept. 24)

Reflections: Two Decades Supporting Stewardship of Coastal Communities and Ocean Resources

Take a look back at some of the major milestones, accomplishments and signature events of the UCI's first 20 years in our new retrospective report. Available as a digital flipbook and PDF.

Navy Extends Partnership with UCI for Resilience Projects at Earle, Cliffwood Beach, Sylvan Lake

The U.S. Navy and the UCI have extended a cooperative agreement with Naval Weapons Station Earle to conduct applied research aimed at strengthening resilience to severe storms and weather events through 2029. 

Aidan Bodeo-Lomicky ’22 Launches Legal NGO to Protect Wildlife

Animal Counsel is focused on advancing the interests of wildlife, domestic animals, and rights of nature through law and policy work. Read our alumni Q&A to learn about its mission and how the UCI and Monmouth helped prepare him for this endeavor. 

Volunteers Wanted to Collect Water Samples from Monmouth County Beaches

We're seeking volunteers for a community science project that aims to learn more about the marine organisms living along the Monmouth County coast through environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. Participation is easy, requires no training, and only takes a few minutes.

Watch: Reigel Presents Summer Research on Monitoring Atlantic Sturgeon Using eDNA

Watch Monmouth marine and environmental biology and policy student Chris Reigel share his summer research poster on monitoring the endangered Atlantic sturgeon in near-shore environments using eDNA. Reigel’s project was supported by the School of Science and UCI through a federal grant secured by Congressman Frank Pallone.

Watch: Adolf Presents Research on eDNA for Fisheries Monitoring at Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum

Endowed Professor of Marine Science Jason Adolf delivered a presentation at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum highlighting how analyzing materials filtered from water samples can be paired with traditional techniques to improve fisheries monitoring plans.

COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Opens Nov. 3

The UCI is a partner in organizing a COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion that runs Nov. 3-Dec. 22. The Pavilion is an excellent online platform dedicated to raising the visibility of the ocean and showcasing why it matters in climate negotiations and to all life on our planet.

• Register to take advantage of the Pavilion's free activities and exhibits
• Click here to view a call for collaborators

Upcoming Events

Through Sept. 26

Explore the Depths:

Hudson Canyon Live!

Tune in for ROV livestreams and ship-to-shore programs from NOAA's research cruise to the Hudson Canyon aboard the Nancy Foster!

Sept. 21-Oct. 19

Sidereal: Again, to Navigate by Stars

Monmouth Beach Cultural Center

A solo exhibition by Monmouth University Professor Kimberly Callas that explores themes of identity, connection, and our relationship to nature through evocative sculptures and socially engaged practice. 

Beginning Sept. 29

Climate Crisis Teach-In

Monmouth University

The Teach-In series resumes with upcoming talks on weather derivatives by Prof. Tjeerd Boonman and the mental health impacts of climate change by UCI Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist Rachel Forbes.

Oct. 3 | 5:30-9 p.m.

Monmouth Beach Rising

Monmouth Beach Cultural Center

A multimedia art installation on climate resilience by Allison Hunter. Opening night will feature a panel talk that includes UCI Associate Director Tom Herrington.

Oct. 9 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Future of the Ocean Symposium and Champion of the Ocean Awards

Monmouth University Great Hall

Symposium free and open to public. Ticket required for luncheon honoring Victor Vescovo, Larry Mayer, and Congressman Frank Pallone.

Oct. 21 | 6 p.m.

The Opportunities and Challenges of Sustainable Development Along New Jersey’s Coast

Monmouth University Great Hall

Panel discussion featuring Clinton Andrews (Rutgers U.), Tyler Kalian (Kalian Development), and Michael Sommer (Kushner). Hosted by the Monmouth U. Kislak Real Estate Institute.

Nov. 12-14

Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit

Dewey Beach, DE

MARCO welcomes abstracts through Oct. 7 for oral presentations, panel discussions, student flash talks, breakout sessions, and posters on approaches to marine debris.

Nov. 12-13

2025 Global Understanding Convention

Monmouth University

This year's event will highlight the UN Member States Declaration of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust.” Hosted by the Monmouth U. Institute for Global Understanding.

March 19-21, 2026

New Jersey Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference

Galloway, NJ

Save the date for this biennial event hosted by the NJCRC and NJDEP. A call for presenters will be issued in the fall.

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