Coastal Resilience and Water
IERE’s Coastal Resilience & Water hub empowers students and researchers to engage directly with climate adaptation and community resilience in Florida’s First Coast. Rooted in Jacksonville’s identity as the “River City,” this initiative centers on the vital role of the St. Johns River Watershed and our coastal proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Through research, education (curriculum), and outreach, this initiative aims to explore and safeguard the present and future of our region’s water systems and coastal landscapes.
Education
UNF’s new interdisciplinary B.S. in Environmental Science (2025) and the Environmental Studies minor, both housed within the Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE), are designed to prepare students to lead in the face of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. With a strategic focus on coastal resilience and water, these programs will result in more students actively engaged in the community through internships, field-based learning, and experiential opportunities that address real-world issues.
Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River, UNF offers students unparalleled access to coastal ecosystems and water systems. These natural assets serve as living laboratories for immersive learning and research.
Themes of coastal resilience and water stewardship are woven throughout the Environmental Science and Environmental Studies curricula. IERE has developed specialized courses that examine resilience across natural, built, and social environments—ensuring students gain a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of the complex challenges facing coastal communities.
IERE’s Career Pathways Program supports workforce development by equipping students with the academic foundation, practical skills, and professional readiness needed to make meaningful contributions in northeast Florida and beyond. The Digital Badge Program further enhances lifelong learning through micro-credentials in Environmental Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship.
Students also benefit from the Florida Field School, where immersive, nature-based experiences deepen their understanding of coastal resilience and water systems while supporting academic growth and personal well-being.
Outreach
Extending impact through community-focused outreach and student engagement, current efforts include co-hosting the annual Jacksonville Environmental Symposium, which brings together researchers, policymakers, and the public to explore solutions for coastal and water-related challenges. Through the Sustainable Living 101 digital badge, students and community members gain practical tools for environmentally responsible living—offering key insights into sustainability, water conservation, and coastal resilience.
Student Programs
Student programs provide interdisciplinary hands-on experiences through academic enrichment and professional mentorship, bridging the gap between coastal & community resilience, water stewardship, and community impact.-
The Florida Field School program focuses on coastal resilience and water resource stewardship by connecting students with professionals working on real-world challenges in our region. Through career exploration and field-based learning, students gain insight into what coastal and community resilience looks like—and how they can be part of it. With Florida’s vast water resources and varying ecosystems acting as a living classroom, the Florida Field School bridges the gap between UNF’s academic resources and the state’s dynamic coastal environments.
These immersive and skill-building experiences continue to empower students to explore environmental challenges both locally and statewide. These opportunities have engaged students in topics such as sustainability, climate communication, and Florida’s diverse ecosystems—especially those connected to coastal resilience and water. By linking academic learning with real-world application, IERE reinforces its commitment to interdisciplinary, place-based education that prepares students to lead in their communities and beyond.
-
The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) is a competitive, two-semester scholarship initiative that empowers undergraduate students from all majors to take initiative on environmental issues through academic enrichment, hands-on projects, and professional mentorship. Many student-led projects have explored the intersection of sustainability, public health, and ecosystem restoration—ranging from urban greening and biodiversity initiatives to water-focused conservation efforts across northeast Florida. These experiences reflect ELP’s commitment to preparing students to address coastal resilience and water challenges through interdisciplinary, community-engaged learning.
Research
The Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) leads collaborative, interdisciplinary research that tackles the urgent challenges facing coastal ecosystems and water systems. Through its competitive Research Seed Grants, IERE empowers UNF faculty to launch innovative projects that enhance community resilience, safeguard water resources, and build momentum for externally funded research with real-world impact. This work is strengthened through the UNF Environmental Research Consortium, which brings together faculty from across disciplines to foster meaningful collaboration and advance environmental innovation. With a strong network of partners, IERE ensures that its research is grounded in local needs and delivers practical solutions to coastal and water-related challenges.