UNCW Center for Marine Science

There is still time to register for our kick-off of UNCW's
2026-2027 Planet Ocean Seminar Series with
"The Challenge of Rip Currents" with Greg Dusek!

Join us to gain a greater understanding of what a rip current is, how they form, and what to look for when trying to spot one on the beach! Dusek shares the social science behind how people underrate the hazard of rips.

UNCW Center for Marine Science brings you regionally and nationally important research for coastal communities.

September 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
In-person Registration: 910-962-2301
Zoom: https://uncw.zoom.us/webinar/register/2717858596950/WN__rjz5qmHTiqvLU-c8oTCcw

Dave Wells is well known for his expertise supporting instrumentation for our ocean-going work. Dr. Lori Sutter shares, "He also ensures we know how to use RTK GPS units to obtain precise locations. In addition, he learns and trains others in the use of new-to-us instruments that we researchers acquire for new applications. Here, an undergraduate student "drives" a tethered Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, or ADCP, designed for shallower waters that also has remote control capacity."

This ADCP measures how much water moves underneath it; in this case, we measured the volume of water in tidal creeks every 15 minutes to estimate carbon delivered and/or exported from the marsh that drains into this creek at River Road Park (Wilmington, NC).

Without accurate measurements of the water volume in an ever-changing environment like a tidal creek, the values estimated offer less confidence.

"Dave, you've been critical to our success and will be deeply missed!"

Phil Bresnahan, associate professor UNCW: Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences shares this photo and says, "Thanks for being willing to test out just about every new, bizarre instrument, platform, and deployment setting we could think of, Dave. From sensors that measure from above, on, or in the water and from marshes to bridges to retention ponds, you've been there to collaborate on almost every project our group has worked on since our first days at CMS. We'll miss your carefully designed and executed "flight plans" and, most importantly, the opportunity to conduct them together. "

This morning, UNCW's new vessel, the "R/V Osprey" is underway aboard the BBC ODESA, just off the coast of Panama to make her Eastbound transit through the Panama Canal this weekend! Bringing her one step closer to the nest!

😂📖😎⛵🤣

Today at Trinity Landing - A Senior Living Community, Dr. Jenny Biddle and masters student Sarah Beth Howard presented on the Master of Coastal & Ocean Policy program. Howard shared her experience in the program and this summer’s North Carolina Issues and Experiences course!

At the end of August, Dave Wells UNCW's Ocean Instrument Technician is retiring with more than 25 years of service to the university and the state of NC.

Shannon Klotsko, associate professor UNCW: Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences shares these photos and says, "Oceanographic research and seagoing education at UNCW would not be the same without Dave Wells' support over his career. His kindness and knowledge have been vital in new faculty launching their research programs, supporting all the different oceanographic instrumentation that they buy and figuring out how to run and fix each one. He has been integral in UNCW seagoing courses, not only by preparing oceanographic instruments and the vessel, but in teaching the students as well."

These images show his support research and class cruises between 2019 and 2025 on the "R/V Cape Fear." Teaching students about the flow through instruments on board, helping deploy/recover large instruments, working on the navigation setup for accurate positioning in the data collected, and teaching about a remotely operated instrument.

At the end of August, Dave Wells UNCW's Ocean Instrument Technician is retiring with more than 25 years of service to the university and the state of NC.

Dr. D. Wilson Freshwater provided these images and said, “No matter the conditions, from DECO dive training, to many a UNCW Coastal Ocean Research Monitoring Program trip piggybacking, Dave never shied away from helping with my diving ventures (misadventures?), and his help was instrumental in multiple students’ diving research. He will be sorely missed and always appreciated.”

Wishing all UNCW SEAHAWKS a great first day of class! Fall 2026 🌊

At the end of August, Dave Wells UNCW's Ocean Instrument Technician is retiring with more than 25 years of service to the university and the state of NC.

Ata Suanda, associate professor in Physics and Physical Oceanography shares, "Dave has been instrumental in UNCW’s ability to conduct observational oceanographic science. From experimental gear deployments to tried-and-true methods of observing the ocean, Dave has played a critical role in helping researchers achieve their goals. Here, aboard the RV Seahawk in Spring 2025 with Chris LaClair and Doug Faircloth, Dave prepares to deploy one of the instrumented landers on Frying Pan Shoals.”