Research Divisions

The Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences is composed of three research divisions, which primarily serve doctoral students, and houses some 11 research centers and programs.

Marine Science & Conservation, with focal areas in marine ecology, estuarine processes, and coastal geology, is headquartered at the Duke University Marine Laboratory at Beaufort, N.C. Faculty research interests range from studies of the long-line fisheries industry, to monitoring and assessing the post-hurricane health of the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, to the effects of human activities on marine mammal populations, to applications of social science to environmental policy and management.

Earth and Ocean Sciences, with focal areas in climate change, solid earth processes and surface processes, is headquartered in the Old Chemistry building at Duke. The Faculty at EOS conduct research all over the world, from Hess Deep (-3200m depth) in the Pacific Ocean to the 4000m+ altitudes of the South American Altiplano.

Environmental Sciences and Policy, with focal areas in ecosystem science and management, environmental chemistry and toxicology, aquatic and atmospheric sciences and environmental social sciences, is headquartered in the Levine Science Research Center. Faculty with training in the biological, physical, chemical and social sciences work on applied and basic environmental research problems. The division stresses interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem solving.

Research Centers and Programs

Research centers and programs housed in the Nicholas School are by design and intent flexible, multidisciplinary units. A major aim is to bring together specialized groups of scholars and professionals from many disciplines to focus their attention on current natural resource and environmental problems. The centers and programs are headed by a director and staffed by an interdisciplinary faculty from Duke, neighboring universities, and a variety of public and private research organizations. Depending upon the level of funding, the centers and programs may also employ research assistants and other support staff. They do not offer courses or degrees; rather, they offer students, scientists and other professionals an opportunity to participate in research through collaboration with affiliated faculty.