The University of Delaware will hold its annual Coast Day event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. Meet with UD students, faculty and research partners to learn about marine and environmental science.

Coast Day 2024

Article by Adam Thomas Photos by Evan Krape September 27, 2024

Annual UD event set for Sunday, Oct. 6 in Lewes

The University of Delaware will hold its annual Coast Day event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes.

The event will highlight cutting-edge research, community outreach and student engagement at UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. This year’s Coast Day theme is Ecosystems for Everyone and the event will highlight the many ways that UD scientists, staff and students are working together to understand our rich environmental resources and better serve local communities.

“Coast Day will showcase the many ways that scientists at the University are developing knowledge to help us adapt to the opportunities and challenges facing coastal communities,” said Dean Fabrice Veron. “I am pleased to welcome our community to the Hugh R. Sharp Campus to explore these efforts and see how we’re collaborating with Delawareans throughout the state to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.”

Many family-friendly events and activities will be offered at Coast Day including tours of UD research vessels and labs—like the Robotics Discovery Lab which features autonomous underwater vehicles and a robotic “dog” that scientists are training to monitor beach conditions—as well as science talks from UD faculty, research displays from Delaware Sea Grant professionals, hands-on activities from students and community partners, exhibits from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and marine animal touch tanks.

Tour UD's Robotics Discovery Lab which features autonomous underwater vehicles and a robotic “dog” that scientists are training to monitor beach conditions.

New this year is a special screening featuring UD’s work with Project Recover, an organization that for over 30 years has been the nation’s foremost citizen-led, nonprofit organization to search, locate, document, recover and repatriate American service members missing in action.

Also new this year is a 30-minute walking tour to view an on-campus weather station maintained by the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS). Part of UD’s Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis, DEOS manages a network of weather stations across the state. This scientist-led tour will explain the various sensors included on each station and how data is collected, processed and implemented.

While visiting Coast Day, ocean lovers and lifelong learners are encouraged to join the Mariners, a Southern Delaware community of like-minded environmental champions interested in getting involved with the college through community events, advocacy opportunities, and an insider’s look at emerging research and technology at UD.

Live music and food trucks will be available throughout the day.

UD’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes is located at 1044 College Drive, Lewes, Delaware 19958.

For more information, visit the Coast Day website or contact coast-day@udel.edu.

Many family-friendly events and activities will be offered at Coast Day including tours of UD research vessels and labs, science talks, research displays, hands-on activities from students and community partners, and marine animal touch tanks.