Understand Our Planet
From the air we breathe to the water we drink and the ground beneath our feet, the world around us is all connected. We combine award-winning teaching with interdisciplinary research to cover the entire scope of the marine, earth and atmospheric sciences.
Tackling the grand geoscientific challenges of today and tomorrow.
In MEAS, we improve weather forecasts and climate models. We monitor water quality and marine animal health. We study how past landscapes have contributed to modern hazards. We make communities safer from the forces of nature that impact our lives.
MEAS is dedicated to excellence in research and teaching while promoting an inclusive environment that allows all members of the department to thrive.
Where Do Our Grads Go?
MEAS awards approximately 50 undergraduate degrees and 30 graduate degrees each year. Our dedication to cross-disciplinary collaboration means our graduates thrive in a variety of fields, from engineering to education, research and more. Our alumni go on to lead national scientific agencies, NGOs and private firms.
We Take “Think and Do” Seriously
Featured program
Research That Reaches People
MEAS provides science-based solutions for sustainable land use, clean water access and resilient communities across North Carolina and beyond. The department is organized into three primary disciplinary pillars, each containing specialized laboratories and faculty portfolios.
Department Newsletter
Keep up with MEAS!
Next spring, will you…
A) Use augmented reality to train for wildfire scenarios
B) Go on field trips to explore environmental issues in NC
C) Build and deploy your own weather station
D) Learn how geoscience can be used to solve crimes
E) All of the above
These are just a few of several classes we`re excited to offer next semester. Make sure to grab a seat while you can!
Vendela Gustafsson’s time at NC State has been packed with opportunities. This summer alone, the NC State senior completed a study abroad program, an internship and, most recently, a research cruise to uncover the unknowns of the ocean 🔬
Gustafsson is a physical oceanography major in @ncstate_physics, a Park Scholar and a member of MEAS Professor Ruoying He’s Ocean Observation and Modeling Group. These roles prepared her well for her research-filled summer, which included a 25-day, Rutgers University-led research cruise with the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
The expedition sailed 500 miles east of Barbados to investigate a process known as salt finger mixing, where waters of different temperatures and salinity rise, sink and swirl. Scientists suspect this process may keep vital nutrients flowing in ocean ecosystems, and they’re assessing whether it could offset some barriers to nutrient cycling that may be caused by rising ocean surface temperatures.
Gustafsson`s summer endeavors included valuable mentorship on top of her field experiences. Gustafsson was joined on the Schmidt expedition by Travis Miles, a Park Scholar and MEAS alumnus from the Class of 2007.
Learn more about Gustafsson’s summer experience — including the Bonaire scientific diving study abroad program, the Marine Physical Laboratory internship program at @scripps_ocean, and the Schmidt Ocean Institute research cruise — at the link in our bio 🔗
📷 Photo credit: Photos 1-2 photographed by Alex Ingle/Schmidt Ocean Institute. Photos 3-5 courtesy of Vendela Gustafsson.
#SaltyStaircases
Nothing says fall like Porktoberfest! 🍂
Our wonderful Graduate Student Association organizes a yearly fall potluck, which has become a department tradition over time. Thank you to the students, staff and faculty for keeping this tradition alive, fun and full of good food!
