Center for Coastal & Watershed Studies

Welcome!

Hood-Center for Coastal & Watershed Studies (Hood-CCWS) studies all aspects of coastal environments. We use science to find solutions for environmental problems in a socially responsible manner. Starting locally and expanding regionally, we work with communities and organizations to improve water quality, while fostering valuable experiential learning for our students. As a center of excellence within Hood College, we strive to connect students with coastal environments, research important issues, and provide local opportunities to make a positive change. Our work is primarily divided into three focus areas:

Follow us on Facebook (Center for Coastal & Watershed Studies) and Instagram (@hoodcoastalstudies) for current happenings!

A huge Thank-You to our Summer 2025 Student Workers!

Our past and future come together in coastal environments. In keeping with the best of Hood’s liberal arts tradition, our aim is to provide a framework for multi-disciplinary learning and research by students and faculty with the goal of understanding the genesis, complexities, and possible solutions to environmental and social issues that impact the coastlines and watersheds of our region, nation, and world. Simultaneously, we prepare our students to use state-of-the-art technologies and practices that can lead them into productive careers and lives of service within our communities.

Student Stories

High School Student volunteers with Center for Coastal & Watershed Studies during Summer 2025

Aahana Nigam, an Urbana High School rising Senior, spent her summer as a Volunteer in the Center for Coastal & Watershed Studies, under the Biology Department. She participated in the many environmental services projects happening over the summer, which involved much field work in water quality monitoring and lab analyses. When not assisting on a client project, she focused on her "mini research project", which is a small project that each summer student worker focuses on individually. The goal of a mini research project is to enhance research skills while furthering an interest in a specific field. Aahana's mini research project was on using fluorescence microscopy to detect microplastics.

Member of the BlazerBloom team sits at a table with her colleagues, laughing

Hood Students to Compete in National AlgaePrize Research Competition

Hood's new BlazerBloom sustainability team will participate in the Department of Energy's AlgaePrize research competition

Life after Hood for Coastal Studies Alumnus, Shane Simms

" Anyone who is going back and forth about their major… trust your gut and don’t be afraid to try new things and open up to people… you never know where they can take you."

All Stories