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!

Say "hello" to our Summer 2025 Student Workers! They are assisting on several projects in our Environmental Services branch, including client work with Lake Linganore Homeowner's Association and the bacteria monitoring program with the Potomac Riverkeeper Network.

Interested? Contact Catherine Gaudlip at gaudlip@hood.edu to learn more.

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

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

Summer Intern, Christian Ficarra, reflects on his time working with CCWS

Christian Ficarra spent the summer months staying on campus to complete a 6-credit internship with the Center for Coastal & Watershed Studies, where he dove into the Environmental Services branch. His primary project focused on a small lake in the Catoctin Mountains, ThorpeWood, to determine suitable conditions for different types of fish hatcheries.

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