Joe Ramus, a distinguished marine scientist, educator, former director of the Duke University Marine Laboratory and devoted advocate for North Carolina’s coast, died Sept. 22, 2026, after a brief illn...

Job #AJO32409, Clarence Korstian Professor of Forest Economics and Management, NSOE-Faculty, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, US

The effect depends on the season and the region.

A new study indicates that colored bits of airborne plastic absorb heat, warming the atmosphere.

A chemical analysis of residential soils and ash around California homes burned by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires in early 2025 revealed wide variation in contamination by potentially harmful eleme...

From the Arctic to Antarctica, researchers from the Nicholas School of the Environment are exploring how organisms, cultural practices and physical processes are tied to extreme environments.

The field unites principles in biology, engineering and earth sciences to develop scalable solutions to urgent environmental, social and economic challenges.

From organizing N.C. government sustainability efforts to tracking carbon emissions for Disney, these Nicholas School alums bring environmental science to bear across economic sectors.

Research highlights from across the Nicholas School.

The discovery of vast numbers of previously unknown microbial genes in Antarctic waters could improve understanding of how the ocean shapes Earth’s climate.

Researchers from the Nicholas School of the Environment found that variability in ocean salt content affects El Niño intensity.

Research highlights from across the Nicholas School.

The new programs build on Duke University’s unique interdisciplinary connections and academic strengths at the intersection of theological studies, environmental issues and public policy.

By investigating the residual effects of lithium mining on the quality of North Carolina water resources, researchers from the Nicholas School of the Environment shed light on potential impacts from f...

The Nicholas School of the Environment will collaborate with conservationists in Africa to assess and expand upon efforts to restore degraded ecosystems through native species reintroduction.

The effects of climate change are pronounced in Nepal, a country of diverse people and landscapes. During a three-week trip through the South Asian country, Duke students gained perspective on the ine...

The Ocean Equity Index is a scorecard that anyone can use to assess the extent to which ocean projects and policies recognize relevant stakeholders, include them in decision-making and otherwise treat...

Dana Grieco’s path in marine science is guided by listening — to fishers, coastal communities and those whose livelihoods are shaped by a changing ocean.

Research highlights from across the Nicholas School.

Deepfake whales, lithium mining, energy system forecasting: These are just a few of the topics explored in the Nicholas School’s top research and impact stories of 2025.

The study, led by Heather Stapleton, is the first published research in the U.S. to investigate and document the use of these flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear, worn for protection on the j...

The review comes as the United Nations prepares to enforce a new oceans treaty that will require collaboration with these management bodies.

The ocean floor off North Carolina’s coast is a world unto itself, a time capsule of ancient geologic activity punctuated by signs of civilization and creatures rarely seen by human eyes. Essayist Cha...

Find out why Tyler Norris is on TIME's 2025 list of the 100 most influential leaders driving business climate action.

Two hurricanes and a global pandemic exposed a need for youth mentorship in coastal North Carolina. What began as a training exercise in personal resilience has grown into an expansive middle school c...

Named for a 20th-century geochemist who determined the age of Earth and the solar system, and who conducted foundational analyses of lead contamination in the environment, the annual award recognizes ...

Goose-beaked whales hold the record for the deepest dive of any mammal. Researchers want to learn their secrets to develop new drugs for human diseases.

Some 390 million years ago in the ancient ocean, marine animals began colonizing depths previously uninhabited. New research indicates this underwater migration occurred in response to a permanent inc...

AI-generated images of rare species could improve efforts to understand, monitor and protect them.

The findings could inform planetary health assessments, enhance ecosystem management, and guide climate change projections and mitigation strategies.

For students enrolled in the Duke Marine Lab’s Belize travel course, total immersion in tropical ecosystems and hands-on research projects made for an unforgettable learning experience.

A new economic analysis found that developing countries pay less for the nutrition in seafood imports than developed countries, largely because developed countries pay a premium for non-nutritional at...

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The Office of the Provost has chosen three faculty-led projects to receive Multiyear Interdisciplinary Hubs grants for research, education and engagement.

Much of the world’s lithium occurs in salty waters with fundamentally different chemistry than other naturally saline waters like the ocean, according to a new study published in Science Advances. The...

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The Nicholas School honored Andrew Dominguez, Chris Hachtman and Kirsten “Kat” Taylor with the prestigious award.

Faculty presented awards for high academic achievement and integrity, and recognized Graduates With Distinction.

Papers investigated flame retardants in vehicles and sediment patterns on Mars.

Ahead of Duke University’s 2025 commencement ceremony, the Nicholas School of the Environment will recognize undergraduates during a ceremony on Saturday.