S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

SHORES: Strengthening Hope through Oceanfront and Coastal Resilience Engineers

Project Description and Overview

SHORES aims to establish a robust higher education ecosystem that equips civil engineering students to address current and future climate threats, ensuring the safety and well-being of coastal populations. The Lowcountry of South Carolina, with its susceptibility to climate change impacts like sea level rise, extreme weather, and heat, faces significant challenges. Employers report that new graduates lack preparation for these conditions in infrastructure design and construction. The Fifth National Climate Assessment highlights the need for better incorporation of hazard mitigation and climate adaptation elements in building codes. Enhancing infrastructure resilience also benefits safety, health, and economic development.

Skills to Advance Climate Resilience

The SHORES project trains engineers for future climate impacts, requiring regulatory and best practice updates for resilient designs. Training focuses on dynamic skills and knowledge to address future environmental conditions, allowing graduates to tackle emerging problems. Field trips and annual training with climate science practitioners provide experience in addressing complex climate challenges. Training also includes working with disadvantaged communities and larger municipalities to mitigate vulnerabilities. SHORES prepares future civil engineers to safeguard public health and safety under evolving environmental conditions.

Strategic Partnerships

The SHORES program was developed by S.C. Sea Grant Consortium members The Citadel, Coastal Carolina University, Clemson University and also includes Trident Technical College.  The SHORES team is engaged with industry leaders to understand the new knowledge and skills needed for the future workforce and to engage their staff in professional development for students.

  • S.C. Sea Grant Consortium: The Sea Grant Consortium has eight university members and includes the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Consortium staff are experienced in collaborating, coordinating and engaging with university programs, students, industries and communities.
  • The Citadel: One of the oldest engineering programs in the nation, focusing on environmental, structural, geotechnical, and transportation engineering.
    • Contact– Dr. William J. Davis, PE, Department and D. Graham Copeland Professor of Civil Engineering, Emmett Davis Dept. of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering,  davisj7@citadel.edu
    • -Dr. Scott Curtis, Director, James B. Near Center for Climate Studies, wcurtis1@citadel.edu
  • Clemson University (CU): Administers a master’s degree program in civil engineering, offering a BSCE-to-MSCE pathway in collaboration with The Citadel.
  • Coastal Carolina University (CCU): Offers an ABET-accredited Engineering Science B.S. program serving the Grand Strand and surrounding regions.
    • Contact– George Wesley Hitt, PhD Associate Professor and Chair,
      Department of Physics and Engineering Science Coastal Carolina University ghitt@coastal.edu
  • Trident Technical College (TTC): Provides two-year associate degrees in engineering technology, preparing students for the workforce. TTC also offers 2+2 programs for seamless transfer to The Citadel, University of South Carolina, or Clemson University.
    • Contact– Tim Fulford Dean, Engineering and Construction Director, South Carolina Aeronautical Training Center Trident Technical College Timothy.Fulford@tridenttech.edu
  • Industry Partners: Comprising engineering and construction firms, committed to:
    • Collaborating on student learning concepts.
    • Creating a matching process for internships.
    • Participating in annual climate-ready engineer retreats for team building, climate training, and process skills development.
    • Hiring graduates and supporting them in pursuing MS programs.

Student-focused Programs

SHORES enhances engineering education programs, enabling students to address the changing needs of coastal communities and enhance climate resilience. The project adopts a “braided river” approach, recognizing students’ individual needs for mentorship, social, and academic support. Institutions provide enhanced educational and social services, allowing students to focus on their studies and bring diverse skills and experiences to the profession.

Civil engineering education spans multiple professional levels:

  • Two-year associate degree civil engineering technicians (CET): Serve as construction supervisors, assistant project managers, support to lead engineers, and surveyors.
  • Four-year bachelor’s level (BSCE): Graduates can pursue professional engineering licensure, leading design innovation and supervising technicians.
  • Master’s degrees in civil engineering (MSCE): Graduates attain technical specialization and conduct applied research.

Impacts of the Partnership

Developing climate-ready engineers strengthens the civil engineering sector, preparing it for future conditions. Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, making it essential for engineers to acquire relevant climate knowledge and training. The SHORES project expands the engineering toolbox to include vulnerability and exposure assessment, alongside traditional hazard-focused approaches. Industry involvement in program development enhances student confidence, self-efficacy, and inclusion, while keeping the industry updated on the latest climate knowledge. 

Promoting Economic Development and Centering Equity

SHORES is built on inclusiveness and accessibility. Underserved and marginalized students receive resources and opportunities to complete the program. The Citadel, CCU, and CU have received National Science Foundation awards to support disadvantaged and minority students, providing mentoring and academic support.

SHORES leverages existing industry relationships to secure internships and extend climate-related training across Civil Engineering programs. A yearly climate-ready engineer retreat fosters support, learning, and networking among students, industry members, and faculty. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium will expand opportunities to other universities in the future, enhancing the regional climate resilience workforce.

Read our newest article on this year’s seminar here:

Inaugural SHORES Seminar Prepares Students for the Future

 

Research and Outreach