Aug 18, 2025 | Emily Reier ’28
“Watching students be introduced to and do the same field work I did while working on my Honors thesis was a really cool full-circle moment for me,” shared Sam Stephan '24.
For over 45 years, MarineQuest has immersed K-12 students in the rich marine ecosystems of coastal North Carolina to build leaders, inspire futures and fuel UNCW’s mission to build leaders, inspire futures and solidify our place as the state’s coastal university. What began as a small initiative has grown into a nationally recognized program combining science, sustainability and community connection. Stephan, who first became involved with MarineQuest while conducting undergraduate research, now serves as a kayak instructor and helps bring marine science to life for younger students.
“We engage 6,000 students annually through school field trips, weekend programs and summer programs,” says Director Erin Moran ’11, ’14. "We also support our UNCW marine science community by providing opportunities to interact with our students and showcase the research taking place at UNCW,” she adds.
Moran, who started working with the program as an Ocean Lab summer instructor, sees MarineQuest as a place where discovery, growth and futures begin. “Our goal is to provide youth with opportunities to explore, discover and value coastal marine ecosystems, and at MarineQuest, that journey can begin as early as four years old.”
To meet the growing demand for year-round programming, MarineQuest has expanded both in scope and in staff. “We’ve grown significantly,” said Moran. “When I started in a permanent capacity, we were a team of five. Now we’re nine strong, with specialized roles to meet growing demand.” In fact, you'll find quite a few UNCW alumni who lead, teach and inspire on their team.
For Kimberly Cockrell ’00, now MarineQuest’s Business Service Coordinator, that impact became clear during a milestone celebration. “When we had our 40th [anniversary] event, I was amazed at the number of students who have been a part of MarineQuest,” she shared. “From those who now work in marine science in some capacity to the children of students who had attended a summer program.”
Each team member brings their unique story and passion to the program, enriching the experience for the next generation of students.
Harris Muhlstein '00, '10M - School Programs Coordinator
Muhlstein joined MarineQuest while looking for summer work as a high school science teacher. "I was hired to co-lead MarineQuest's first ever SCUBA diving program, as well as the three-week research intensive Oceans 17 program, and it was a dream come true," said Muhlstein. "It was the best summer 'vacation' of my life."
Now, designing school-year programming aligned with curriculum standards and leading outreach he shares, "My goal is to give students authentic experiences I didn't have until grad school." His joy comes full circle when students return to UNCW, working in labs they visited as teens. "Some have even become MarineQuest instructors, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists."
Liz Smith '17 - MarineQuest Overnight Coordinator
Working with MarineQuest in many roles since 2013, Smith now represents the program at public events such as the Wilmington Earth Day Festival, school STEM fairs, and community open houses.
"We had a tank set up with a miniature underwater ROV," Smith recalls about a past Earth Day program. "A boy ran up, grabbed the controller, and eagerly maneuvered the ROV to collect rings in the tank. I started explaining how this was part of marine technology and engineering, and he stopped and said, 'This is science?!' It made me laugh — he was so excited. Afterward, he ran off shouting to his parents, 'I want to go to science camp!'"
Erin Moran ’11, ’14 - Director
Moran is particularly proud of how MarineQuest fosters long-term relationships between students, their peers, and the marine world.
“It was our last dive and students reflected on their experience from the previous weeks of programming, and you could see that the friendships they had made not only with one another, but also with marine science, would last a lifetime,” Moran shared about one of her most memorable moments during Oceans 17.
Morgan O'Connell '13, '15M - Summer Intern and Volunteer Coordinator
O'Connell's first MarineQuest experience came as a summer instructor for the Coastal Cruisers and Treasure Seekers program. "It was the first year MarineQuest ran our Coastal Cruisers program, and I had the best time teaching our students all about the animals that migrate along the coast of North Carolina," O'Connell said. From dorm life to field trips in sudden rainstorms, she was hooked. "Every single Friday I was amazed at how much students learned throughout the week."
Sydney Jones '22 - Registration, Marketing and Communications Associate
"I am a big advocate for hands-on learning," shares Jones, who was drawn to MarineQuest by its mission. As a UNCW Communication Studies alum, she now finds herself immersed in marine science. "Getting to work closely with the Center for Marine Science and several marine science faculty and grad students makes me even more proud to be a UNCW alum."
"Some of the most meaningful experiences have been watching the joy in students' faces as they learn," she shared about capturing classroom and program moments. "It's also powerful to hear from parents just how impactful the experience was."
By empowering the next generation with knowledge and climate-conscious values, MarineQuest directly supports UNCW’s broader mission of coastal resiliency, laying the groundwork for sustainable communities, strong coastal economies, and resilient ecosystems. One student, one dive, one discovery at a time.
“My interest in coastal and marine sciences stems from the holistic nature of the system — it’s all connected,” says Moran. “MarineQuest reflects that connection by showing kids how their choices impact the coast and the planet.” Through immersive science adventures like snorkeling and kayaking to data collection aboard research vessels and hands-on service projects, MarineQuest promotes environmental responsibility and awareness from an early age.
While these are transformational and enriching experiences, they’re also resource-intensive. MarineQuest staff work diligently to secure funding and sponsorships that help meet travel and tuition costs, ensuring students from all backgrounds can participate.
“We’re a receipt-supported nonprofit,” explained Liz Smith '17, overnight coordinator. “Grants and donations are what allow us to provide scholarships and reduced-cost programs. Every bit of support helps us reach more students.”
To learn more about how you can support MarineQuest and invest in the future of coastal education, visit giving.uncw.edu. Additionally, learn more about UNCW’s Center for Marine Science (CMS) news, programs, events and more.