Student Spotlight: Nicole Coursey ’26

March 15, 2024

Nicole Coursey  

Expected Graduation: 2026
Hometown: Hampstead, N.C.
Major: Environmental Studies; Minor: Data Science
Experiences: Outer Banks Field Site + Summer Burch Sustainability Study Abroad  

Why did you choose this specific experience?  

I chose to pursue the Burch Sustainability Study Abroad trip so that I could get a hands-on look at how European countries are pursuing climate change solutions. I wanted to not only learn about renewable energy, sustainable city planning, and circularity, but see these concepts in action. I chose to pursue the Outer Banks Field site because I wanted to get an interdisciplinary approach to environmental policy and management. As a coastal North Carolinian, I wanted to learn more about how I could protect these critical environments.  

What did you do/learn during your experience?  

I learned about both experiences via in-class speakers in my ENEC 201 class. I also would recommend getting on the ENEC listserv to keep up-to-date about cool opportunities like these! 

Describe how this experience impacted you as a student. What personal and professional skills did you gain? How have or how will you apply what you are learning/have learned to your future? 

The OBXFS program helped me gain experience working as a part of a team on long, multifaceted projects. For example, our capstone project, which was on Artificial Light at Night in the Outer Banks, involved months of coordinated efforts, communication, and teamwork. Additionally, this experience further cemented that I’d like to pursue a future working on corporate sustainability and climate change solutions. Climate change is a huge threat to coastal communities, like where I am from in Wilmington, NC, and addressing these threats must come from many individuals doing their part. 

This field site has made me a better, more patient team member. I feel I have made a lot of connections with professionals, other organizations, and students. I have learned a lot about my interest in renewable energy. 

How did funding from UNC IE impact your experiences?  

I received funding from the George Watts Car and Betsy Steele Carr Environmental Field Site Scholarship to attend the Burch Sustainability Fellowship for summer 2023. The funding I received allowed me to attend this program without nearly as much stress. I wasn’t as worried about money and could truly just enjoy the experience more. 

What is your favorite memory from your experience?  

For the OBXFS experience, I really enjoyed our overnight field trip to Ocracoke! We had a blast learning about the unique history, seeing the beautiful landscape, and making memories as a group.