Sophia Strong

Hi! My name is Sophia Strong and I am a senior majoring in oceanography at UNC Wilmington. Originally from Buffalo, New York (Go Bills!), I consistenly made trips to the North Carolina coast throughout my childhood. In doing so, I developed a strong passion for the ocean and coastal environment. I strive to understand the processes of marine science, aiming to protect its vital mechanisms and preserve its positive influence on our planet.

I am excited to say that I am working in the COAST Lab over the summer with a focus on Ghost Forest archival research. Moreover, I will be investigating past coastal and industrial dynamics in the Cape Fear River and Estuary region. I also have plans to potentially continue research through an Honors Thesis this fall.

I have volunteered for Cape Fear’s Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, which aims to monitor water quality in coastal North Carolina and protect our beaches. I also like to partake in beach clean-ups for Wrightsville and Carolina Beach held by UNCW’s Plastic Ocean Project and Surfrider Foundation. When I am not doing something science related, you can find me at the beach, reading, trying new coffee shops, paddleboarding, walking the loop, or at the gym.