Erin Seekamp Named Goodnight Distinguished Professor of Coastal Resilience and Sustainability

NC State’s College of Natural Resources, along with the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs, announced that Erin Seekamp, a professor of parks, recreation and tourism management and an extension tourism specialist in the College of Natural Resources, has been appointed Goodnight Distinguished Professor of Coastal Resilience and Sustainability. Beginning in August, she will also serve as the director of the Coastal Resilience and Sustainability Initiative (CRSI).

“We are excited that Dr. Seekamp has been selected for this much deserved honor. Her appointment speaks volumes to her outstanding work in the human dimensions of coastal resilience and sustainability sciences, and is a great boost for the future of NC State’s leadership in the field,” said Myron Floyd, dean of the College of Natural Resources.

Seekamp’s research specialties include partnerships, decision-making and capacity building focused on climate adaptation planning, community-based conservation and conservation behaviors. Her projects have helped coastal communities become more climate ready, especially those dependent on natural resources and tourism to thrive. She has worked extensively with the National Park Service, and is currently involved in a project to develop a planning and decision support tool to help the NPS and partners prioritize archeological sites for climate adaptation treatments. 

Over the course of her career, Seekamp has produced nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications; secured more than $12 million in total grant funding, including more than $11 million as PI or co-PI; and mentored more than 50 graduate students. She is the first woman in the College of Natural Resources to receive the Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professorship Award, and was named a University Faculty Scholar in 2020.

Seekamp received her Bachelor of Science in anthropology from James Madison University, her Master of Science in forestry from Virginia Tech, and her Ph.D. in natural resources from the University of Idaho.

Given the threats to North Carolina’s coasts, Seekamp takes over this position at a very important time,” said Rob Dunn, senior vice provost for University Interdisciplinary Programs.”