About Us

The Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems-II (CCME-II) is led by Florida A&M University (FAMU) in partnership with:

• Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU)
• California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB)
• Jackson State University (JSU)
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC)
• University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)

The NOAA Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems-II  (CCME-II) was established in 2021 as a Cooperative Science Center through an award funded by the NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI). The goal of the NOAA Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems-II (CCME-II) cooperative agreement (NA 21SEC4810004) is to recruit, educate, train, and graduate a new generation of scientists, particularly from underrepresented communities, in NOAA-mission aligned STEM disciplines, equipped to utilize interdisciplinary approaches to address issues confronting marine and coastal communities.

CCME-II research is conducted in the areas of Place-Based Conservation, Coastal Intelligence and Coastal Resilience. Through NOAA-mission aligned research and social science integration, the CCME-II student, faculty, and staff produce results that can be used for better understanding and resolution of short-term and long-term science and policy issues related to coastal and marine ecosystems. 

Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems-II (CCME-II)

Dr. Larry Robinson, Principal Investigator and Program Manager
Dr. Richard A. Long, Center Director
Dr. Viniece Jennings, Deputy Director
Dr. Steve Morey, Distinguished Research Scientist 
Dr. Bernadette Kelley-Brown, Education Expert
Dr. Tracy A. Ippolito, Data and Information Manager

CCME-II Institutional PIs

Bethune-Cookman University – Dr. Hyun Jung Cho
California State University – Monterey Bay – Dr. Cheryl Logan (Interim)
Jackson State University – Dr. Brent Thoma
Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi – Dr. Paul Montagna
University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley – Dr. David Hicks

CCME-II NOAA Technical Advisor 

Dr. John Cortinas, Director, Atlantic Oceanic and Meteorology Lab, NOAA OAR

CCME-II NOAA Technical Monitors

Dr. Sean Corson - Director, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)
Dr. Chris Kelble - Director, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division of the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, NOAA OAR

Our thematic areas include:

• Coastal Resilience
  • Dr. Owen Temby, Lead, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley 
  • Dr. Jennifer Pollock, Co-Lead, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi
• Coastal Intelligence
  • Dr. Paul Montagna, Lead, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi 
  • Dr. Michael Martinez-Colon, Co-Lead, Florida A&M University
• Place-based Conservation
  • Dr. Hyun Jung Cho, Lead, Bethune-Cookman University
  • Dr. Brent Thoma, Co-Lead, Jackson State University

Our integrated training areas include:

• CCME-II Science Research 
  • Dr. Steve Morey, Distinguished Research Scientist, Florida A&M University
    • Joint Collaborative Research Project (JCRP)
    • NOAA Experiential Research Training Opportunities (NERTO)
•  CCME-II Education
  • Dr. Bernadette Kelley-Brown, Education Lead, Florida A&M University
    • Annual Cohort Experience (ACE) 
    • Center-Wide Core Competency Course (CWCC) 
  • Dr. Owen Temby, Lead, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley 
    • Social Science Integration

 Five Things to Know about CCME-II

1. CCME-II builds on the successes of the Environmental Cooperative Science Center (ECSC) and CCME-I as a national leader in training an advanced STEM workforce supporting NOAA mission science and coastal decision-making for coastal managers.

CCME-II continues to support the development of coastal resilience for coastal communities and economies. CCME-II is dedicated to diversifying the NOAA-mission aligned workforce through science research and education training conducted through its six partner institutions.

2. CCME-II is engaged in the training of a new generation of underrepresented environmental scientists in coastal and marine sciences particularly in three vital thematic areas of coastal and marine ecosystems: Place-Based Conservation, Coastal Resilience, and Coastal Intelligence.

CCME-II Scholars develop competencies in all three thematic areas as well as understand the social sciences implications of their research. Our Center-Wide Core Curriculum (CWCC) activities ensure that all CCME-II Scholars achieve a minimum set of competencies related to the Center’s research and education programs. 

3. CCME-II is engaged in the training of a new generation of underrepresented environmental scientists about NOAA.

The CCME-II Annual Cohort Experience (ACE) introduces CCME-II Scholars to NOAA’s mission and NOAA Science and Technology Focal Areas. ACE also focuses on our NOAA collaborating offices including the Office of Education Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI), National Ocean Service (NOS), and Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).

4. CCME-II collaborates extensively with several NOAA labs and facilities.

CCME-II provides learning opportunities for scholars engage with NOAA subject matter experts at NOS, OAR, and other NOAA laboratories throughout the United States.

5. CCME-II leverages the expertise of two advisory committees to support student training activities.

The CCME-II Stakeholder Advisory Board and Science Advisory Council committees assist in identifying coastal and marine issues aligned with NOAA’s mission. 

The Stakeholder Advisory Board facilitates community outreach activities and serves as a conduit to local issues and concerns.

The Science Advisory Council assists in identifying opportunities that will help in CCME-II student professional development and other research opportunities.