Research
PA Sea Grant invests $1.27 million in research projects
Funds will support six research projects taking place from 2026-2028 that address critical aquatic ecosystem and watershed challenges
The Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program is pleased to announce $1.27 million funding for critical aquatic and watershed-related research in Pennsylvania. Funding includes $851,151 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and $428,077 in matching funds from awarded institutions. Pennsylvania Sea Grant conducts and supports scientific research that enhances the use and conservation of Pennsylvania’s coastal, watershed, and Great Lakes resources.
The current biennial research investment supports researchers and students affiliated with Bryn Mawr College; Penn State Erie, the Behrend College; Penn State Hazleton; Penn State University; Villanova University, and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
The research will take place 2026 through 2028. Read the full story.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant casts a wide net to gather input and data from partners across the Commonwealth to ensure that research topics focus on critical issues that impact our Great Lakes, coastlines, and watersheds. This research has the potential to yield solution-based results to assist decision makers, address pressing coastal and watershed issues, and develop or update statewide ecosystem management strategies.
Since 2012, Pennsylvania Sea Grant has invested $5.7 million, supporting 76 competitive research projects conducted by 26 institutions, which has also led to research experience for 194 undergraduate, and over 70 graduate/Ph.D students.
Natural History Museum
Pennsylvania Sea Grant oversees the Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, PA. The museum is a depository for natural history specimens collected primarily from northwest Pennsylvania, and serves as a resource for scientific studies of the ecology of the region.
Contact
Sean Rafferty, Ph.D., joined Pennsylvania Sea Grant in 2001, and currently serves as research director. Sean is responsible for directing and overseeing the Research and Fellowship Program; directing, overseeing, and conducting ecological-based research and extension projects;
