Graduate Students on Sullivan’s Island
The College of Charleston Graduate School is proud to announce that a team of Environmental and Sustainability Studies (EVSS) alumni are helping lead the charge in protecting Sullivan’s Island, a close-knit community and popular tourist destination. Due to significant environmental challenges faced by the 3.8-mile-long barrier island—including low elevation, outdated drainage systems, and rising sea levels—the Town of Sullivan’s Island is taking action through the Sullivan’s Island Resilience and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan. This plan addresses the island’s vulnerability due to its low-lying elevation and exposure to severe weather events.
EVSS Alumni at the Forefront
Weston & Sampson Engineers, serving as the prime contractor for the project, has assembled a team that includes subcontractors McCormick Taylor and Elko Coastal Consulting. Notably, the project’s kickoff meeting was well-represented by EVSS alumni, showcasing the program’s impact on environmental solutions in the Charleston area.
EVSS Alumni Involved in the Project:
- Anna Kimelblatt (Weston & Sampson Engineers)
- Lucas Hernandez (Weston & Sampson Engineers)
- Kim Morganello (Weston & Sampson Engineers)
- Kayla Pehl (Weston & Sampson Engineers)
- Katie Ellis (McCormick Taylor)
- Jenna Cormany (McCormick Taylor)
- Rebecca Fanning (Town of Sullivan’s Island)
- Cheyenne Twilly (Elko Coastal Consulting)
Building a Resilient Sullivan’s Island:
The Sullivan’s Island Resilience and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan plan, led by Weston & Sampson with a team heavily comprised of EVSS alumni, is a crucial initiative to identify, assess, and plan for the potential impacts of climate change on the island community. Funded in part by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, the plan will guide local investments in flood mitigation projects and policies. Additionally, it will ensure alignment with the town’s Comprehensive Plan, regional planning efforts, and the upcoming Stormwater Master Plan.
The plan will:
- Identify and assess potential impacts of sea level rise and other environmental hazards.
- Guide local investments in flood mitigation projects and policies.
- Ensure alignment with the town’s existing and upcoming plans.
EVSS: Preparing Leaders for Environmental Challenges:
The College of Charleston’s Master’s in Environmental and Sustainability Studies program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle complex environmental challenges. The program’s emphasis on real-world application is evident in the success of its alumni, who are at the forefront of developing solutions for a more sustainable future for South Carolina and the lowcountry.
This project on Sullivan’s Island exemplifies the EVSS program’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to preparing graduates who can make a positive impact on their communities.
About the College of Charleston Graduate School:
The College of Charleston Graduate School offers a variety of innovative and interdisciplinary programs that prepare students for success in today’s ever-changing world. The EVSS program is a prime example, providing students with the expertise to address critical environmental issues through a combination of science, engineering, and policy.
