Education & Engagement
Impact in the Classroom and Community
Empowering the next generation of coastal resilience champions
The Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience is developing educational minors and certificates related to climate change adaptation and resilience to equip students with the knowledge necessary to build resilient communities. In addition, ICAR plans to develop continuing education opportunities to support the existing workforce and prepare them for a future with a changing climate.
Education Initiatives
A minor in climate adaptation and resilience and a handful of certificates highlight the educational offerings at Old Dominion University created in concert with ICAR:
Engineering Solutions for Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Certificates
Engagement Initiatives
Since making climate change, sea level rise, and coastal resilience a presidential priority more than a decade ago, Old Dominion University has prioritized engaging with an array of community, government, military, and academic partners. Some highlights of ICAR’s engagement initiatives:
The Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool - RAFT
A coalition of researchers at three Virginia institutions, including Old Dominion University, is working to empower smaller, coastal communities to take steps to help bolster their resilience to issues associated with coastal hazards such as flooding. The RAFT is a collaborative, community-driven process to improve resilience to flooding and other hazards created by coastal storms, while balancing economic and social concerns.
The Hampton Roads Adaptation Forum
The Adaptation Forums are quarterly meetings to bring together professionals in adaptation including local municipal government staff, scientific experts, private sector engineers, state and federal agency staff, NGOs and other stakeholders to facilitate regional coordination, information exchange and share adaptation best practices.
Dutch Dialogues
In 2015, the Netherlands sent representatives to Hampton Roads to provide consultation with localities on how to tackle the region’s flooding problems. These interactions launched coastal resilience initiatives throughout coastal Virginia. In 2025, these original collaborators, now joined by new partners, reconvened in Norfolk at the "Dutch Dialogues - Life at Sea Level" conference to reflect on progress and chart a way forward.
Dr. Nicole Hutton
Assistant Director of Engagement
Assistant Director of Engagement
For more information about ICAR’s Engagement Activities, please contact ICAR’s Assistant Director for Engagement at alarkin@odu.edu
Assistant Director of Engagement
Andrew Larkin
Andrew Larkin is the Assistant Director for Engagement for the Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (ICAR). Before joining ICAR in 2025, he worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for 27 years in both Washington, D.C. and Norfolk. During his tenure with NOAA, Larkin developed skills in legislative and public outreach, as well as grants management. He played a pivotal role in various coastal resilience, habitat restoration, marine protected area, and Chesapeake Bay initiatives. His work with ICAR focuses on connecting ODU’s research and expertise in coastal resilience to benefit Virginia communities facing increased risks from flooding and other climate-related hazards.
Contact Dr. Laura: 757.683.6145