On a brisk spring day, S25 students, faculty and staff all traveled to the port city of New London, CT for a field seminar examining how coastal identity shapes the city’s infrastructure, philosophy, and priorities.
Students met with Mayor Michael Passero at the New London Train Station, where he discussed the city’s maritime heritage, highlighting ongoing efforts to build a sustainable, resilient future. Mayor Passero described initiatives focused on harnessing New London’s unique coastal location for economic growth, job creation, and climate adaptation, emphasizing the importance of balancing historical preservation with forward-looking development.
At the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, two members of the CGA faculty spoke about coastal resilience initiatives, detailing how scientific knowledge informs practical engineering strategies. Students also engaged with the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (SeCTer), exploring New London’s emerging blue economy, offshore wind development, and the economic opportunities tied to maritime industries.