“My thesis research at UNCW uses satellite images, light detection and ranging data (for elevation and ground texture), aerial photographs and field work to classify Masonboro Island, a local National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) barrier island, into habitats based on vegetation,” said McCarthy.

 

McCarthy’s project serves two purposes: to identify the locations of all of Masonboro Island’s habitats in both 2002 and 2010, so management officials can note how the island has changed and try to preserve it, and to determine which of the satellite sensors that McCarthy used is best for mapping coastal environments, such as Masonboro Island, which is located south of Wrightsville Beach.

 

McCarthy not only created the third habitat map of Masonboro Island for NERR with his project, but also used a combination of data and techniques with mapping software that have never been used before.

 

“I used a new satellite sensor, WorldView-2, which has been highly touted as the latest advancement in high spatial resolution satellite imagery, but I also used two older, very good sensors, QuickBird and IKONOS, to compare mapping capabilities and accuracy with WorldView-2 to determine which of the three is best for this type of research,” said McCarthy.

 

McCarthy used fieldwork with his advisor, Joanne Halls, and two other graduate students to record information about the island and compare it to information obtained from the mapping techniques, to amount to a total of 67 methods.

 

Although McCarthy studied anthropology during his undergraduate years at the University of Florida, he still stood out as a graduate student studying science. Nikki Byrd, one of McCarthy’s classmates, said that he did seem a little worried about taking upper level science classes.

 

“Originally he seemed a little apprehensive about it, but he’s incredibly smart, so it was never a problem,” said Byrd.

 

McCarthy’s passion has always been marine science, so he said it makes sense for him to study what he loves.

 

“My specialty, remote sensing, lends itself to studying the oceans based on their physical, biological, chemical and geological parameters together, which is what marine science is all about,” said McCarthy.

 

McCarthy claims that he couldn’t have done his research at UNCW without the help from his advisor, professors and other students.

 

“My advisor, Dr. Halls, went above and beyond in helping me throughout my thesis work,” said McCarthy. “She volunteered to join me on almost all of my fieldwork trips, nominated me for this award and others, and constantly challenged me to learn new techniques and think critically about research questions.”

 

The Walter B. Jones award is given every two years and recognizes students in three categories: Coastal Steward of the Year, Excellence in Local Government, and Excellence in Coastal and Marine Graduate Study. McCarthy’s award, along with eight other students from different universities, is for Excellence in Coastal and Marine Graduate Study.

 

Joan Willey, a professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry, wrote a letter of support for McCarthy, who she thinks deserves this award.

 

“Anytime a student receives a national award, it reflects well on both the university and the program,” said Willey. “[McCarthy] certainly stood out, both with his performance in classes and his involvement in the community.”

 

McCarthy said he hopes this will award will not only add to UNCW’s many achievements, but will also inspire other students to recognize, appreciate and utilize how much UNCW has to offer.