Robert M. Lee & Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center
Thanks to the generous support of Robert M. Lee (‘78 B.S., ‘09 Hon.) and Linda M. Wilkins (‘88 MBA), the University’s new home for marine science in the Canal Dock Boathouse offers more than a place to study — it’s a space where students can engage directly with the coastal environment through lab courses, fieldwork, and community outreach. Located on the New Haven Harbor near Long Wharf, the facility supports both academic learning opportunities and environmental education for the local community.
Designed with sustainability and resilience in mind, the building incorporates repurposed materials from the historic George Adee Memorial Boathouse and features several green design elements. A white roof helps reduce heat absorption, while state-of-the-art building controls manage ventilation, lighting, and energy use. Storm-resistant breakaway panels and high-efficiency insulation contribute to both the safety and sustainability of this waterfront facility.
The Canal Dock Boathouse is a multi-use building, which contains two University spaces – the Marine Science Laboratory and the Boat Bay. Together, these two spaces create an environment where students and community members can connect with marine ecosystems, contribute to coastal resilience, and deepen their understanding of the Long Island Sound.
Where Learning Meets the Shore
The Long Island Sound is a unique tidal estuary where saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean meets freshwater from rivers across the Northeast, creating a rich coastal ecosystem bordered by Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. With over 11 million people living along its shores, the Sound has long shaped the region’s economy, ecology, and culture.
At the University of New Haven, the Sound is more than a backdrop—it’s a living laboratory. The Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center’s proximity to the Sound allows students to engage directly with the coastal environments that they study in the classroom, applying scientific concepts in real-world settings. It also serves as a place where the broader community can gather to explore, learn about, and connect with the marine environments that define our region.
The Marine Science Laboratory at Canal Dock is a fully equipped biological wet lab that was thoughtfully designed to immerse students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The lab supports both undergraduate and graduate coursework by providing a space where students can apply classroom concepts directly to marine ecosystems on Connecticut’s coast. From analyzing water samples to studying marine plant life and using microscopes to examine plankton, students gain valuable experiences that bring learning to life and prepare students for careers in marine and environmental science.
Questions?
Contact us if you are interested in collaborating, planning a field trip for your classroom or community organization, or if you would like to learn more about our COASTS Summer Steward Training Program.
Sarah Novarro
Lab Manager and Outreach Coordinator
SNovarro@newhaven.edu
COASTS Program Team
COASTS@newhaven.edu
FAQ
We are unable to rent out the spaces in this facility for external events, but we are able to host collaborative community events in the boat bay space.
If you are interested in renting one of the private event spaces on the second floor of Canal Dock Boathouse, please contact Erika Flowers at BoatHouse@newhavenct.gov.
Marine and Environmental Science Academic Programs
Community Outreach Initiatives
