Director's Message: Our Focus

Through the strategic planning process that led to the creation of the Center for the Environment, a set of priority focal areas emerged as a combination that is unique to WashU. 

The Center is focused on supporting research and creative practice in biodiversity, environmental justice, environmental solutions, planetary health, as well as earth systems and climate change.  

However, as we met with broader and more diverse sets of stakeholders, we realized the need to translate how research in these areas could address major societal challenges. What emerged from that process was the realization that, while each of the focal areas is important, the most critical opportunities are at the intersections of these areas. 

By organizing our approach to research and creative practice around these areas and intersections, we engage with the scholars whose work addresses the most critical, multi-faceted challenges facing our community, society, and world.

Dan Giammar

Director, Center for the Environment

Walter E. Browne Professor of Environmental Engineering

Assistant Vice Provost

Researcher Speed Networking:

Enhancing Nature in Cities for People and Wildlife

Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Schnuck Pavilion Rm 202 | Audience: Faculty and Staff

The Center for the Environment is hosting a Researcher Speed Networking event as a part of our monthly Environmental Research Collaborative Series. This event will facilitate fast, high-impact introductions on the topic "Enhancing nature in cities for people and wildlife."

Faculty and research staff with an interest in biodiversity, public health, the built environment, or any adjacent area of study are encouraged to attend.

Please RSVP by Monday, Dec. 4. Boxed lunches will be provided, please share any dietary restrictions when you register.

Our Newest Staff Member, Nicole Angeli

We are excited to welcome Nicole Angeli to the Center team and to WashU.

Nicole is joining WashU as an administrative assistant where she supports the efforts of the Center and Midwest Climate Collaborative. Before joining WashU, Nicole worked in non-profit, education, and corporate settings, most recently in recruitment at Anheuser Busch.

Environmental Research Collaboration recap: Gildner, Masteller, Mallott

November's Environmental Research Collaboration series focused on the intersecting challenges of urban flooding and public health with community-engaged practices. Theresa Gildner, Claire Masteller, and Liz Mallott discussed an ongoing interdisciplinary research project exploring the multifaceted challenges of urban flooding and the connected health effects on communities in the Metro East.

The collaboration series will continue next semester. Save the date for these interdisciplinary gatherings:

• Tuesday, February 6 | 1-2 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 5 | 1-2 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 9 | 1-2 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 7 | 1-2 p.m.

Upcoming WashU environmental events

November

December

If you have an environmentally-focused event you would like included in a future newsletter, submit the event here.

Follow us on Instagram for a weekly event updates.

Center for the Environment Scholars 2023-24

We are accepting applications for our Center Scholars program. Center Scholars will have access to opportunities and support from the Center to highlight their work, support their research, and connect with other potential collaborators. Click here to learn more about the program's benefits and expectations.

Job Opening: Senior Research Development Associate

The Center for the Environment is seeking an experienced research development professional to lead proposal development and strategic planning for large and complex interdisciplinary environmental research teams. We are looking for someone to support our mission of increasing the size and impact of WashU’s environmental research.

Learn more and please help share this opportunity with your networks.