Program Overview

Environmental Sciences and Society (ESS) Program

The program in Environmental Science and Society (ESS) conducts interdisciplinary research that addresses urgent environmental challenges. Through co-mentoring and experiential cross-training in applied natural and social sciences, students pursue actionable research to address environmental issues and their associated complex challenges through an integrated interdisciplinary applied perspective.

Research Areas

The program's research spans three core themes:

• Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Justice: Exploring the intersection of climate risks, air quality, and social inequities, focusing on developing adaptation solutions that promote justice and resilience in vulnerable communities. Research includes analyzing the socio-political dimensions of urban disasters, climate migration, air pollution, and emissions reduction strategies, with a focus on equitable transitions.
• Sustainable Ecosystem Management: Investigating how human activities impact ecosystems, from agriculture to urban environments, with a focus on sustainable practices. Ongoing projects explore the impacts of land use changes on ecosystem services and biodiversity, as well as policy strategies for promoting sustainable agriculture and urban green infrastructure.
• Biodiversity and Disease Ecology: Exploring the interactions between environmental change and species health. Research examines how environmental shifts and management affect species interactions, invasive species ecology, and the emergence of zoonotic diseases in the context of global health.

Research Methods

The program's research is underpinned by combining methodological approaches, allowing for a deeper understanding and synthesis of environmental and social systems. Key methods include:

• Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing: Using geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing to model land use, climate impacts, and air quality, as well as ecological dynamics at various scales, from local to global.
• Epidemiological, Ecological, and Emissions Modeling: Employing advanced modeling techniques to understand disease transmission, species interactions, emissions sources, and ecosystem processes, with the goal of informing conservation strategies, public health interventions, and climate mitigation policies.
• Social Science Research Methods: Incorporating qualitative and quantitative approaches, including surveys, interviews, and ethnographic studies, to understand community perceptions, values, and behaviors related to environmental issues.
• Participatory Research and Community Engagement: Emphasizing community-based participatory research, working closely with local communities, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders to co-develop sustainable solutions tailored to the social and ecological contexts of diverse regions.

Graduate Program

The graduate program in Environmental Sciences offers a PhD and Master's degree. The program details are as follows:

• PhD Program: The PhD program provides advanced training in environmental sciences, with a focus on interdisciplinary research and application.
  • PhD Program Overview: The program overview provides an introduction to the PhD program, including its mission, goals, and program details.
  • Mission Statement and Program Goals: The mission statement and program goals outline the program's objectives and expected outcomes.
  • Program Details: The program details provide information on the program's structure, curriculum, and requirements.
  • Core Faculty: The core faculty list provides information on the program's faculty members and their research expertise.
  • Application Information: The application information provides details on the application process, including requirements and deadlines.
  • Student Forms: The student forms provide access to necessary documents and forms for current students.
  • Student Handbooks: The student handbooks provide detailed information on program policies, procedures, and expectations.
  • Frequently Asked Questions: The frequently asked questions section provides answers to common questions about the program.
• Master's Program: The Master's program provides advanced training in environmental sciences, with a focus on interdisciplinary research and application.
  • Curriculum Information: The curriculum information provides details on the program's course requirements and structure.
  • Course Descriptions: The course descriptions provide detailed information on the program's courses, including syllabi and learning objectives.
  • Application Instructions: The application instructions provide details on the application process, including requirements and deadlines.