Environmental science program opens after 1 year

A new program will build on the strengths of the Center for Research in Environmental Sciences, the School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the College of Arts and
Sciences .

The new department will aim to more effectively tackle environmental
science.

The Integrated Program in the Environment is the first phase of a reorganization suggested in IU President Michael McRobbie’s “New Academic Directions” report approved more than a year ago by the Board of Trustees.

“The mission of this program is to supply a coordinated voice for all of the environment-related programs, thereby making it easier for students and funders to learn what IUB has to offer,” SPEA Dean John Graham said.

The program will build on the accomplishments of CRES, which was established in spring 2008 and is led by biology professor Keith Clay.

CRES has enabled investigators to successfully apply for major grants from federal and state agencies.

The center helped Rebecca Barthelmie, researcher and professor of geography, to receive a $700,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to study Lake Erie wind
resources.

Vice Provost for Research Sarita Soni said the research center has represented a significant investment to bring together IU faculty to address environmental questions, but the Integrated Program in the Environment will advance those efforts further and bring opportunities to students.

“I’m very pleased that professor Clay and associated CRES faculty have worked together to reach the point where CRES is now serving as a springboard for the University’s larger commitment to this vital research area,” she said.

The eventual goal of the new program is the establishment of a new department or school.

In the meantime, 60 faculty members from multiple departments and schools will collaborate to offer students opportunities to obtain joint degrees from the College and SPEA in environmental sciences, environmental and sustainability studies and environmental management.

A special focus of the program will be an expanded bachelor of science degree in environmental science and a new bachelor of science degree in sustainability and environmental studies.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Larry Singell said the program will continue to facilitate research but will also offer students the instructional resources necessary to be part of the next generation of scientists and policy makers in the fields.

“The IPE has explicit objectives to enhance research productivity and external funding for research, recruit top graduate students and develop an undergraduate curriculum in a subject matter critical to our world,” he said in a press release. “The combined intellectual strengths of college and SPEA faculty will allow for advanced investigation on complex issues such as rapid climate change, renewable energy resources, water resources, environmental quality, ecosystem dynamics and prediction and mitigation of natural disasters.”

Graham said he hopes to launch the program this fall and roll out a new website for students this year.

Because the degrees already exist in some form through other departments, it is not yet clear how many approvals are necessary.

However, Graham hopes degrees will be offered beginning in the fall of 2013 or 2014.

“There is no issue of greater local and global significance than sustainability, including environmental protection,” Graham said. “For students, there are exciting careers in business, government, non-profit organizations and
universities.”