Chippewa Valley Times

UW-Eau Claire has announced the launch of the Center for Environmental Research and Scholarship. This center aims to be a hub for both individual and collaborative research and scholarship, while also serving as a resource repository on environmental issues.

Dr. Aleks Sternfeld-Dunn, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, stated, “As the university increases focus on leadership in healthcare education, the College of Arts and Sciences recognizes that a major determinant of a community’s health is the environment.” He added, “We have a long history of excellence in interdisciplinary teaching and research in environment and sustainability practices, and this center solidifies a commitment to elevate that work.”

The new center will offer several initiatives including interdisciplinary scholarships for students in the College of Arts and Sciences interested in environmental studies. Faculty from any discipline within the college can apply for mini grants to support research or creative activities related to environmental scholarship. Additionally, there will be a speaker series featuring experts on sustainability and environmental practices.

Dr. Nora Mitchell, associate professor of biology, played a key role in establishing this center. She expressed her enthusiasm by saying, “I am excited to have this centralized hub that will allow our amazing faculty, staff and students across campus to unify in sharing ideas, forging new collaborations and engaging with the community.”

The first event in the speaker series is scheduled for February 7th. Dr. Robert Brinkmann, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northern Illinois University, will present "Understanding Sustainability in a Time of Change." The event is free to attend at Room 1614 of Centennial Hall and will also be available via livestream.

Brinkmann has been an expert on environmental change since the 1990s with Ph.D.s in geology and geography. His work emphasizes considering factors like wildfires, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns when planning future urban developments. Brinkmann has appeared on CBS News and CNN as an expert on these topics. His blog "On the Brink" addresses environmental issues, complementing his published works such as "Environmental Sustainability in a Time of Change."