黑料门

With the 黑料门University Chicago 2025 commencement ceremonies just weeks away, graduating students and their families stand at the cusp of a historic rite of passage. Graduating seniors including SES environmental science major Mia Rogalski reflected on her most cherished college memories.

On April 30, members of the 黑料门community will participate in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Double Black Diamond Solar Farm in central Illinois. The project contributes to the goals of Loyola鈥檚 Climate Action Plan, including achieving carbon neutrality.

As a 黑料门undergraduate, Zach Waickman enrolled in a class on solutions to environmental problems. Today, he oversees a campus operation producing 8,000 gallons of renewable fuel for campus shuttle buses annually.

Students Present Research at the 黑料门Climate Change Conference

The Annual 黑料门University Chicago Climate Change Conference includes a poster session that allows researchers to share their work. This year, several 黑料门students participated, sharing posters on a broad range of topics. Presenters included SES student Eve Owens, who received the 黑料门Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award.

Gaining skills and making connections in the biodiesel lab

For Duncan Schanz, a sophomore environmental science major at 黑料门University Chicago, securing an internship at the university鈥檚 Searle Biodiesel Lab was more than just a resume booster; it was an opportunity to contribute to sustainability efforts and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Internship encourages independent learning

For Joylyn Bon Yu, interning in Loyola's Searle Biodiesel Lab has been a transformative step toward a career in sustainability. Her internship journey reflects resilience, curiosity, and a deep passion for environmental science.

Student internship offers insights into sustainable businesses

Charlotte Roos is a senior in 黑料门University Chicago's School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) majoring in environmental studies with a minor in urban studies and sustainability. She shared thoughts about her 黑料门experience and her internship with a local composting company.

Film Screening Explores Life on Islands Threatened by Climate Change

The 黑料门Climate Change Conference kicked off with a screening of the film We Are Tuvalu in the Damen Cinema. The film offered a glimpse at life in the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, where rising sea levels threaten to displace people and forever change their way of life.

SES Seminar: Sex and Survival in Conflict—Singing, Dancing, and Jumping Arthropods

On April 9, Erin Brandt, PhD, of the University of Chicago, will discuss her work on arthropod evolution.

黑料门University Chicago announced today that Malini Suchak, PhD, has been appointed Dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) effective July 1, 2025.

ABC7 Chicago features Loyola's Urban Agriculture Program

Students in the School of Environmental Sustainability's Urban Agriculture Program are growing聽food on campus using environmentally friendly methods. A segment on ABC7 Chicago news explored how the program benefits students, the environment, and the community.

Peter Gleick, PhD, to deliver keynote at 黑料门Climate Change Conference

Loyola鈥檚 2025 Climate Change Conference will feature a keynote presentation by Peter Gleick, PhD, a leading scientist, innovator, and communicator on water and climate issues. Gleick co-founded the Pacific Institute in Oakland, California, in 1987. His most recent book, The Three Ages of Water: Prehistoric Past, Imperiled Present, and a Hope for the Future, explores how water has shaped human history and presents a positive vision for the future.

SES alum and grad student works for clean air

Ethan Bower is a recent 黑料门graduate with a BA in environmental studies. He is now working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and pursuing his master's degree in the School of Environmental Sustainability. He reflected on his 黑料门education and his work at the EPA, where he helps monitor air pollution.

SES Alum Advancing Public Health in the Chicago Region

Joe Walsh graduated from Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability in 2021 with a BS in environmental science and a minor in statistics. Today, he works as a noncommunicable disease epidemiologist for the Kane County Health Department.

Internship Provides Insights into Career Possibilities

An internship with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum gave 黑料门senior Kylah Farley a broader view of career opportunities in environmental science.

Creating practical solutions for wetland restoration

Researchers from 黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 School of Environmental Sustainability are devising new methods of restoring biologically diverse wetlands in the Great Lakes region. They aim to create practical, scalable solutions that will restore native plants, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance recreational opportunities for people.

Events

Waste Week Explores Options for Cutting Back on Trash

February 10 through 14 is Waste Week at Loyola, an annual event focusing on the University's efforts to reduce the amount of waste generated on campus.

SES seminar explores nature beyond the binary

On February 12, Dani Abboud of the Brushwood Center will discuss the topic of queer ecology as part of the School of Environmental Sustainability's monthly seminar series.

Supporting sustainable food systems: local partnerships in action

The Sustainable Food Systems Focus Area concentrates on sustainable food production, food equity, and food justice. Team members launched the Partners in the Chicago Food System program to help increase food security in Chicago communities.

Campus Sustainability

黑料门University Chicago announced today that it has achieved carbon neutrality on its Chicago-area campuses, becoming the first university in the Chicago area to achieve carbon neutrality.

Student Research

Conservation in action: students engaged in environmental research

Researchers from 黑料门University Chicago's School of Environmental Sustainability are devising new methods of restoring biologically diverse wetlands. Students contribute to the research while learning to become independent scientists.

Expanding access to healthy, locally grown food

黑料门graduate student Grace Rockenhauer spent her summer working to help people who receive food aid access healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets. She interned with a local nonprofit organization as part of Partners in the Chicago Food System program, a collaborative effort to increase food security in Chicago communities.

黑料门Explores New Waste Reduction Strategies

Analyzing the contents of campus trash, recycling, and compost bins revealed significant opportunities to divert more materials from landfills.

Milestones in sustainability education and action

Explore the latest School of Environmental Sustainability Progress Report to learn about new academic programs, impactful research, student accomplishments, alumni careers, and more.

News

黑料门University Chicago was recognized in the top 25 U.S universities for its commitment to campus sustainability, ranking #12 in The Princeton Review鈥檚 鈥淕uide to Green Colleges: 2025 Edition.鈥� The guide recognizes colleges and universities that prioritize environmental engagement. Earning a Green Rating of 99/99, 黑料门is the highest-ranked Jesuit institution and the top school in Illinois on the list.

SES Seminar Explores Humanity's Relationship with Bees

On November 20, SES will host a seminar examining humanity鈥檚 relationship with honeybees. Ang茅lica M谩rquez-Osuna, PhD, assistant professor in Loyola鈥檚 Department of History, will discuss the history of bees and beekeeping in the Americas.

Students

SES Senior Thomas Crabtree Receives the 黑料门President’s Medallion

The 黑料门University Chicago President鈥檚 Medallion honors one student from each college, school, and institute who excels in leadership, scholarship, and service. This year, the award for the School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) went to Thomas Crabtree, a senior from Annapolis, Maryland.

Students

Supporting a Robust Food System in Chicago's Woodlawn Neighborhood

In the summer of 2024, 黑料门student Emma Pierce embarked on an eye-opening internship experience at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago in the city's Woodlawn neighborhood. The internship is part of the Partners in Chicago Food Systems program, a School of Environmental Sustainability effort that supports local organizations working to increase food sovereignty in Chicago communities.

Graduate student Blessing Aleladia is training to take on global environmental challenges. While pursuing her master's degree in environmental science and sustainability, she is building expertise and experience in the ecological restoration of vital wetland ecosystems.

Community Engagement

On October 14, over 150 attendees gathered for 黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 second annual Indigenous Peoples鈥� Day event, hosted by the School of Environmental Sustainability. The event highlighted Indigenous rights and environmental justice.

Energy Week at Loyola

Loyola's Office of Sustainability will hold its annual energy week from October 14 through 18. The week of events focuses on the university's commitment to green energy and energy conservation. Students, faculty, and staff can participate in the events below or find more sustainability-focused events here.

A Growing Collaboration Supports Indigenous Environmental Justice

黑料门University Chicago students and faculty are collaborating with leaders of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to advocate for environmental and social justice. The partnership started when Michael Schuck, PhD, introduced a new course on indigenous environmental justice.

Shifting Gears to a Career in Sustainable Transportation

The SES master's degree program gave Carolyn Bid贸 the knowledge and skills to make a career change and join the growing sustainability workforce.

SES Seminar: The Energy Transition in Illinois

On October 16, the School of Environmental Sustainability will hold a seminar examining the policies and processes behind the transition to renewable energy in Illinois. Anthony Star and Kelly Turner from the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) will shed light on how the state manages electricity procurement, and how the state is increasingly moving toward electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar.

黑料门Celebrates Transportation Week

This week, 黑料门kicks off a year-long series of sustainability events with Transportation Week. It's the first of many weeks focusing on how everyone on campus can help make 黑料门sustainable.

Reuben Keller Receives Faculty Member of the Year Award

Loyola鈥檚 Faculty Council presented the 2024 Faculty Member of the Year award to Professor Reuben Keller of the School of Environmental Sustainability (SES). The award recognizes a faculty member demonstrating outstanding teaching, research, and service.

Student research

Loyola鈥檚 Community Air Research Experience (CARE) is engaging students from underrepresented backgrounds in hands-on environmental research and fostering their passion for geoscience. Students collect real-time data about air pollution in the Chicago area and shares their findings with the community.

Stephany Virrueta Herrera, PhD: Pursuing a Passion for Science Education and Accessibility

A 黑料门alum, Stephany Virrueta Herrera, PhD, looks forward to mentoring students and sharing her passion for science in her new role as an SES lecturer.聽

Wesley Zebrowski: Exploring Agriculture, Policy, and the Environment

Wesley Zebrowski, PhD, joined the SES faculty in fall 2024 as an assistant professor. Their research focuses on the economic, social, and environmental consequences of agricultural policy.

Indigenous People’s Day Event Explores Native American Citizenship

黑料门University Chicago will honor Indigenous Peoples鈥� Day on October 14 with a panel discussion highlighting the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act.

Research

$2.5 million grant supports 黑料门professor studying the shift to solar energy

School of Environmental Sustainability faculty member Gilbert Michaud, PhD is part of a team that received a $2.5 million grant to study the best ways to work with stakeholders to site large solar installations.

Alumni

Spreading Knowledge to Stop Aquatic Invasive Species

Natalia Szklaruk earned her master's degree from Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability in 2023. She now works as an aquatic invasive species educator at Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. She shared her thoughts about how her education prepared her for a career in aquatic ecology and conservation.

Events

SES Launches a Seminar Series with a Presentation on Food Systems

This fall, the School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) will launch a new seminar series, starting with a presentation on just, equitable, and circular food systems. Over the academic year, SES will host five seminars, with one on each of the school's five focus areas.

Student Life

Advice to new students from recent graduates

Each August, 黑料门University Chicago welcomes new students to campus. Members of the School of Environmental Sustainability鈥檚 2024 graduating class shared their advice for students just starting their college journeys.

Alumni

Advancing Conservation through Soil Science

Garrett Klepitsch graduated from 黑料门in 2017 with a bachelor's in environmental science. Today, he is pursuing his passion for conservation as a soil scientist with the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Integral Ecology Program for Jesuits at 黑料门University

The Integral Ecology Program at 黑料门University Chicago engages young Jesuits in a multifaceted exploration of the current environmental crisis. The program draws inspiration from Pope Francis鈥檚 2015 encyclical Laudato Si鈥�, which calls on people to care for humanity and the natural world.

Alumni

Fostering a love of nature

黑料门alum Megan McCawley connects people with nature at Chicago鈥檚 Lincoln Park Zoo.

Alumni

黑料门alum Tony Minnick helps build sustainable, equitable food systems

As the Agriculture Park director at the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture in Columbia, Missouri, 黑料门alum Tony Minnick works to create more sustainable and just food systems. His experience as an undergraduate in the environmental science program prepared him to launch a meaningful career focused on making a positive difference in the world.

黑料门takes second place in the Bike Commuter Challenge

From May 13 to June 9, 黑料门University Chicago participated in the annual Chicago-area Bike Commuter Challenge. 黑料门took second place among educational institutions and seventh overall out of 112 participating organizations.

Alumni

Putting a dollar value on clean water

SES graduate Emma Donnelly received national recognition for her research evaluating the economic impacts of environmental cleanup efforts in some of the most polluted areas in the Great Lakes.

Alumni

Meet the SES Alum Fighting International Wildlife Crime

SES alum Monique Sosnowski, PhD, develops strategies to enforce laws and regulations that protect endangered and threatened wildlife.聽

Meet the Class of 2024

Congratulations to the School of Environmental Sustainability鈥檚 class of 2024. Meet some of the graduates who exemplify the spirit of SES.

Crain’s Chicago Business Honors SES Dean Nancy Tuchman

Crain鈥檚 Chicago Business has named Nancy C. Tuchman, PhD, founding dean of 黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 School of Environmental Sustainability (SES), among their 2024 Notable Leaders in Sustainability.

A new student-driven initiative from the School of Environmental Sustainability aims to fight hunger and reduce waste, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Abrams Challenge Winners for 2024

We are happy to announce the three teams that won the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge this year. The winning teams received cash prizes to help launch their green ventures.

黑料门Honored as a Climate Action Hero

黑料门University Chicago received a Climate Action Hero Award for education from the Climate Action Museum, an institution committed to raising awareness about climate change and promoting environmental stewardship.

Spring Greening at Loyola

The flowers are blooming in Chicago, and with the arrival of spring, 黑料门is implementing several projects to create greener campuses and reduce carbon emissions.

Meet the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge Finalists

The Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge is a year-long immersive learning opportunity for 黑料门students who want to plan, launch, and scale eco-friendly ventures. On April 19, four teams will present their business concepts to a panel of judges for the chance to win up to $20,000 to start their ventures. Meet the 2023-24 finalists.

Celebrate Earth Week at Loyola

Earth Day is April 22, 2024, and at Loyola, we鈥檙e extending the celebrations for an entire week. Join fellow Ramblers to celebrate sustainability and care for the Earth.

Composting Made Easy

Loyola's compost bucket program allows individuals to conveniently compost food scraps from campus offices, dorm rooms, and off-campus student apartments.

Student Research Advances Ecological Restoration

Undergraduates in the School of Environmental Sustainability prepare for meaningful careers while contributing to vital ecological research. Environmental science major Madeline Palmquist studies how invasive plants impact wetland birds in the Great Lakes region.

Water Week Highlights Responsible Water Management

黑料门is dedicated to smart water management that preserves natural resources and protects our neighborhoods. As part of a multi-phased initiative, the University is building stormwater resiliency that diverts runoff from city sewers and prevents it from carrying pollutants into Lake Michigan.

Study Abroad Adventure in Belize

In January 2024, 14 黑料门students embarked on an unforgettable study abroad journey to Belize, immersing themselves in the lush tropical ecosystems of Central America.

Campus Sustainability

Converting Used Cooking Oil into Fuel

Students in Loyola鈥檚 School of Environmental Sustainability are converting used cooking oil into renewable biodiesel fuel. Learn more in a new video.

黑料门Students Visit the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation

A group of 黑料门students visited the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to foster a deeper connection with the Lakota People. The trip allowed students to learn firsthand about the indigenous nations鈥� continuous struggle with the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Events

Announcing the 2024 Climate Change Conference Keynote Speaker

The 黑料门Climate Change Conference kicks off on Thursday, March 14, with a keynote presentation by author and journalism professor Amanda Little.

Evaluating Air Quality in Chicago Neighborhoods

黑料门student researchers are collaborating with community organizations to help people understand air pollution levels and take action to protect their health.

Summer Courses Offer a Fun and Immersive Learning Experience

Immersive summer courses at the 黑料门University Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC) give students the opportunity to learn via hands-on, place-based education and deepen their appreciation for the natural world. Explore our class offerings for the May 2024 session.

Feeding a Changing World: The 2024 Climate Conference

Climate change poses a growing threat to global food security. 黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 2024 Climate Change Conference will convene experts from multiple disciplines to explore how climate change impacts global food security. Speakers will discuss strategies for developing equitable, resilient, and sustainable food systems.

SES Master's Student Identifies an Invasive Species New to the Chicago Region

This summer, 黑料门graduate student Alex Quebbeman found an invasive aquatic plant called starry stonewort in a Chicago harbor. It was the first time anyone had identified the nonnative species in the Chicago region. View a video about her discovery.

Celebrating Roberta Lammers-Campbell, PhD, a Leader in Restoration Ecology

This November, 黑料门students, faculty, staff, and community volunteers came together to recognize Roberta Lammers-Campbell, PhD, professor emerita, for leading ecological restoration efforts at the 黑料门University Retreat and Ecology Campus.

Evaluating Campus Air Quality for a Healthier Future

黑料门senior Emma McBride is evaluating campus air quality to benefit students, faculty, and the surrounding community.

Connecting Sustainability, Business, and Economics

SES is expanding its interdisciplinary approach with a new bachelor鈥檚 degree program in environmental economics and sustainability.

SES student receives the 黑料门President's Medallion

Mereya Riopedre is the 2023 SES recipient of the President's Medallion. The award honors one student from each college, school, and institute who excels in leadership, scholarship, and service.

黑料门Honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day

On October 11, 黑料门University Chicago held an event to honor Indigenous Peoples鈥� Day and unveil new signage displaying the university鈥檚 Land Acknowledgement Statement. Nearly 90 people gathered to hear from a panel of local Indigenous leaders and view the signs, which feature illustrations by Native American artist Buffalo Gouge.

Graduate Student Investigates How Wildfire Smoke Impacts Chicago Air Quality

黑料门graduate student Nora Hartnett is investigating how wildfires across North America impact air pollution levels in the Chicago area. Her findings could inform new strategies for improving air quality and human health.

Announcing the 2024 Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge

This October, 黑料门kicks off the third year of the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge. The challenge invites 黑料门students to envision, plan, and launch green business ventures.

SES Urban Agriculture Program Celebrates 10 Years

The School of Environmental Sustainability's Urban Agriculture Program is celebrating 10 years since its founding. The program provides food for local farmers' markets and restaurants and serves the community through donations to local food pantries. View our latest video to learn more.

Meet the faculty: Mark Mackey, SJ, MS

Mark J. Mackey, SJ, MS, is a Jesuit brother and an ecologist. He became a full member of the School of Environmental Sustainability faculty in the fall of 2023. In his teaching, he connects ecology, stewardship, and spiritually.

Fall 2023 Progress Report

It has been a year of growth and renewal at the School of Environmental Sustainability. Read about new academic programs, impactful research, student accomplishments, alumni careers, and more in the Fall 2023 Progress Report.

Summer Internship Focuses on Exploring Botanical Treasures

Marinda Vacanti embarked on a transformative journey during her summer internship at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. As a collections intern, Marinda's role focused on meticulously preserving and understanding botanical specimens, providing her with hands-on experience in museum collections.

Restoring Biodiverse Wetlands

At the northern tip of Michigan鈥檚 lower peninsula, researchers from 黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 School of Environmental Sustainability are devising new methods of restoring biologically diverse wetlands. They recently secured more than $1.1 million in federal funding for a large-scale project that could inform wetland management practices throughout the Great Lakes region.

SES Graduates Share Advice for New Students

Members of the School of Environmental Sustainability鈥檚 2023 graduating class shared their advice for new students just starting their college journeys.

黑料门Receives Laudato Si' Champions Award

On July 27, Catholic Climate Covenant announced the winners of the organization's first U.S. Laudato Si' Champions Awards. 黑料门University Chicago received the award in the university category.

Students Explore Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

This summer 黑料门students participated in an unforgettable study abroad program exploring Ecuador's "four worlds."

黑料门Receives STARS Gold Rating for Sustainability

黑料门University Chicago has earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in recognition of the University's sustainability achievements.

Community Partnership Supports Native Plants and Pollinators

The SES Urban Agriculture Program team is collaborating with the Edgewater Environmental Coalition to help disperse native plants throughout the neighborhood.

Students Explore Nature’s Classroom

This summer, students learned about ecological principles, explored Northern Illinois鈥� diverse natural areas, and encountered local wildlife during an intensive three-week session at the 黑料门University Retreat and Ecology Campus.

Student Research

Students Study Food Justice in the Chicago Region

Several SES students have engaged in research that aims to contribute to a more just food system.

Student Research Contributes to Local Ecological Restoration

A small project that began in a School of Environmental Sustainability classroom has grown into something bigger with the potential to create positive change in Chicagoland public areas.

黑料门Gets Rolling During the Bike Commuter Challenge

The Chicago area鈥檚 2023 Bike Commuter Challenge kicks off on May 15, and 黑料门University Chicago is competing. Find out how to join the team.

Meet the Class of 2023

Congratulations to the School of Environmental Sustainability鈥檚 class of 2023. Meet some of the graduates who exemplify the spirit of SES.

SES Faculty Member Receives Mentoring Award

Brian Ohsowski, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Environmental Sustainability, received the Langerback Award for Undergraduate Research Mentoring. The award recognizes his extraordinary commitment to supporting and guiding undergraduates in research endeavors.

2023 Abrams Challenge Winners

Meet the three winning teams from this year鈥檚 Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge.

SES Faculty Member Recognized for Excellence in Engaged Learning and Teaching

Loyola鈥檚 Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship honored Assistant Professor Tania Schusler, PhD, with the Adolfo Nicolas SJ Excellence in Engaged Learning and Teaching Award. Her work exemplifies the School of Environmental Sustainability's commitment to experiential learning.

黑料门Commits to Clean Power in Illinois

A new solar project will provide 100 percent of the University's electricity needs.

Meet the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge 2023 Finalists

On April 21, six teams of 黑料门students will compete in the final round of the second annual Abrams Sustainable Business challenge. Meet the teams who will pitch their green business ideas for a chance to win start-up funding for their ventures.

Urban Agriculture Program Prepares Alums for Rewarding Careers

Many 黑料门alums who participated in the Urban Agriculture Program have gone on to successful careers connected to agriculture and sustainability.

Takeaways from Loyola's 2023 Climate Change Conference

Today an estimated 100 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, and that number is likely to rise dramatically in the next 30 years. On March 16, 2023, Loyola鈥檚 annual Climate Change Conference examined how climate change impacts global human migration.

Student Research

Undergraduate Mikayla Ballard Studies Invasive Crayfish in Chicago’s Waterways

Mikayla Ballard, a junior studying environmental science, is researching invasive crayfish and pollution in Chicago's North Shore Channel.

Meet the 2023 Climate Change Conference Keynote Speaker

Filmmaker Michael Nash will deliver the keynote speech at the 2023 黑料门University Chicago Climate Change Conference. His award-winning film Climate Refugees premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has been screened around the world.

The 2023 Climate Change Conference: Climate Refugees

On March 16, the 黑料门University Chicago Climate Change Conference will explore how climate-driven migration impacts communities globally and locally.

The color of your skin shouldn't determine how clean your environment is, but it often does. In this Ask an Expert video series, Tania Schusler, assistant professor in the School of Environmental Sustainability, explains what environmental racism is and what we can do to combat it.

Waste Week Invites Ramblers to Cut Trash Production

February 20 to 24 is Waste Week at Loyola, an event focused on educating students from all campuses about waste and materials management.

黑料门Student Investigates Strategies for Reducing Road Salt Pollution

SES undergraduate Kristina Tsakos is participating in wetland ecology research and studying ways to protect ecosystems from road salt pollution.

Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge

Courses Support Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge Participants

The Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge empowers 黑料门students to envision, plan, and launch green businesses. Three faculty members shared how their spring semester courses complement the challenge.

Many yards and gardens in Chicago have dangerously high levels of lead in the soil. That means playing in the backyard or growing vegetables could come with a risk of lead poisoning. SES staff member Kevin Erickson studied how hemp plants can remove lead from contaminated soil. He talked about his research on WBEZ, Chicago Public Radio.

The future of our planet is a matter of life and death. 黑料门SES alum Paul Campion is fighting to save us all.

Two 黑料门SES alums, Liam Donnelly and Kelly Hof, have discovered rewarding careers delivering solutions that reduce waste and protect the environment.

黑料门Named a Silver-Level Bicycle-Friendly University

This November, 黑料门earned a renewal of its Silver-level Bicycle Friendly University award in recognition of our institution鈥檚 achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus.

With so much climate misinformation circulating, how can you separate fact from fiction? Lean how Loyolans are working to spread accurate, mobilizing information about climate change.

Marlene Brito-Millán Connects Social Justice and Environmental Science

Marlene Brito-Mill谩n, PhD, joined SES this year as an assistant professor of ecology, and her extensive research background and solidarity work make her an exciting addition to Loyola鈥檚 faculty.

Climate change is one of the most urgent problems the world faces today. Three faculty members in Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability shared their thoughts on priority actions that will make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Engrained Café Earns 4-Star Green Restaurant Certification

Loyola鈥檚 green caf茅 Engrained recently received a 4-star certification from the Green Restaurant Association, the highest possible distinction from the organization.

Catching Up with Last Year’s Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge Winners Part 3: Fusion Foods

The Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge engages 黑料门students in planning and launching green ventures. As the 2023 challenge gets underway, we checked in with last year鈥檚 third-place winner Jonathan Ostroff to learn more about his sustainable food enterprise, Fusion Foods.

SES Alum Zach Samaras Tackles Waste

Zach Samaras discovered a passion for waste management while working on his master's degree at Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability. He now helps companies and organizations reduce waste as a technical assistance engineer with the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.

Congratulations to Cosette Ellis, the SES President’s Medallion Recipient

Cosette Ellis from Seattle, Washington, has been awarded the prestigious President鈥檚 Medallion for Loyola鈥檚 School of Environmental Sustainability (SES). The President鈥檚 Medallion honors one student from each college, school, and institute at 黑料门who excels in leadership, scholarship, and service.

Celebrating 10 Years of Healing Earth

In October 2012, 31 collaborators from Jesuit institutions around the world formed the International Jesuit Ecology Project (IJEP) to address environmental challenges. Led by Loyola鈥檚 Michael Schuck, PhD, the group developed Healing Earth, a free online environmental science textbook used globally and highly regarded in the Jesuit community. This October, we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the project with the release of the third edition of Healing Earth.

Support 黑料门Students’ Sustainable Halloween Costume Contest

黑料门undergraduates Paul Schnell and Zach Neybert are calling attention to one of the scariest parts of Halloween: its environmental impact.

Catching Up with Last Year's Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge Winners Part 2, LOOP

The kickoff gathering for the second annual Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge took place on Friday, October 14, on Loyola's lakeshore campus. As the 2023 challenge gets underway, we continue with our deep dive into the top three winning teams from the Spring of 2022.

From SES to the EPA

Meet SES master's degree program alum Carter Cranberg, project officer with the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Catching Up with Last Year's Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge Winners

The School of Environmental Sustainability and the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility are gearing up for the second annual Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge, an entrepreneurial competition available to all 黑料门students. We checked in with last year鈥檚 winners to see how their sustainable business ventures are progressing.

Sarah Ku Brings Business and Sustainability Together at Loyola

Dr. Sarah Ku, newly-appointed assistant professor of sustainable business management at Loyola, joined the SES community this fall to serve as a bridge between the fields of environmental science and business. Her dissertation research entitled Stakeholder Governance: Empirical and Theoretical Developments was recently accepted into the Honor Roll of Responsible Research in Business and Management.

Harvesting Knowledge

黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 Urban Agriculture Program combines education, hands-on experience, and community engagement. Student workers and volunteers learn about sustainable food production and gain real-world experience growing and selling produce. The program also offers students opportunities to build leadership skills and manage projects. Meet the current student leaders working as urban agriculture program assistants.

Progress and Growth at SES

At the School of Environmental Sustainability (SES), we are developing solutions to critical ecological problems, working toward environmental justice, and training the next generation of sustainability leaders. Read our latest progress report to learn more about our accomplishments in education, research, and environmental action.

Students Share Their Summer Internship Experiences

Students in the School of Environmental Sustainability benefit from a wide variety of hands-on, applied learning opportunities, including internships. Over the summer, many students participated in internships that enriched their education, provided real-world professional experience, and expanded their social and professional networks. Several shared their thoughts on what they gained from the experience.

The Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge Invites Students to Launch Green Ventures

As we kick off the academic year, we are happy to announce an exciting opportunity for 黑料门students to bring their ideas for sustainable business to life through the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge. The challenge is a year-long immersive learning experience for 黑料门students who want to envision, plan, launch, and scale eco-friendly ventures or products. Teams will pitch their ideas to an esteemed panel of judges in April 2023. The winning teams will receive up to $20,000 in prize money to launch their ventures. To learn more, attend an online information session on Wednesday, September 28, at noon, or join the kickoff event on October 14 at 5:30 p.m.

Loyola's sustainability efforts extend far beyond the classroom. Explore the environmentally sustainable features of our three campuses.

黑料门Faculty Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards for Sustainability Leadership

Nancy Tuchman, founding dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability, and Michael Schuck, professor in the Department of Theology and the School of Environmental Sustainability, received lifetime achievement awards this month for their work advancing environmental sustainability in Jesuit higher education. The International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) presented the two with the St. Peter Canisius Medal for Extraordinary Service to Jesuit Higher Education for the North American region.

Researchers at 黑料门are investigating the stark difference in air quality on Chicago's South and North Sides. Students assisting with the study are gaining valuable experience monitoring and evaluating air pollution.

High School Students Explore Environmental Sustainability at SES

This summer, 黑料门welcomed high school students from all over the country for the Theology of Healing Earth in Action (THEA) Institute, a week-long college preparatory retreat program focused on environmental sustainability. The THEA Institute invites rising high school juniors and seniors to 黑料门to explore their gifts and reflect on how they can help build a world rooted in spiritual grounding, community, and sustainability.

Summarizing all that 黑料门has done on the sustainability front over the past two decades is a tall order; a commitment to the planet's health has become a lodestar for University leadership, influencing decisions massive and marginal. This commitment is seen clearly in Loyola's campus, one of the greenest in higher education.

Immersive Learning Fuels a Passion for the Natural World

The School for Environmental Sustainability offers unique opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experiences. During intensive summer courses at the 黑料门University Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC) students get their hands dirty, deepen their appreciation of the natural world, form new friendships, and gain memories that will last a lifetime.

Study of Microplastics in Migratory Birds Could Reveal a Broader Environmental Threat

Two 黑料门researchers set out to explore the environmental impacts of microplastics by investigating how they accumulate in the digestive systems of birds. They found bits of plastic in the intestines of every bird they examined.

黑料门Faculty Members Discuss Integral Ecology at an International Gathering in Rome 

In the 2015 encyclical Laudato Si鈥�, Pope Francis called for the world to take action to protect the natural ecosystems and adopt a worldview that recognizes the connections between sustainability and social justice. This June, 黑料门faculty members presented at an international conference that brought leaders from Catholic institutions together to discuss the challenges of putting Laudato Si' into practice.

Students Around the World Reflect on Laudato Si'

Laudato Si' Week 2022 marks the seventh anniversary of the Pope Francis's powerful encyclical calling on people everywhere take action to preserve biodiversity, combat climate change, are care for each other and our common home. Students around the world reflected on the call to action in inspiring videos.

Seven years ago, Pope Francis issued a powerful call to action in his encyclical "Laudato Si': On Care for our Common Home." The encyclical calls for concrete steps on climate change and biodiversity loss, emphasizing the need to give special attention to how ecological degradation disproportionately impacts the poor. 黑料门plays a leading role in mobilizing Catholic universities to engage with the Laudato Si' Action Platform, which includes a 7-Year Journey Toward Integral Ecology. During Laudato Si Week, we recommit ourselves to this journey.

Volunteers discovered a bright red crayfish during a cleanup event hosted by Friends of the Chicago River. It turned out to be a red swamp crayfish, also known as the Louisiana crawfish, and it is an introduced invasive species. In a WTTW/Chicago PBS story, SES professor Reuben Keller explained how this invasive creature crowds out native species and disrupts local ecosystems.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022

On May 10, the 黑料门University Chicago School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) held commencement for the class of 2022. Of the 144 total graduates, 49 earned master鈥檚 degrees in environmental science and sustainability, 89 completed bachelor鈥檚 degrees, and six received post-baccalaureate certificates. Meet the graduates who received awards for outstanding achievement in academics, research, leadership, and environmental stewardship, and service.

Congratulations to the Winners of the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge

On Earth Day, Friday, April 22, six teams of 黑料门students pitched their eco-friendly business plans to a panel of expert judges in the final round of the Abram's Sustainable Business Challenge. The three winning teams received cash prizes to help them launch their sustainable ventures. Meet the finalists and learn more about their inspiring enterprises.

Student Government Honors SES Student

This spring, the Student Government of 黑料门Chicago (SGLC) held a year-end banquet to honor members who have shown extraordinary leadership. School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) student Beth Thilges received the Ignatian Leadership Award for her outstanding accomplishments this year as the chair of the SGLC Sustainability Committee.

The Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge Finalists

This year on Earth Day, teams of 黑料门University Chicago students will pitch their ideas for sustainable businesses to a panel of expert judges in the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge. The top teams will win funds to help them launch their environmentally friendly ventures.

We are honored to have Father Josh Kureethadam provide SES with a Vatican Blessing.

Announcing the New School of Environmental Sustainability and Big Plans Ahead

September 24, 2020: Dear 黑料门Community, I am pleased to share the news that the Board of Trustees has approved the elevation of the Institute of Environmental Sustainability (IES) to the School of Environmental Sustainability, creating 黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 11th school. The School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) solidifies our University鈥檚 continued commitment to addressing the causes and impact of global climate change.

Helping hands

Inside the School of Environmental Sustainability, 黑料门is addressing its hand sanitizing needs with creativity and resourcefulness.

Youth climate activists strike for hope and aim to educate

Tokata Iron Eyes and Greta Thunberg have learned they have a lot in common. Both Thunberg and Iron Eyes are 16-year-old climate activists who are missing school in order to 鈥渇ight for their futures and that of their children.鈥� On October 6, the activists spoke to an audience of supporters that included SES Dean Nancy Tuchman and IES Professor Michael Schuck at Iron Eyes鈥檚 high school in South Dakota.

Congratulations to all of our IES Graduates!

It has been our great privilege to guide and mentor you through your development and watch you become the strong environmental scientists and advocates that you are. We are proud of your accomplishments, and grateful in return, for all you have taught us -- helping us to continue to grow as an Institute.

The New Class Zoom

Carissa Hipsher knew that her 鈥淔oundations of Environmental Science鈥� lab would be trickier to reorganize than her traditional lecture classes. In the hours leading up to 黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 transition to online or virtual instruction on March 13, that lab鈥攐r, technically, the lack of one鈥攊s where she focused all her energy.

Empowering environmental leaders

Read our 2019 annual report and learn what IES is doing to care for our common home and empower our future leaders.

Monique Sosnowski answers our questions about illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.

黑料门University Chicago history professor Ben Johnson was in the middle of a lecture on World War II one early morning last week when he tried to share a picture of Norman Rockwell鈥檚 Four Freedoms with his class via Zoom video.

A change of texture

The new and improved foaming version of Loyola's Biosoap was rolled out across campus at the beginning of 2020.

The Amazon Synod: Plus Tard Sera Trop Tard

IES Professor Michael Schuck reflects upon the Catholic Church's recent Amazon Synod

Meet Kevin White: IES's latest Presidential Medallion recipient

鈥淲hen I think of my Jesuit education, I think of generosity and giving back to others. 黑料门has given me a voice I can use for positive change.鈥�

黑料门University Chicago honored among 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools

CHICAGO and WASHINGTON D.C., September 25, 2019- 黑料门University Chicago was honored for its achievements in sustainability by the U.S. Department of Education at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. Loyola, along with 53 other honorees were named a US Department of Education Green Ribbon School.

Driving toward a more sustainable world: master’s and certificate options open up new professional advancement

From the loss of biodiversity and polluted waterways to growing waste, the globe鈥檚 greatest challenges continue to intensify. The need to protect the world鈥檚 natural resources and create more sustainable ways of living remains not only an urgent problem but an ultimate problem in need of informed, decisive action.

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USG Corporation (NYSE: USG) have announced 黑料门University Chicago as the winner of the fifth annual USG NACDA Sustainability Award. 黑料门was chosen from a pool of three finalists and received the award for its work on the Alfie Norville Practice Facility. The Sustainability Award will be presented to 黑料门at an on-campus event this fall.

With lead lurking in the paint, soil and water, many Chicagoans are at high risk. IES's Analytical Chemist Zhenwei Zhu is featured in this piece.

Introducing IES’s new graduate program: The Master of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability (MSESS)

A changing climate requires a changing professional. At the Institute of Environmental Sustainability, we are educating the next generation of professionals - environmental science and sustainability professionals who can apply an interdisciplinary approach to solve today鈥檚 environmental problems.

In some circles, Kevin White (鈥�20) might be considered an overachiever. But he doesn鈥檛 see it that way; he's just someone who鈥檚 tried to make the most of his time as an undergraduate. Originally from Wooster, Ohio, White鈥檚 initial decision to attend 黑料门University Chicago was largely based on athletics. A track and cross country athlete, he wanted to achieve athletically and academically (though he came in undecided) at a high level.

5 Years of IES

This year's annual report marks the five-year anniversary of IES. In 2018, we can boast of 10 LEED-certified buildings, a beautiful campus landscape with native vegetation, and a University core curriculum that requires environmental science.

鈥淲e learned how to live justice, simplicity, faith, and community. When committed to these values, it feels impossible not to have hope," says Campion.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind Chicago Renewable Energy Challenge with seven founding members. The Renewable Energy Challenge is a voluntary leadership effort to accelerate the installation of renewable energy in commercial and institutional properties across the City. The initiative builds upon the City鈥檚 commitment to using 100% renewable energy to power all City buildings by 2025. 黑料门University Chicago is one of the seven founding members.

AWARD

Sienna Fitzpatrick Awarded President’s Medallion

IES Senior Sienna Fitzpatrick has been awarded the President鈥檚 Medallion for her steadfast commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service throughout her time at Loyola. Sienna received the award at the 2017 President鈥檚 Ball.

How business can lead a sustainability revolution

Nancy E. Landrum, PhD, professor of sustainability management with an appointment in both Quinlan and Loyola鈥檚 Institute of Environmental Sustainability, outlines the key reasons all business leaders should care about the environment and what they can do to create a healthier planet.

Sustainability

Environmentally Engaged

Olivia Urbanski is just one of many environmental studies majors graduating this May, but her 黑料门experience has taken her from Alaska to Kenya

Sustainability

For this year鈥檚 Climate Leadership Awards, USGBC and Second Nature chose winners who contributed to the environment through extensive sustainability efforts.

Healing Earth

How do you have an audience with a couple of people who have just had an audience with the Pope?

Climate Action

The Mayors Are Still In

North American Climate Summit shows that many Americans are ready to address climate change head-on.

Achieving the Gold Standard

黑料门has participated in the STARS program since 2014, and currently holds a Gold STAR level rating received in February of 2017.

Healing Earth

Healing Earth wins Expanded Reason Award in Teaching Category

Organized by the University Francisco de Vitoria Madrid and the Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI Foundation, the Expanded Reason Awards 鈥渟eek to support and acknowledge those professors and researchers who are working to broaden the horizons of rationality through a dialogue between the sciences and philosophy and theology, grounded in the certainty that the fundamental questions of human life cannot be ignored by scientific rationality.鈥� Healing Earth is one of four winners from a field of 367 submissions from 30 countries.

Sustainability

Congratulations to our 2017 Bike Commuter Challenge Winners!

黑料门won in the education category for employers between 2,500 and 4,999 staff. 黑料门faculty and staff logged over 1400 miles during this two week event.

IES students pondered this question posed by the staff at the Center for Humans and Nature as part of the Center's Resilient Future series. Read our students' thoughtful responses.

IES Professor Reuben Keller wrote this Op-Ed for the Conversation

Climate Change Conference

Former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy named as Keynote Speaker for our 2018 Climate Change Conference

As the head of EPA under President Obama, McCarthy led historic progress to achieve the administration鈥檚 public health and environmental protection goals and the Climate Action Plan. McCarthy will give the Keynote Address at our 2018 Climate Change Conference on March 15, 2018 at 7 p.m. in Jo Ann Rooney Hall.

Congratulations to the IES Class of 2017!

Our graduating seniors have taken to heart Loyola's mission of social justice. This year's Senior Award winners have worked for the Southeast Side Coalition to Ban Petcoke; developed an innovative way to clean waste water in our biodiesel lab; managed our farmers market; brought solar to our campus, and much more.

Throughout the year, 黑料门University Chicago students conduct research to advance their education and gain valuable hands-on experience. This work is celebrated every April during the Weekend of Excellence, which includes a program of research symposia, awards ceremonies and a student performance.

Weekend of Excellence 2017

The Outstanding 黑料门Undergraduate Research Award has been established to honor 黑料门undergraduates who conduct exceptional research, articulate their work to others, and integrate research into their overall learning experience. IES is pleased to honor the work of Erica Becker, Lian Lucansky, Samantha Panock, Daniella Herrera, Kristen Courage, Sean McNelis, Natalie Burgos, Aqsa Junagadhwala, and Marykate Fitzpatrick. We are also pleased to have our very own Father Stephen Mitten receive the Langerbeck Award for Undergraduate Research Mentoring. Congratulations to all!

On a recent icy morning, a group of fourth-graders from Peirce Elementary International Studies School arrived at 黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 Institute of Environmental Sustainability to shoot a dance film.

Alumni

Access to capital is notoriously difficult for farmers. Growing and raising certified organic food is even more daunting. That's because the USDA requires organic farmers to work the soil for three years before allowing them to certify their crops as organic. What's more, yields are lower for a good five years after starting out while the soil becomes richer.

Sustainability Awards Round-Up

2016 was a stellar year for 黑料门and sustainability initiatives across our campus. Take a look at some of the awards we received for the work the Office of Sustainability does on campus.

Environmental Policy

My Top Five: SES Student Rachel Monsey ‘18 reflects on her experience at COP 22 in Marrakech

In November, a cohort of SES Students studying abroad at the Newman Institute in Sweden attended the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) in Marrakech, Morocco. Here, Environmental Policy major Rachel Monsey tells us her top five takeaways from her experience at COP 22.

Urban Agriculture

IES Alumni Savannah Webb ('16) used her Urban Agriculture skills and her psychology major while working at the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm. More than 40 families from Bhutan and Burma work the formerly vacant one-acre plot growing organic fruits and vegetables and selling them in Chicago.

How do you minimize collateral damage in the war against disease-carrying mosquitoes? 鈥淚n the long run, we need to think about better ways to control mosquitoes than applying chemicals.鈥� says IES Ecotoxicologist Tham Hoang, PhD.

STUDENT EXCELLENCE

Student leader committed to sustainability

President's Medallion recipient Christie Kochis has worked on several eco-friendly initiatives at 黑料门and interned in the Office of Sustainability since 2013.

J-Term

Spend your January watching movies or learning how temperate plants and animals survive and thrive during winter. We have two January Term classes scheduled at 黑料门University's Retreat and Ecology Campus this year. Go snowshoeing and study Winter Ecology with Dr. Roberta Lammers-Campbell or relax and watch movies with Dr. Milan Pribisic.

Ecotoxicologist sought out during Vietnam disaster

This spring, Vietnam experienced a massive localized die-off of fish populations in the waters off of four coastal provinces, a disaster that sparked rare protests across the country and affected thousands of people. IES (now SES) ecotoxicologist Tham Hoang, PhD was tapped by the Vietnam Environmental Administration to provide expert advice.

Sustainable Living--Swedish Style

Unique study abroad program between the School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) and the Newman Institute in Uppsala, Sweden offers students a new view of environmental studies.

Program turns invasive plants into energy

Loyola鈥檚 School of Environmental Sustainability is working to turn invasive plants around the Great Lakes into different types of green energy.

Dr. Nancy E. Landrum, professor at the Quinlan School of Business & Institute for Environmental Sustainability, has been selected by the Office of International Programs as an IES Abroad Research Associate for the summer 2017 term in London, England! IES Abroad, a Loyola-approved study abroad program provider, offers only two research grants to visiting faculty each year, making the process highly competitive. Her research will focus on the Circular Economy, a more sustainable economic model being adopted by Japan, China, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

SES Leads Water Efforts at Loyola

With the current Flint water crisis and recent reports of lead in Chicago鈥檚 water supply, water has been a hot topic over the past several months. Though we still face water challenges on a local and national level, 黑料门has been taking action to ensure quality, conscious water-use within our own campus.

New tool could help track climate change

黑料门assistant professor Ping Jing, PhD, recently received a NASA grant to create a rating tool to measure the effects of climate change.

Loyola's campus is more friendly for migratory birds

Over the last several years the SOAR project has identified the large east facing windows of the Norville gym as being particularly dangerous for migrating birds.

Urban Agriculture

SES student helps Rogers Park and Edgewater restore butterfly population

Last fall, a new program started at Swift Elementary School in Edgewater. Fourth grade students spent the afternoons outside away from screens and electronics, reconnecting with the outdoors. The program taught students about sustainable gardening, and specifically showed them how planting milkweed can save the monarch butterfly population. Loyola鈥檚 very own Marina Garcia started the program.

WBEZ's Worldview featuring Jerome McDonnell attended our 2016 Climate Change Conference. They also toured IES during a live broadcast of their show. You can listen to the podcast here.

Every day is Earth Day at Loyola

As Earth Day approaches on April 22, 2016, 黑料门is hosting several events on campus to help make the world a greener鈥攁nd better鈥攑lace. But the University鈥檚 commitment to the environment extends far beyond Earth Day. See what 黑料门does year-round to promote sustainability.

SES Student Profile: McNair Scholar and first-generation college student Brittany Rivera

While some students relaxed over the summer, Brittany Rivera spent her time working as an LUREC intern researching invasive species and soil. Most days she worked with buckthorn and collected data on the wetland鈥檚 water table. Rivera used this internship to learn more habitat restoration.

STEP Class Highlight

SES student Sydney Stuenkel considers our unsustainable water use in this highlighted student paper.

Andreas Carlgren, former Swedish minister for the environment, examines the issues at play in the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21)

How can we develop international agreements to reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions? Will the Global Climate Summit in Paris (COP21) be a success or a failure?

President's Medallion: She takes urban agriculture to new levels

Give Magdalena Nykaza an open space on campus, and she鈥檒l likely turn it into a vegetable garden. Nykaza, who was one of the first interns at the student farm on Loyola鈥檚 Retreat and Ecology Campus, is heavily involved in the University鈥檚 urban agriculture program.

STEP Class Highlight

SES senior Caitlin Dillon reflects on preparing a sustainable meal in our fast-food culture.

SES student Conner Keeffe Blogs about her time at the Newman Institute in Sweden

SES (formally IES) students studying abroad in Uppsala, Sweden recently had the opportunity to begin their studies of forestry. Student blogger Conner Keeffe lets us follow along.

Taking on invasive species

His research takes new approach to age-old problem of invasive species

Assistant professor Reuben Keller, PhD, is an expert on invasive species鈥攁nd he鈥檚 working on a new approach to try and solve this age-old problem.

Understanding the Pope’s encyclical

‘Our common home’

Pope Francis released his encyclical on climate change Thursday. Read what Loyola鈥檚 Nancy Tuchman, PhD, has to say about the Pope鈥檚 environmental call to action.

STEP courses give students chance to make a difference

Students each semester in the Solutions to Environmental Problems (STEP) class study, develop, and enact a service project to address a local environmental issue. The fun part? They get to pick the undertaking they want to study.

Weekend of Excellence

IES students take top honor at Weekend of Excellence

IES LUREC Biodiversity Research Interns Catherine Pacholski (Environmental Science 2015) and Samantha Keyport (Biology 2016) have won the STEM Outstanding 黑料门Undergraduate Researcher Award for 2015 awarded at this year's Weekend of Excellence. Their research was titled Ecosystem Profile Assessment of Biodiversity at LUREC.

Graduate Programs Expansion

Responding to the changing demographics and professional needs of our society, several graduate programs were developed to address those challenges. The new programs are offered in a variety of delivery models: on-campus, off-campus at the Cuneo Mansion in Vernon Hills, online and blended.

Searle Biodiesel Lab receives award

On July 21, the School of Environmental Sustainability鈥檚 Searle Biodiesel Lab was honored along with four other Chicagoland organizations by the Environmental Protection Agency. The five were among 21 recognized nationwide with the 2015 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award.

National rankings

This year, 黑料门finished near the top of the Sierra Club鈥檚 annual rankings of 鈥淐ool Schools鈥濃�攎aking it one of the most environmentally responsible universities in the country.

Profile

For this alum, it’s all about making an eco-friendly impact

For someone who didn鈥檛 plan on studying environmental science, 黑料门alum Kelsey Horton has left her mark on the local green community. Horton, who graduated in 2012 and helped start the 黑料门Farmers Market, now works at the Chicago-based Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.

Awards

黑料门Students Kill the Cup

黑料门University Chicago recently finished in second place nationally in the inaugural KillTheCup.com competition!

Community Assistance

Farmers Market Assists LINK Card Families

The 黑料门Farmers Market received funding to assist Illinois Link Card families to increase their ability to purchase more fresh, healthy local foods with Double Value Coupons for LINK-approved foods.

黑料门Earns AASHE Gold Rating

This spring, 黑料门achieved GOLD status through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education鈥檚 (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Ratings System (STARS). The STARS rating system is evaluated by reviewing a college鈥檚 curriculum, research, campus engagement, public engagement, operations (air & climate, buildings, dining services, energy, grounds, purchasing, transportation, waste, and water), and planning an administration. There are 650 institutions that have registered for the AASHE STARS reporting tool, and 黑料门is one of only 61 schools that have received the GOLD ranking. 黑料门is the first Jesuit institution to achieve this level.

New location, new vendors: Loyola's Farmers Market brings more to your table

Loyola's Farmers Market opens for its fourth season, Monday, June 9, at its new 黑料门Plaza location, just steps from the 黑料门stop on the CTA Red Line.

Alumni

Back to the soil

Dave Miller (BS '75) and Stephan Rivard (BS '75, MD '79) founded Iroquois Valley Farms, which converts farmland back to an organic state.

Restoration

IES awarded $500,000 US EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant

黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 Institute of Environmental Sustainability was awarded a $500,000 US EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant to implement an innovative coastal wetland restoration, invasive plant management, and renewable bio-energy production project: Furthering capacity to maintain high quality coastal wetlands in Northern Michigan.

Award winning SES faculty and SES students!

Jeremy Gouldey, Edgar Perez and Natalie Lynch have all received honors during the semester - congratulations to all!

Fall 2013 TGIF Projects Awarded

The first round of sustainability projects through The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) have been awarded. All projects were proposed by students or student groups and have a staff or faculty sponsor. They will also be supported by a member of the TGIF Council and Loyola鈥檚 Office of Sustainability, Facilities Department and Student Development.

黑料门Purchasing Department Hosts Green Vendor Fair

Loyola's Purchasing Department and Warehouse Direct, Loyola's office supply vendor, hosted a green vendor fair in December to showcase effective and sustainable products.

U.S. Energy and Climate Change: Science, Ethics, and Public Policies

The School of Environmental Sustainability, Department of Theology, Office of the President, College of Arts & Sciences and Richard A. McCormic S.J., Chair present the U.S. Energy and Climate Change: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy Conference. There will be a keynote address by James Balog, director of Chasing Ice, on Thursday, November 14 at 7 p.m. The conference will be November 15 from 9 a.m - 4:00 p.m. at the Jo Ann Rooney Hall.

Ozone expert brings science down to Earth for students

Professor Ping Jing of the Institute of Environmental Sustainability recently received Loyola鈥檚 Excellence in Teaching Freshmen Award. Read more about the classes she teaches and what lessons she hopes to instill in her students.

Crain's Chicago Business

The $58.8 million Institute of Environmental Sustainability鈥攊s set to debut this month at the Rogers Park campus. The environmental structure 鈥渨ill raise our profile,鈥� says the Rev. Michael Garanzini, Loyola's president since 2001. 鈥淲e're building, I think, the best undergraduate university in the Midwest.鈥�

Student Reflections

Early Bird Gets the Worm

SES students gave a wonderful account of one early morning spent at the Boone Creek Conservation Area, near 黑料门University Retreat and Ecology Campus doing bird counts for the McHenry County Audubon Society and the Bird Conservation Network.

Green Buildings

Fr. Garanzini and 黑料门University Chicago are featured in the current issue of Green Building and Design magazine. Read about his environmental sustainability initiative and the greening of our campus over the past 12 years.

黑料门Magazine

Hope is the thing with feathers

Despite several degrees and years of experience that indicate otherwise, Stephen Mitten, S.J., doesn鈥檛 think of himself strictly as a scientist. 鈥淚 see myself more as a naturalist,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檓 an ambassador for the environment.鈥� As spiritual director and resident ecology faculty at Loyola鈥檚 Retreat and Ecology Campus, Fr. Mitten teaches several biology and conservation courses. But his real love is avian ecology.

Recognition

Loyola's Nancy Tuchman, PhD, is one of five winners of Chicago magazine鈥檚 2013 Green Awards, honoring unsung locals whose innovations are putting Chicago on the national map and doing something good for the earth.

2019-2020 Annual Report

Launching the new school of sustainability during COVID-19, how far the school has come, and its vision for the future.

Environmental Health

Invasive species in Lake Michigan present an extremely harmful ecological problem, but one 黑料门professor is working to stop the damage.

Alumni

黑料门alums running a farm and retreat center in West Virginia live in harmony with the earth鈥攁nd their community.

Environmental Health

Microplastics are in the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, and the water that we drink鈥攚hat effect they will have on our ecosystems and health?

Not all parks are created equal鈥敽诹厦舝esearchers are investigating the tricky balance between urban greening and displacement

Discover why we're one of the nation's greenest

Expert Series

Founding Dean of SES and黑料门Expert, Nancy Tuchman, shares how universities and concerned citizens can address climate change.

Opening the floodgates

More than a million Americans don鈥檛 have access to clean running water. George McGraw (BA 鈥�09) has a plan to change that.

We are honored to have Father Josh Kureethadam provide SES with a Vatican Blessing.

SES Launch

黑料门University Chicago boosted its commitment to addressing environmental and climate change issues with the unveiling Dec. 14 of its new School of Environmental Sustainability.

Study Abroad

Environmentally engaged

Recent 黑料门University Chicago graduate Olivia Urbanski's environmental studies major took her from Alaska to Kenya

Alternative Fuel

Unlocking the power of algae

Jake O. Nalley, PHh (BS 鈥�11) peers through his microscope at algae and sees green in more ways than one鈥攈e glimpses the potential of the mossy-colored aquatic plant to help preserve the planet鈥檚 resources and tap into new markets.