Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies explores the relationship between humans and the environment. It draws on work in natural science, life science, social science, humanities and the arts, to help students gain a deeper understanding, both of the environmental problems facing the world and of proactive opportunities for change.

Contact Us

Phone

Barney-Davis Hall 105

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Abram Kaplan

Anne Powell Riley Professor

Program Director

kaplan@denison.edu

Brenda Franks

Academic Administrative Assistant

franksb@denison.edu

water droplets on plant

Environmental Studies students partner with more than 20 regional businesses, organizations and agencies.

Swasey Chapel at dusk

Highlights

Biological Reserve

Spotlights

10,000 Acres.

Documentary explores human relationship to the land

It took 10 years for journalism professor Doug Swift to document and assemble the chronicle of this small, but revealing, corner of Appalachia.

Henshaw family and students playing board game

Home sweet home?

When international Denison students couldn't go home during the coronavirus pandemic, the college partnered with local families.

Abram Kaplan’s environmental studies class

Real-world problem-solving for real-world clients

An abandoned industrial building is an unlikely classroom for students as they evaluate possibilities for future development with local stakeholders

People painting big letters

How We Live

Solar Panel Research Guides Community

An Environmental Studies Junior Practicum helps educate a local neighborhood about solar energy.

Jeannie Goldstein ’88 and Emily Marguerite ’15

Where We Go

Paying it Forward Through Denison Connecting

Jeannie Goldstein ’88 got her start in business through Denison alumni - and now she's paying it forward to a recent Denison graduate.

Rima Jurjus '15

Where We Go

Mapping the Past and the Future

Rima Jurjus '15 builds upon her interest in environmental studies, and discovers new ways to incorporate this interest into her schooling.

Charlotte King

How We Learn

Charlotte King Attends International Climate Change Conference

Charlotte King discovers lifelong connections through her off-campus study.

Alessandra Cancalosi

How We Learn

Alessandra Cancalosi studies abroad at U. of Otago in New Zealand

New Zealand is absolutely incredible, it'll blow your mind.

Sarah Mill

Where We Go

Sarah Mill ’07 benefits from DU Environ. Studies opportunities

The Environmental Studies department helped prepare Sarah Mill for her role as Director of Education at the Dawes Arboretum.

Ahmed M. Soliman

How We Learn

Dr. Soliman focuses on Domestic Energy Efficiency

Soliman first became interested in air pollution in his home country of Egypt.

Chi Nguyen

How We Live

Challenges and Rewards for International Students

International student Chi Nguyen '17 negotiates a complicated and fulfilling path.

Luke Romick ’16 posing on stage with three presenters of his Wooden Cup Award

How We Learn

The Best of the Best

Luke Romick '16 captured the highest service award in all college sports - The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup.

Tod Frolking

How We Learn

Frolking Leaves Legacy Behind

Retiring Dr. Tod Frolking was instrumental in the creation of the ENVS program.

Ryan Culligan '14, with sister Clare '17

Where We Go

From Omaha to Madagascar

Ryan Culligan, class of '14, will soon be journeying to Madagascar to continue his conservation work.

Alana Murray '16

How We Learn

Off Campus Food and Activism

Alana Murray's interest in food systems blossomed while in Copenhagen, Denmark

What's Happening

Internships

Impacting climate change through policy

Tait Ferguson ’23 wants to impact democracy. A class on political ecology opened his eyes to new possibilities.

Lectures & Discussions

Interdisciplinary Faculty Roundtable on Climate Report

The August IPCC report on climate science laid out a range of global climate challenges, hear how five Denison faculty respond on Thursday November 4.

Caitlin Schroering '09, activist for clean water

Caitlin Schroering '09 walks the line between academia and activist as she pursues both a Ph.D and clean water resources.

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