water droplets on plant

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.

Students who matriculated in fall 2021, 2022, or 2023 may follow the Environmental Studies major and minor requirements. Students who matriculated in fall 2024 must follow the requirements of the Sustainability and Environmental Studies major and minor. Any Environmental Studies major or minor who matriculated prior to fall of 2024 must work closely with the program to ensure that they are meeting all requirements appropriately.

Abram Kaplan

Abram Kaplan , Anne Powell Riley Professor, Director, Sustainability & Environmental…

Brenda Franks

Brenda Franks , Academic Administrative Assistant

Swasey Chapel at dusk

Highlights

Biological Reserve

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

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Spotlights

Andrew D’Asaro throwing a javelin.

In pursuit of gold, Andrew D’Asaro shows his mettle

The Denison senior has become a decorated javelin thrower while persevering through an injury that would have ended most careers.

Purple Orange team

‘We broke the internet’

When Snoop Dogg announced he was "quitting smoke," the world jumped to the wrong conclusion. Chris Dickey ’03 was on the team that cleared the air.

Ziegert holding her book

How to solve childhood poverty

Economics professor Andrea Ziegert's new book offers a glimpse of a hopeful future.

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.

What's Happening

Students

Environmental passions infuse the arts

“I’m super passionate about the environment and a bunch of the paintings I do are centered around it.”

In the News

Prof. Lucy McAllister leads study of environmental news coverage

McAllister says media need to "articulately convey the interconnected nature of climate change." The study analyzed nearly 100,000 articles.

What's Happening

Denison professor contributes to new climate change report

Environmental studies assistant professor Lucy McAllister’s research is part of the 2023 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change.

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