As I now begin my second year as Director of the School of the Environment, the view ahead is reaching well beyond last year’s horizons!  We have two new faculty: Dr. Jeff Dudycha, who is joint with Biological Sciences, and Dr. Jason Murray, who is joint with Economics in the Moore School of Business.  This year we will be searching for three – perhaps four – new faculty, so our research, scholarship, and teaching strengths continue to grow across the disciplines.  Efforts to expand our degree programs are also underway, and we hope to report news on that soon.  We continue to build upon the SOE’s considerable expertise and contributions to campus sustainability.  We are also expanding our research focus in freshwater problems in the natural and social sciences, with efforts related to environmental genomics and development impacts on river systems.  This coming year, we are also planning a number of activities related to climate change, and the SOE will be promoting a range of research and learning activities focused on this serious global issue.  It is difficult to think of a time when environmental issues have been so serious and challenging, and the School of the Environment invites all faculty and students to join with us as we address these needs with renewed energy and commitment this coming academic year. 

Madilyn Fletcher
Director