Departments & Centers
Environmental Science Program
Centers and Programs
Center for Earth and Environmental Science
The Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) at IUPUI is an interdisciplinary research and outreach center promoting science-based environmental stewardship through research, education, and public service. Research activities at CEES focus on applied environmental issues in five principle areas: water resource evaluation and watershed management; wetland and stream assessment and restoration; assessment of environmental constituents; environmental data management and visualization; and science education.
CEES has developed a network of experimental ecosystem restoration sites throughout central Indiana that are evaluating restoration strategies for riparian and wetland ecosystems and investigating watershed and water quality improvement strategies. CEES is developing an integrated network of remote environmental sensors that are actively monitoring water quality throughout area streams, reservoirs, riparian, and groundwater systems in an effort to support faculty and student research programs, improve our understanding of water resources and provide critical information to support environmental decision-making and water resource management. In partnership with the local water company, CEES is evaluating approaches to maintaining sustainable water resources for central Indiana. Through a long-term research and development program, CEES researchers are working to understand triggers of algal blooms in drinking water reservoirs, evaluate watershed best management approaches to reduce contaminants in source water, develop rapid assessment tools, and assess water supplies.
CEES works with community stakeholder groups to facilitate watershed management programs and provides research and infrastructure support to area environmental consulting firms, nonprofit agencies, and local, state and federal government agencies. CEES is also partnering with area schools, museums, parks and nature centers to develop and support authentic, high quality science education programs for students, and families, and provide instructional support and training for teachers. CEES public service programs are building capacity for service learning in the environmental sciences by providing opportunities for students and the community to engage in hands-on projects that address current environmental issues and improve natural areas in Central Indiana.
For more information, contact:
Center for Earth and Environmental Science
723 W. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-7154
www.cees.iupui.edu
Center for Urban Policy and the Environment
The Center for Urban Policy and the Environment is a nonpartisan applied research organization in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI. The Center, founded in 1992, is now one of the largest of its kind in the country.
Any social and economic issues that affect quality of life are of interest to Center researchers. Some of the research topics have ranged from community safety and riverboat gambling to neighborhood empowerment, urban development and land use, the economic impact of the arts and sports, and drinking water and sewer infrastructures. With an award of general support from Lilly Endowment, Inc., Center scholars have conducted ongoing studies on Central Indiana. These investigations have helped policy makers understand how investments by households, businesses, governments, and nonprofits have influenced the Central Indiana region.
Center scholars, staff, and graduate student interns typically form project teams and work in partnership with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. Over the years, the Center has worked with more than 150 clients and partners. These include the city of Indianapolis, the Indiana Port Commission, Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, Indiana Gaming Commission, Indiana General Assembly and Office of the Governor, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, Indiana Land Resources Council, and the Ford Foundation.
For more information, contact:
Center for Urban Policy and the Environment
School of Public and Environmental Affairs
334 N. Senate Avenue, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204-1708
http://www.policyinstitute.iu.edu/urban/
Sustainable Campus Ecosystem Program
As a university institution within an urban environment, the IUPUI community has a unique and important responsibility to educate and encourage environmental stewardship. The Sustainable Campus Ecosystem Program is working to implement environmentally sustainable projects and policies for IUPUI through a consortium of faculty, staff, and students. The initiative focuses on a multi-tiered approach to environmental sustainability and includes the following aspects: education and outreach, green landscaping, waste reduction, energy conservation, transportation, and water resources. Participants will identify goals and objectives for achieving sustainable policies at IUPUI as well as initiate projects and participate in service learning and outreach events on campus and in the community.
For more information, contact:
Center for Earth and Environmental Science723 W. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-7154
www.cees.iupui.edu
Student Organizations
Environmental Awareness League
The mission of the Environmental Awareness League (EAL) is “to promote awareness of environmental issues and to exchange the latest ideas and tools in order to better the future of environmental health.” The League promotes service activities (such as river clean-ups and recycling programs), sponsors social activities (such as the hiking, river rafting, IUPUI Carnival in the Courtyard, and IUPUI Student Activities and Volunteer Fair), and offers professional development and networking opportunities (guest speakers and tours to industrial plants).
Green IUPUI
Green IUPUI explores issues related to promoting a sustainable society, both at IUPUI and globally. Activities include educational outreach at events on campus and in the City of Indianapolis, as well as opportunities to study energy efficiency, ecological sustainability, and water, earth, and air quality.
Geology Club
The Geology Club organizes a number of activities related to learning about earth sciences, including trips to the field and to museums, and informal discussions with faculty on research topics and career possibilities. The Club provides an opportunity to meet and socialize with other students with interests in earth sciences.