Department of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

University of Dayton students majoring in earth and environmental geoscience perform field work in the western United States, Canada, China, India, Africa and New Zealand. Students learn how to identify environmental problems in real-world settings, and gain valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, data analysis and accountability.

Sustainability students have multiple opportunities to participate in experiential learning and get involved with student-run programs that allow them to implement sustainability solutions in real-world situations.

At UD, we're a leader in sustainability efforts. And students have multiple opportunities to get involved through efforts like the Hanley Sustainability Institute and the Rivers Institute.

A central focus of the sustainability program is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs recognize the inextricably linked nature of economic, environmental and social justice issues.

Our B.A. and B.S. degrees are therefore an important contribution to the mission of UD, but do not stand alone, as we strive for collaborations with other interdisciplinary programs, centers and initiatives on campus.

Students learn from highly knowledgeable faculty who are renowned scholars in the field of sustainability. Their education is enriched through faculty-mentored research and hands-on, experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom.

The Sustainability, Energy and Environment Initiative is a multidisciplinary effort, drawing teaching and research expertise from the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education and Health Sciences and the School of Engineering. The faculty and staff are listed below.

Sustainability Program Advisory Committee

• Umesh Haritashya
• Zelalem Bedaso
• Mason Bradbury
• Felix Fernando
• Anya Galli Robertson
• Erin Gibbemeyer
• Joy Losee
• Geno Luketic
• Vincent Miller
• Donald Pair
• Zachary Piso
• Chelse Prather
• Sarah Richard
• Daniel Vandersommers

Program Administrative Coordinator

• Teresa Geisterfer

Learn an in-demand skill with the graduate certificate in GIS, and find out how undergraduate students can earn this certificate during their time at UD.