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Institute of Environmental Research and Education
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Institute of Environmental Research and Education

The Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) (formerly the Environmental Center) serves students and faculty from all UNF colleges. Our mission is to provide opportunities for environmental research and education and develop interdisciplinary programs that enhance the student experience and increase environmental scholarship. The IERE team is comprised of staff, Faculty Executive Board, Joint Faculty Members, and the Community Council. IERE programs and scholarships are 100% funded by donors and grants. Learn more on how you can support IERE with a gift.

Announcements and Upcoming Events

JEA Solar Plant

Field Friday — JEA's Solar Facility

Join us on an exciting Field Friday to explore JEA’s state-of-the-art Solar Facility at the Northwest Jacksonville Solar Partners LLC. This unique experience will provide UNF students with insights into sustainable energy production, environmental conservation, and the future of renewable resources. Registration fee covers transportation.
  • Date:  Friday, April 12 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: JEA's Northwest Jacksonville Solar Partners LLC facility 
  • Cost:  $15 for UNF students; $10 for ELP, KAO or LLC students
  • Registration: Register Now
Three students standing behind blue bags of trash collected.

Stream Restoration Project — Volunteer Opportunity

Join JaxParks staff, IERE students and St. John's Riverkeeper to learn more about local ecosystems while removing invasive aquatic vegetation and litter. Volunteers are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or waders as work will be occurring in and around the stream. For questions please email Ruby Cox.
  • Date:  Held weekly on Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park (7000 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244)
Man looking at environmental artwork hung on wall within art gallery.

Environmental Arts & Humanities Grants

In an effort to expand IERE’s interdisciplinary support of environmental works and projects among UNF faculty, IERE has implemented an Environmental Art and Humanities Grants.  Visit the Art & Humanities Grants website page for additional information.
Students and faculty looking at plants

Seed Grants 

Seed Grants are intended to "seed" environmentally related research that subsequently results in the preparation and submission of a proposal to an external funding agency. It is also the goal of this program to support collaboration between faculty members and students in diverse disciplines. Two grants in the amount of $10,000 are awarded annually and funds can be used for the purchase of supplies and equipment, associated travel, publishing fees and student wages. Proposals are reviewed by a committee of UNF faculty and are competitively awarded to the most meritorious proposals.  Visit the Seed Grant website for additional information.

Annual Reports

Directors

We would like to take a moment to thank our directors for their leadership and commitment.

  • 2004-2008 — Ray Bowman, Ph.D. (founder)
  • 2008-2013 — Radha Pyati, Ph.D.
  • 2013-2014 — Stuart Chalk, Ph.D. (interim)
  • 2014-2019 — J. David Lambert, Ph.D.
  • 2019-current — Erin Largo-Wight, Ph.D.