Skip to Main Content
Institute of Environmental Research and Education
oneColumn

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

Students and faculty looking at plants

Seed Grants — Applications open

Applications are now being accepting for the 2024 Seed Grants. Two grants in the amount of $10,000 will be awarded and funds can be used for the purchase of supplies and equipment, associated travel, faculty stipend, publishing fees and student wages. Proposals are reviewed by a committee of UNF faculty and are competitively awarded to the most meritorious proposals. The deadline for applications is Sunday, Nov. 5 at 11:59 p.m. Visit the Seed Grant website for additional information and the grant application.

KAO honor society students in preserve birding.

Kappa Alpha Omicron Honors Society — Chapter Meeting 

Join us on Friday, October 6 in the IERE Office (Osprey Commons Bldg 16, Suite 3111) from 6-7 p.m. for the UNF Environmental Honor Society KAO interest and general chapter meeting.  Lite bites will be provided.  Please email Ruby Cox, the staff support member, for more details. 

Applications for Kappa Alpha Omicron are now open. The chapter provides students an opportunity to network with others who have academic and professional interests in the environment as well as provide an international network in the growing field of interdisciplinary environmental sciences. Learn more and apply to be a member.

Speaker at podium

Jacksonville Environmental Symposium

The Jacksonville Environmental Symposium presents a unique opportunity for members of the community to interact with the regulatory agencies responsible for developing and implementing environmental policy. The symposium provides valuable opportunities for communication and helps to further the goal of protecting our limited natural resources and improving the quality of life in Northeast Florida. 

This event is sponsored by the City of Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board and Institute of Environmental Research and Education.

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.