UNF: 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. The Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) is an interdisciplinary institute that serves students and faculty from all six UNF colleges. Our mission is to provide opportunities for environmental research and education, by leading interdisciplinary programs that enhance the student experience, prepare students for the workforce and or graduate school, and increase environmental scholarship and innovation. 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

ELP Spring Symposium

The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) provides undergraduate students scholarships to complete community-based environmental projects. Special thanks to our longstanding donors, the Cummer Family Foundation and the Felburn Foundation, for their generous support of our students. ELP students will be featuring project posters, highlighting the environmental impact and personal growth opportunities, at the ELP Spring Symposium sponsored by JEA on Friday, April 19, 2024. The ELP Spring Symposium webpage features more information.

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. Funding for 2024-2025 grants will be available in August.

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. Applications for 2025 grants will be available fall 2024.

Annual Reports

2021

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.