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Institute of Environmental Research and Education
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
Environmental Leadership Program
The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) provides undergraduate students from any major an opportunity to receive a scholarship to complete leadership training and implement a community-based project in Northeast Florida. Applications for students, interested in gaining real-world experience, developing leadership skills, and expanding their professional network, will be available the beginning of August. Check out the ELP Spring Symposium webpage that highlights the environmental impact and personal growth featured at the 2024 ELP Symposium. Special thanks to our longstanding donors, the Cummer Family Foundation and the Felburn Foundation, for their generous support of our students.
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
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.