Working Toward a Sustainable Future

If your passion for the planet goes above and beyond your own carbon footprint, consider a degree in the environmental field. The Center for Environmental Research and Education (CERE) is dedicated to providing an education that aligns with the values of the integrative bottom line as well as the United Nation's Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, which recognize that “ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth –all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.” Our students gain a diverse and practical skillset in science, communication, critical thinking and leadership, enabling them to tackle any issue affecting our land, air and water systems. Technical abilities and effective communication are emphasized in preparation for successful careers and graduate studies.

Summer Undergraduate Research Programs

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (URP) offers paid summer opportunities for students to gain vital research experience in STEM fields. The program spans ten weeks, running from May 20 to July 26, 2024, and encompasses research, community engagement, seminars, ethics education, and concludes with a research symposium.

Faculty and Staff

John Stolz, Ph.D.

John Stolz, Ph.D.

Director and Professor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

David Kahler, Ph.D.

David Kahler, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Philip Reeder, Ph.D.

Philip Reeder, Ph.D.

Professor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Mary Kate Ranii, M.S.

Mary Kate Ranii, M.S.

Adjunct Instructor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Tiffany Taulton

Tiffany Taulton

Adjunct Instructor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Derek Illar

Derek Illar

Adjunct Instructor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Gregory Barton

Gregory Barton

Adjunct Instructor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Shishir Paudel, Ph.D.

Shishir Paudel, Ph.D.

Adjunct Instructor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Stan Kabala, Ph.D.

Stan Kabala, Ph.D.

Adjunct Instructor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Abby Rubright

Abby Rubright

Adjunct Instructor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Thomas Joseph

Thomas Joseph

Adjunct Instructor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Brady Porter, Ph.D.

Brady Porter, Ph.D.

Professor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Elizabeth Dakin, Ph.D.

Elizabeth Dakin, Ph.D.

Professor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Kyle Selcer, Ph.D.

Kyle Selcer, Ph.D.

Professor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Emily Mercurio, Ph.D.

Emily Mercurio, Ph.D.

Adjunct Instructor, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Hear from an Alum

a picture of Mikayla Bayto

"My time at Duquesne has been a really great experience. I joined various student organizations and became part of the Duquesne community. And then my research allowed me to become part of a larger community, where I could use my skills to help improve the environment."

Mikayla Bayto B.S. Environmental Science

Degrees & programs

 
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Undergraduate Programs

Our undergraduate programs provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of environmental science. We offer minors for students who wish to delve deeper into the pressing issues facing our planet today.

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Graduate Programs

The ESM offers a flexible and personalized education, centered on devising innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. Students can opt for a concentration in one of three areas of study.

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Dual Degree Programs

Our dual degree programs provide a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to seamlessly cross academic disciplines, with more efficiency than a traditional double or triple major.

Learn More and apply

 

Training the next generation of scientists

research opportunities

Research Opportunities

Discover research opportunities at the Center for Environmental Research and Education!

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Professional Certificates

Elevate your expertise with a Professional Certificate in Environmental Science or a Professional Certificate in Environmental Management!

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Add a Minor

Expand Your Knowledge and Career Opportunities with a Minor in Environmental Science or a Minor in Environmental Studies!

Duquesne - Pittsburgh Connection

CERE installed a campus-community garden that serves to fight food apartheid in neighboring Uptown, combat stormwater overflow in the City of Pittsburgh, and increase biodiversity on campus.

96%of all students complete over 200 hours of community service.

As part of the Undergraduate Research Program, environmental students participate in ten weeks of research, community engagement, and a research symposium.

90%knowledge retention rate through experiential learning.

Environmental students conduct research on topics ranging from fracking, water quality, freshwater species, renewable energy, sustainability, and more. The Center for Environmental Research & Education also publishes regular campus sustainability reports include Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories and the STARS Report, facilitated by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. 

CERE's alumni network includes professionals in every sector of the field who serve in a broad array of positions.

600active alumni members.

From the Director

John Stolz headshot

While we tackle the current environmental issues of climate change, energy, and forever chemicals it may be hard to predict what the top environmental priorities will be in the future. One thing is for sure, we at CERE will continue our commitment to providing the best possible education and opportunities for our students.

John Stolz John Stolz, Director and Professor, Environmental Science and Environmental Science & Management

Questions? Contact Us!

John Stolz, Ph.D.

Director

Center for Environmental Research and Education

John Stolz headshot

Tiffany Kells

Graduate Student Success Coach

Science and Engineering

Tiffany Kells