The Center for the Environment is organized around four interconnected research themes and one foundational, cross-cutting theme. The most complex environmental challenges and the most exciting research needs are at the intersections of these themes.
Research themes
Addressing societal challenges
We are committed to generating transformative solutions to our deepest societal challenges including: climate change, air pollution, access to clean water, food insecurity, biodiversity loss and infectious diseases.
Summer Undergraduate Research
At WashU, undergraduate students have the opportunity to spend the summer conducting research alongside principal investigators, graduate students, and peers – working to address environmental challenges in an interdisciplinary cohort.
Research Facilities
WashU has a variety of available research facilities. Find out how they might support your work.
Trusted Tap
Trusted Tap is an NSF Convergence Accelerator funded project with a transformative approach to deploy commercially available point-of-use (POU) filters as monitoring devices.
Community Development & Disaster Preparedness in St. Louis
St. Louis faces serious challenges from flooding, extreme heat, tornadoes, and earthquakes, compounded by aging infrastructure, strained stormwater systems, and intense urban heat islands. This report identifies human-centered solutions that, alongside physical upgrades, can create a safer, healthier, and more just city.
Featured research & stories
Climate Across the Curriculum
WashU partners with Gateway STEM High School to connect students to opportunities in the sciences
Accelerating real-world impact in public health
WashU launches Ryan Institute for Interdisciplinary Health Solutions
How chemical “sponges” could change the world: A conversation with Zach Zheng
Zach Zheng uses AI to create metallic-organic compounds with potential applications far beyond the lab.