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.
Featured research & stories
WashU’s Trusted Tap will empower households to monitor water quality
Water utilities regularly monitor drinking water supplies. But once water enters the individual plumbing of households, there are no checks on what’s coming out of the tap.
A silver lining in sewer sludge: volatile fatty acids
Jason He, the Laura and William Jens Professor of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, wanted to find more efficient ways to get riches out of the rubbish.
Public Health People: A conversation with researcher Lora Iannotti
The Lauren and Lee Fixel Distinguished Professor of Public Health talks hunger, nutrition and the promise she sees in the new School of Public Health