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
Research Development Services
The Center for the Environment supports researchers at the university in various ways:
- Organizing and facilitating proposal team meetings
- Help with project management of proposal development
- Identification and introduction to potential collaborators and partners
- Support with some graphics
- Letter of support and letter of collaboration
- Reviews of proposal drafts by Center staff and Center Scholars
Projects and Outcomes
Through our Research Development Services, we have supported groundbreaking projects across multiple WashU schools and disciplines.
Take a look at some of the incredible work our scholars have accomplished and learn about the ways the center has been supportive.
Featured research & stories
Scholar Profile: Rachel Penczykowski
Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Rachel Penczykowski knew early on that she was drawn to science. Over time, her interest narrowed—first to biology, then ecology. One upper-level parasitology course changed her trajectory. A guest lecture on environmental conditions shaping host–parasite interactions was, as she describes it, a “life-changing light bulb moment.” In that lecture, she […]
Putting the ‘forever’ in Forest Park
New research shows habitat restoration projects have paid off
Photo Gallery from “Hope In Action: Conservation Success Stories”
On Thursday, February 26th, the Living Earth Collaborative hosted Hope In Action: Conservation Success Stories at the Saint Louis Zoo, as part of the 2026 Environmental Research & Creativity Week.
Research Facilities
WashU has a variety of available research facilities. Find out how they might support your work.