The Environmental Studies Program requires that all majors participate in an experiential learning opportunity before graduating. The most standard ways to satisfy this requirement are to conduct supervised, independent research on an environmental topic with UR faculty (ENVR320, ENVR406, or an approved equivalent course from another department), or participate in an approved environmental internship off-campus and complete ENVR388 during the fall semester.
Each year the Department of Geography, Environment, & Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Program, and Global Studies Program partner to bring noteworthy speakers and scholars to Richmond to present lectures related to our global environment. All events are free and open to the public.
For goal-oriented students who are dedicated to earning at least a master's degree in environmental studies or forestry, the University of Richmond offers dual degree programs with Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. For the Dual Degree program, students complete three years at Richmond and then two years at Duke; at the end of their fourth year, they receive their undergraduate degree from Richmond and at the end of their fifth year, they receive their master's degree from Duke.
We have cooperative agreements with Duke University’s Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina, and the Marine Biological Laboratory Semester in Environmental Science (MBL SES) program in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Additional opportunities for off-campus research include the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), which connects students with environmental research projects in the natural and social sciences.
Todd Lookingbill, professor of geography, environment, & sustainability, along with Beth Zizzamia, Special Analysis Lab GIS operations manager, published “Virginia Heat Watch: Collaboration to assess climate vulnerability at local to regional scales” in Urban Climate.
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Todd Lookingbill, professor of geography, environment, & sustainability, published “A Heat Emergency: Urban Heat Exposure and Access to Refuge in Richmond, VA” in GeoHealth.
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Todd Lookingbill, professor of geography, environment, & sustainability, along with undergraduates Jack DuPuy, ’25, Ellery Jacobs, ’25, Matteo Gonzalez, ’24, and Tihomir S. Kostadinov, ’02 published "A 20-Year Ecotone Study of Pacific Northwest Mountain Forest Vulnerability to Changing Snow Conditions" in Land.
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Carrie Wu, associate professor of biology, was recognized as one of “25 Inspiring Women in Plant Biology” by the American Society of Plant Biologist’s (ASPB’s) Women in Plant Biology Committee.
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A summer internship introduced senior Courtney Simpson to a career in sustainable investing. A return offer ensured she can continue to pursue her newfound interest.
This grant will support a collaborative project focusing on climate impacts on Native Americans in Virginia.
Geography, environment and sustainability professor David Salisbury is quoted.
Geography and environment professor Stephanie Spera is quoted.
Geology professor David Kitchen is quoted.
Geography and environment professor Stephanie Spera is featured.
Mailing address:
Environmental Studies Program
Carole Weinstein International Center, Room 307
211 Richmond Way
University of Richmond, VA 23173
Phone: (804) 484-1473
Fax: (804) 484-1577
Program Coordinator: Todd Lookingbill
Academic Administrative Specialist: Nancy Propst