The mission of the Saint Louis University Center for Environmental Science is to provide a world-class research and educational environment that examines the interaction of the solid earth, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, and how humans are interacting with these systems, often resulting in natural hazards and disasters. We aim to understand how these systems will interact under changing climate and demographics, and to improve humanity’s response to these changing environmental conditions. This knowledge will be used to help alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for populations threatened by environmental conditions, bettering society as a whole. Our nation also needs to be better prepared to deal with the growing threat from nuclear, chemical and bioterrorism and related acts, and the center's faculty provide a diverse set of expertise that aims to reduce these and related threats.
The center boasts a number of world-class researchers in geology, biology, ecology, climate and atmospheric sciences, chemistry, natural hazards, urban and disaster planning and response, public health, environmental law and ethics, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS). The center bridges traditional gaps between disciplines and provides an environment for students and researchers to develop projects using integrated global and regional GIS databases, field studies, and models. The center also reaches the general public through outreach programs including public kiosks at dozens of zoos, science centers, and botanical gardens worldwide, as well as providing a web site for educational and research purposes.
The center capitalizes on its unique location at the junction of four of America’s biggest rivers to focus the efforts of its diverse staff to understand and promote environmentally sound judgments in the use and preservation of water resources, rivers, and flood plains, and to achieve a sustainable use of resources. Our many partnerships and sponsors help promote the best scientific research, education, and public outreach possible, bringing the results of interdisciplinary environmental sciences to government and private planners, researchers, students, and communities.
