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Bachelor of Science Environmental Studies

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Department of Natural and Applied Sciences
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Faculty and Staff Curriculum Student Learning Outcomes Graduate Programs
The Environmental Studies major provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, directly aligning academic preparation with the knowledge and skills required to understand and address today's most pressing social and environmental challenges. By offering a broad lens on the complex interactions between humans and the environment, including ecological systems, environmental processes, and the far-reaching impacts of human activity, students will be well prepared to think critically across disciplines and translate that thinking into real-world action.
 
The Environmental Studies major is an excellent pathway for students planning to pursue careers in renewable energy, sustainable development, environmental policy, community engagement, or innovative environmental technologies. Students will select from a wide range of electives that will equip graduates with the expertise to analyze environmental issues, promote sustainable practices, and make meaningful contributions to the responsible stewardship of our planet.

Degree Distinctive

The Environmental Studies major provides students with an interdisciplinary education that combines the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address today's most pressing social and environmental challenges. Drawing from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, the program explores the complex interactions between humans and the environment, including the study of ecological systems, environmental processes, and the far-reaching impacts of human activity on the natural world. Through this integrative approach, students are equipped to critically analyze environmental issues and develop sustainable practices that promote responsible stewardship of our planet.

Career Opportunities

Environmental Studies adopts a broader perspective by examining the social, political, and ethical dimensions of human-environment interactions, integrating the humanities and policy alongside scientific knowledge. Environmental Studies emphasizes human impact and policy-driven solutions, preparing graduates to think critically across disciplines and translate that thinking into real-world action. Graduates of the program will find opportunities to engage meaningfully with their communities and contribute to growing fields such as renewable energy, sustainable development, and innovative environmental technologies.

Natural and Applied Sciences Faculty/Staff

Nolan BielinskiAssistant Professor of Biology

Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104A University Science Center

Jessicca DixConservation Technician

Department: Natural and Applied Sciences

Nicolas "Cole" FischerAssistant Professor of Chemistry

Department: Natural and Applied Sciences

Kelly Grussendorf

Kelly GrussendorfDepartment of Natural and Applied Sciences Head; Professor of Biology

Phone: 563.589.3149 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204B University Science Center

CREDENTIALS

  • PhD, University of Kansas
  • BA, Minnesota State University - Moorhead
Lalith Jayawickrama

Lalith JayawickramaAssistant Professor - Department of Natural and Applied Sciences

Phone: 563.589.3148 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 230A University Science Center

CREDENTIALS

  • MS, University of Delaware
  • BS, Ramapo College of New Jersey
Adam Kleinschmit

Adam KleinschmitAssociate Professor of Biology

Phone: 563.589.3142 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204A University Science Center

CREDENTIALS

  • PhD, University of Minnesota
  • BS, University of Wisconsin - Madison
David Koch

David KochAssociate Professor of Environmental Science

Phone: 563.589.3598 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104D University Science Center

CREDENTIALS

  • PhD, Kansas State University
  • MS, Kansas State University
  • BS, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Kaycie LawsonAssistant Professor of Environmental Science

Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104C University Science Center

Rasika Mudalige-Jayawickrama

Rasika Mudalige-JayawickramaProfessor of Plant Biology; Science Student Research Coordinator

Phone: 563.589.3144 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 230D University Science Center

CREDENTIALS

  • PhD, University of Hawaii
  • MS, Louisiana State University
  • BS, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Ashley NoonanStewardship and Sustainability Coordinator

Phone: 563.589.3752 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 317 University Science Center

Evan O'LearyAssistant Professor of Physics

Department: Natural and Applied Sciences

Paige PetersonEnvironmental Specialist

Department: Natural and Applied Sciences

Mark Sinton

Mark SintonAssociate Professor of Chemistry

Phone: 563.589.3153 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204C University Science Center

CREDENTIALS

  • PhD, Michigan State University
  • MS, University of Denver
  • BA, University of Denver
Gerald Zuercher

Gerald ZuercherDirector of Wolter Woods and Prairies Environmental Stewardship and Retreat Center

Phone: 563.589.3147 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 309A University Science Center

CREDENTIALS

  • PhD, Kansas State University
  • MS, University of Alaska - Fairbanks
  • BS, Mississippi State University