The Center for the Environment is an interdisciplinary hub of environmental research that is 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.
By the numbers
132
Center scholars
46
Proposals/Grants supported
1000+
Activity participants
150
Journal articles published
in Jan-June 2025
Environmental Research Creativity Week
Feb 23 – 27
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The Center’s mission
The center serves as a cross-cutting collaboration hub, encouraging partners, faculty and students to advance research projects in areas including biodiversity, environmental justice, planetary health, environmental solutions, and climate change. Here’s a closer look at who we are, what we do, and why it matters for our community, our region and our world.
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Featured research & stories
Scholar Profile: Zach Zheng
Zack Zheng Scholar Profile Zhiling “Zach” Zheng is an assistant professor of chemistry and principal investigator of the Deep Synthesis Lab, a research team integrating AI with synthetic chemistry to accelerate the discovery of framework materials. Zheng’s interest in chemistry began early. As a middle school student, he was fascinated by crystallization – a process […]
Human-wildlife interaction in Madagascar
Three WashU researchers studying human-wildlife interaction in the forests of Madagascar have approached their research in a unique way – one that recognizes that protecting wildlife requires protecting people.
WashU to support UN’s ‘Life on Land’ sustainable development goal
Washington University in St. Louis has been appointed to a United Nations (U.N.) group dedicated to protecting life on land.
The WashU ecosystem
Within the WashU ecosystem of environmental research, education, and practice, the Center for the Environment serves as a connector. Much like a biodiversity corridor, we work to create space where our partners within the ecosystem and across distinct disciplines come together to address our world’s biggest environmental challenges.
In the news
How a WashU professor used concrete to build a 20-foot-tall home for migratory birds
A 20-foot-tall concrete spiral was recently completed at the Audubon Center at Riverlands nature reserve near St. Louis.
WashU study found gaps in St. Louis’ emergency preparedness ahead of tornado, calls for change
A Washington University study found gaps in St. Louis’ emergency preparedness ahead of the May 16 EF3 tornado, calling for local public and nonprofit groups to create a support network ahead of any future emergencies.
Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees: Which Is Actually Better for the Planet? | What Do I Do With This?
Between gift wrap, decorations, lights, food, and Christmas trees, the holidays create a shocking amount of waste. But what actually belongs in the trash, and what doesn’t?
