Science Informing Solutions
The Earth and Environmental Systems Institute (EESI) is the nation’s leading institute that brings together scientists studying environmental science that crosses human to geologic timescales and transcends from fundamental to applied science. Its diverse and world-renowned faculty members are engaged in innovative and collaborative transdisciplinary research on questions related to our environment and how humans interact with the environment. EESI is part of Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) and the Institutes of Energy and the Environment (IEE).
About Us
EESI is the portal to environmental research, education, and outreach programs offered by the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. EESI faculty and researchers are primarily associated with the departments of Geosciences, Meteorology, Energy and Mining Engineering, and Geography, all of which have top-ranked graduate programs. Penn State's Earth Sciences program is ranked 5th in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report (2018). Within Earth Sciences, the University ranks 1st in Geology, 3rd in Environmental Sciences and 4th in Geochemistry. Geography and Meteorology have some of the best-known programs in the U.S., but these fields are not officially ranked by any organization.
Vision
EESI advances fundamental Earth system science to inform solutions for environmental challenges.
Mission
EESI's mission is:
- To encourage examination of the links between Earth’s chemical, physical, geological, biological, and social processes from atomic to global scales by supporting research by a diverse population of faculty and students investigating human and natural systems;
- To disseminate research findings, data, and tools through publications, presentations, websites, workshops, videos, seminars, testimony to public institutions, laboratory assistance, field trips, and advice to public and private organizations; and
- To provide insights for the public, the broader scientific community, government, and community organizations to benefit stakeholders within Penn State and in the world beyond.
Outreach
EESI's faculty work actively to communicate research findings to both academic and practitioner audiences. This is accomplished via publications, presentations, and websites that are often designed and executed after consultation with the Institute’s outreach support groups and with the Center for Environmental Informatics, the Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research, and the Center for Climate Risk Management.
Staff members can assist faculty and students in developing new and innovative approaches to the creation and dissemination of environmental information resources, and facilitate their delivery to individuals, communities, and organizations within the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.
Follow EESI on social media for the latest Earth and environmental research news and activities at Penn State.
