Environmental Frontiers
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Environmental Frontiers (EF) is an initiative run by the Mansueto Institute; the Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization (CEGU); the Center for Robust Decision-making on Climate and Energy Policy (RDCEP); the Office of the Provost; and the Office of Sustainability in Facilities Services that creates student-faculty research and educational opportunities focused on the intersection of environmental sustainability and urbanization.
Through hands-on research and extensive mentorship and network development, the program gives students education, tools, and real-world experience working on issues at the heart of sustainable urban development.
Environmental Frontiers encompasses:
- Hands-on research
- Spans the physical, biological, social sciences and the humanities
- Experiential learning
- Extensive mentorship network development
- Enhanced academic and professional capabilities
- Complements course curriculum in Environmental and Urban Studies, Environmental Sciences, and others.
EFCampus
Using the University campus as a case study, Environmental Frontiers Campus, known as EFCampus, offers research opportunities for students throughout the academic year and over the summer, utilizing campus and community data to embark on projects that assess energy and environmental challenges within the University grounds and beyond.
Mentored by faculty and staff, students are part of a collaborative environment to explore innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency, conservation, and overall environmental performance. This creates a rich opportunity for students while aiding the University and Facilities Services with practical and targeted deliverables in support of the University’s Sustainability Plan.
Current Projects
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Shut the Sash
EFCampus helps run the “Shut the Sash” competition at the University of Chicago, encouraging lab users to minimize fume hood sash height to reduce energy consumption, promoting sustainability and fostering a culture of energy conservation through biannual feedback and rewards. The effort has resulted in significant reduction in energy use at campus lab buildings, which are the highest source of climate emissions on-campus.
Freezer Challenge
The goal of the Freezer Challenge is to enhance lab cold storage efficiency on campus by implementing better practices, such as regular defrosting and sample management, to significantly reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability across the campus.
Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Research laboratories at the University of Chicago consume substantial energy, leading to high costs and sustainability challenges. The aim of this project is to study and utilize sustainable frameworks like I2SL Smart Labs Toolkit and My Green Labs to enhance lab efficiency and sustainability.
Heat Mapping
The Heat Mapping project seeks to understand urban heat effects by analyzing the relationship between surface and 3-meter temperatures. Working with local high school students, the project will collect, analyze, and map temperature data to create actionable insights for better urban management.
Past Projects
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EF on Campus Student Research Opportunities
Faculty Leads
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Elisabeth Moyer
Associate Professor, Atmospheric Science
Department of Geophysical Sciences
Learn More
Sabina Shaikh
Senior Instructional Professor
Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization (CEGU)
Learn More
Staff
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Alicia Berg
Assistant Vice President, Campus Planning + Sustainability, Facilities Services Office of Sustainability
Henock Kidanu
Campus Energy Manager, Facilities Services
Elaine Meyer
Communications Manager, Mansueto Institute
Seth Severns
Education Director, Center for Robust Decision-making on Climate and Energy Policy
Brian Wilson
Executive Director, Mansueto Institute
Brian Bozell
Senior Director, Energy Programs, Facilities Services
Heidi Lee
Operations Manager, Mansueto Institute
Mark Meyers
Director of Building Trades, Facilities Operations
Heather Smith
Environmental Health and Safety
Aimee Giles
Associate Director of Events & Programs, Mansueto Institute
Maureen McMahon
Communications and Engagement Specialist, Facilities Services Office of Sustainability
Sara Popenhagen
Sustainability Manager, Facilities Services Office of Sustainability
Cheryl Weyant
Mansueto Institute Postdoctoral Fellow and Department of the Geophysical Sciences in the Physical Sciences Division Postdoctoral Scholar
Students
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Learn more about our student research assistants.