In 10 short years, IBES has earned a reputation as a global leader in interdisciplinary scholarship and research that helps move the needle on some of the most intractable climate challenges. With a bold new five-year Strategic Plan, IBES looks to equip and empower the next generation of climate and sustainability leaders by focusing its research and education programs on identifying and implementing solutions across scales and across sectors. 

As we mark this milestone, we celebrate our growing community of climate and sustainability champions across College Hill and beyond who continue to play a critical role in achieving our most ambitious goals. 

IBES by the numbers

A record-setting graduating class

In May 2024, the Environmental Sciences and Studies program celebrated its largest Commencement to date with more than 60 graduating seniors—a 30% increase from 2023 and a 100% growth over the past five years.

A revamped curriculum sparked growing interest among students

In 2024, IBES launched a revamped curriculum for Environmental Sciences and Studies, offering greater flexibility and emphasizing cross-disciplinary learning.  

These updates have already led to more dual concentrators this year, especially among seniors. Prompted by IBES’ growth—tripling the amount of declarations submitted since 2012—and feedback from students and faculty, the revisions streamline advising and prepare students to address environmental challenges with even more practical, interdisciplinary skills. Enrollment in IBES courses has grown 33% since 2020, and dual concentrators are projected to make up 46% of 2025 graduates, up from 34% in 2021.

Logan Torres ’24 received inaugural Harold Ward Prize for Environmental Impact

At IBES’ 10th anniversary celebration in May, Logan Torres ’24 received the inaugural Harold Ward Community Engagement Prize, honoring an ENVS senior whose work improves Rhode Island and beyond. 

Named for Professor Emeritus Harold Ward, a pioneer in environmental education, the prize honors an ENVS senior whose work improves Rhode Island and the world. Torres distinguished himself as a University Presidential Scholar, student mentor, and through several public service and community engagement internships, and he has since begun pursuing a master’s at the Yale School of the Environment. Ward passed away in December of 2024 but was able to witness Torres receive his award in May.

Leadership transitions in undergraduate studies

In November, Dawn King stepped into a new role as Deputy Dean for the College of Curriculum, where she oversees the College’s programs and policies for undergraduate courses of study. She serves as a liaison to faculty and staff in academic departments on curricular issues and, as a member of the College Curriculum Council, reviews new and existing undergraduate academic programs. This prestigious new role reflects her longstanding contributions to undergraduate education. 

Succeeding her as IBES Director of Undergraduate Studies is Mindi Schneider, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for IBES leadership. While King transitions from her previous position, she remains deeply engaged with IBES, continuing to teach and mentor students. 

Outside-the-classroom experiences connected students with real-world decision-makers

IBES took students beyond the classroom to engage directly with leaders in policy, finance, and conservation.

Summer video-stories: Students provided a first-hand look at their internship experiences

Twenty undergraduates pursued research and internship experiences through IBES during summer 2024. In short-form videos, five of the students captured moments from their local and global pursuits.

IBES faculty were honored for transforming scholarship into real-world impact

	For his work with Shelterwood Collective and beyond, IBES Assistant Professor Myles Lennon was granted a prestigious 2024 Howard R. Swearer Engaged Faculty Award, which honors faculty who have intentionally and efficiently integrated community engagement into their pedagogy.
	In recognition of his commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment, IBES and DEEPS Assistant Professor Daniel Ibarra received the Graduate School Faculty Award for Advising and Mentoring in the physical sciences.
	IBES Faculty Fellow Elizabeth Rush, an assistant professor of the practice in the Department of English, won the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2024.

NASA awarded grant to study mysterious muskrat decline

December 16, 2024  | A groundbreaking transdisciplinary project led by IBES researcher Laurence C. Smith has just received a prestigious NASA grant to investigate the alarming decline of muskrat populations in the northeastern United States by examining the impacts of invasive Phragmites australis and water level variability on their habitat across several wetland sites. This effort, which began/got its start with an IBES Seed Grant in 2021, will leverage a range of technologies—such as remote sensing, aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA), and NASA's SWOT satellite—to explore potential causes such as habitat loss, invasive species, and fluctuating water levels. The project combines ecological expertise, advanced satellite data, and collaborations with state environmental agencies across eight states, aiming to uncover the drivers behind this critical biodiversity loss and inform conservation solutions. 

IBES launched Equitable Climate Futures (ECF) initiative to foster interdisciplinary, cross-sector climate solutions research

Spearheaded by IBES, Equitable Climate Futures seeks to advance climate solutions in Rhode Island, New England, and beyond by funding Working Groups composed of faculty from across campus as well as non-academic research partners. The ECF town hall in November brought together 30+ faculty experts to brainstorm about new research projects and partners.

Progress in coastal resilience: Year 1 of the 3CRS Program

In its first year, the Community-Driven Coastal Climate Research & Solutions (3CRS) program, funded by a $6 million NSF grant and based at IBES, made meaningful progress in strengthening New England’s coastal resilience. Experts from six institutions collaborated across disciplines and partnered with local leaders in Providence, RI, and Bath, ME, ensuring the research addressed community priorities. Key advancements include installing water sensors to track rising levels—giving communities real-time data on local climate risks— and launching the Coastal Resilience Monitoring System (CRMS), which helps communities better prepare for climate challenges.

IBES-led initiatives achieved major advances in climate policy work

In 2024, IBES faculty and researchers made significant strides in influencing climate policy through leadership roles and expert contributions across a variety of national and global platforms. 

IBES director Kim Cobb was appointed to the Rhode Island Legislative Commission on Climate Change

The Rhode Island Legislative Study Commission on Climate Change Impacts and Solutions is charged with exploring the local effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and their economic implications, while identifying potential state-level adaptations like green infrastructure and shoreline protection. Cobb’s expertise will contribute to interdisciplinary discussions on strategies for mitigating the impacts of our changing climate.

Meredith Hastings stepped in during air pollution emergency

By contributing air quality data and a statement to NBC10, professor Hastings, project lead of Breathe Providence, played a key role in responding to a fire at the RI Recycling Metals plant. Her work helped secure a court order to keep the plant shut down, providing valuable evidence in support of environmental justice efforts in Providence. 

Amanda Lynch at the World Meteorological Organization Executive Council

In June, Professor Lynch attended the 78th session of the WMO Executive Council in Geneva, where she serves as the chair of the Research Board. Lynch played a key role in advancing global climate initiatives, including the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch and Early Warnings for All initiative.  

Timmons Roberts served on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scoping meeting

Professor Roberts was invited as an expert to the IPCC Scoping Meeting, where participants helped outline the Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report. This meeting will inform global climate action strategies in the coming years. 
 

IBES scholars were featured in more than two dozen publications

Explore highlights from this year’s published research, including work from faculty, postdocs, graduate affiliates, and more.

Sponsored research saw sustained growth

IBES has seen a roughly five-fold increase in sponsored research by core faculty the past five years, with new awards this fiscal year on track for an all-time record high. In this way, IBES plays a key role in advancing one of Brown’s top goals: to significantly grow its sponsored research portfolio.

2024 Catalyst Research Award recipients drove impactful discoveries 

The IBES Catalyst Research Awards empower faculty to tackle global challenges through interdisciplinary research that engages with communities and drives real-world impact. This year’s winners are researching the intersection of climate change and public K-12 education; working to improve perceptions of water quality in West Jackson, Mississippi; convening a working group on environmental justice; and documenting the lives of female land stewards in Colombia.  
 

A people-first approach to air quality science

Breathe Providence, an IBES-based hyperlocal air monitoring network led by IBES Professor Meredith Hastings, is working with more than 10 community groups and government stakeholders to build relationships, gather data, and develop an unprecedented understanding of air quality in Providence. Over the past year, the project convened a resident task force, hosted air-filter-building events at local libraries, and collaborated with organizations like the Providence Emergency Management Agency to shed light on the effects of overlapping environmental hazards. Ultimately, the project seeks to increase awareness and support more targeted policies that cut emissions and tackle environmental inequalities.

Possibly podcast expanded across the U.S.

Faculty shared their expertise in 130+ news outlets

IBES core faculty made significant contributions to the news landscape in 2024, with their expertise featured in over 130 pieces of media globally. Whether through interviews on CNN or commentary in the Associated Press, these specialists continue to inform vast audiences about the risks posed by climate change and measures we can take to minimize them.

IBES communications reflected a year of strategic growth

IBES has achieved significant communications milestones over the past year, bolstering its reputation and amplifying its impact in climate and sustainability.

Expanding and serving the IBES community: 2024 event highlights

IBES hosted nearly a dozen community events and student-focused gatherings this year alongside, fostering connections across campus and beyond.

A renewed focus for the IBES Diversity & Inclusion Action Committee (DIAC) 

Over the past year, IBES students, staff, faculty, and postdocs have worked together to shape the committee’s priorities and address key issues raised in last spring’s Climate Survey, which assessed how valued, respected, and our community feels. Recent progress includes:

• hosting DEI forums in May and October with enthusiastic student participation 
• strengthening environmental justice in the curriculum 
• exploring ways to improve shared spaces to better meet students' needs

These efforts are supported by the expansion of the IBES leadership team, including Brown’s first unit-level Faculty Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—Dan Ibarra, Manning Assistant Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences & Environment and Society—who is dedicated to championing these efforts and ensuring meaningful progress.

IBES expands team with five new hires

These new staff and faculty are playing crucial roles in supporting IBES’ growth and advancing its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.

IBES Alumni & Friends Network attracted 500 members in its first year

Launched in October 2023 and led by an active governing board, the IBES Alumni & Friends Network has quickly grown to nearly 500 members, fostering connections between alumni, parents, students, and professionals. Members gain access to exclusive events, early updates on IBES initiatives, and opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.

Join the Network Join the conversation on LinkedIn

IBES welcomed 40+ new faculty affiliates from 20+ departments across campus

This year, IBES added over 40 new faculty affiliates from more than 20 departments, schools, and centers across Brown, bringing the total to over 80 faculty from 30 units across the University. These interdisciplinary scholars in climate, sustainability, and the environment are enhancing the IBES community and fostering collaboration across campus. IBES supports their work by promoting their research,sharing opportunities, and hosting events where faculty from diverse specialties can meet and discuss opportunities to work together.