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Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy

Advancing global sustainability and energy solutions through transformational research, interdisciplinary education, and public engagement.

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Jinwon Oh

Northwestern postdoctoral fellow tackles sustainable manufacturing

July 16, 2026
This summer, the Northwestern University Sustainability and Energy Fellows program welcomed its inaugural cohort, bringing top-tier global talent to campus. Among them is postdoctoral fellow Jinwon Oh, PhD, a materials science and engineering expert developing cutting-edge catalysts that convert greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals.

About the Trienens Institute

Collaboration across disciplines and organizations for a sustainable future.

We ask questions that lead to new insights and discoveries.

Neil Schweitzer and students in laboratory looking at equipment

Discover a diverse range of groundbreaking research initiatives centered in the Trienens Institute, stemming from cutting-edge team science across disciplines. Engage with leading scholars and explore innovative projects that address complex societal issues and push the boundaries of knowledge. 

Trienens Institute Pillars of Decarbonization
Learn how the pillars are designed to leverage Northwestern strengths to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future.

Meet Our Faculty
Meet our diverse faculty who approach complex local and global sustainability and energy challenges with interdisciplinary insights.

Research Spotlight
The Tobin Marks Group partners with GIANTFab Lab for various projects enhancing solar cell production.

Empowering minds for a sustainable future.

Students prepare to be future leaders through coursework and experiential opportunities in sustainability and energy at Northwestern University. The Trienens Institute collaborates across academic departments and with industry to administer an Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability and Energy plus a Master’s of Science in Energy and Sustainability. Additional programs include study abroad and research initiatives. Students engage with renowned faculty from across the University and industry to learn how to make a meaningful impact on society's most pressing challenges.

Student Insights
Former MS in Energy and Sustainability students share tips on how to build a career in energy. 

Study Abroad Spotlight
Trek to Chile opens eyes of engineering students.

Collaboration is vital to the mission of the Trienens Institute.

Participant speaks at Trienens Institute event

Innovative teams bring their unique strengths together to produce transformational research and education initiatives. Alumni play a key role in carrying this mission into the world and giving back to support the next generation. Explore how we foster meaningful partnerships with organizations and individuals to address complex challenges and create lasting positive change in the world.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Trienens-Q CleanTech Accelerator Program creates a clear path from idea design to commercialization. 

Alumni Profile
Meet sustainability consultant Asia Lustig (MSES '22) who helps clients reduce their environmental impact. 

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Upcoming Events

Oct
15
2026

2026 IIN Rosemary Schnell Symposium

8:30 AM 1710 Orrington Ave
Please join us on Thursday, October 15, at the Hilton Orrington for the 2026 International Institute for Nanotechnology ...

Featured Event

Gavin Towler

Clifford Kubiak Guest Lecture Series

July 8, 2026

Clifford P. Kubiak is Distinguished Professor and the Harold C. Urey Chair in Chemistry at the University of California, San Diego. His research spans inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and nanomaterials, with a longstanding focus on the chemistry, electrochemistry and photochemistry of carbon dioxide.