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Story Priority Trienens
researchers on farm field

Testing Limestone’s Ability to Capture Carbon from Air

November 22, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
Researchers receive funding to partner with Illinois farms to study enhanced rock weathering for carbon capture
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Climate Modelling, Plant Science
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Climate Modelling, Plant Science No
researcher in lab with solar cells

Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells Tripled with Protective Coating

November 21, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
Researchers develop protective coating that extends the life of perovskite solar cells, making them more practical for applications outside the lab
Subcategories: Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
cornfield

The Trienens Institute Transform Pillar

November 19, 2024
One of the Trienens Institute Six Pillars of Decarbonization, the Transform pillar will transform the processes used to create fuel and chemicals to reduce or remove carbon
Subcategories: Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
solar panels

The Trienens Institute Generate Pillar

November 18, 2024
One of the Trienens Institute Six Pillars of Decarbonization, the Generate pillar will develop a new class of solar energy to power the next generation
Subcategories: Energy Storage, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies
Energy Storage, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies No
Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management, Economics and Finance No
Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
INVO Trienens event

CleanTech Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Northwestern

November 12, 2024
Newly launched Trienens-Q Cleantech Accelerator Program creates clear path from idea design to commercialization
Subcategories: Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, Regulation and Governance
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, Regulation and Governance No
Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity No
frost on leaves

Farewell Frost!

October 30, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
A new surface developed by Prof. Kyoo-Chul Kenneth Park prevents 100 percent of frost formation on flat areas
Subcategories: Water, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Water, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Equity and Social Justice No
Refinement tanks

The Trienens Institute Deploy Pillar

October 24, 2024
One of the Trienens Institute Six Pillars of Decarbonization, the Deploy pillar aims to develop and test hydrogen production, use, and storage
Subcategories: Green Infrastructure, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Green Infrastructure, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
smokestacks

The Trienens Institute Capture Pillar

October 24, 2024
One of the Trienens Institute Six Pillars of Decarbonization, the Capture pillar aims to create technologies and processes to remove carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and the air
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Carbon Removal
Carbon Capture, Carbon Removal Yes
semi trucks in a lot

New Study of Air Quality, Heavy-duty Trucking, and Health Equity in Chicago

October 22, 2024 – from Health Effects Institute
Trienens Institute Faculty Affiliate Daniel Horton will study heavy-duty diesel vehicle emissions, air quality, and health outcomes in Chicago’s warehouse-adjacent communities
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Building and Transportation, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Building and Transportation, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health No
Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health No
illustration of plastic waste in waterbody

Wastewater Bacteria Can Break Down Plastic for Food

October 03, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
Bacteria in wastewater could play a key role in breaking down plastics that pollute the environment, new study finds
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Circularity, Public Health
Environmental Health, Water, Circularity, Public Health No
Asia Lustig headshot

Catapulting into Sustainability Consulting

October 02, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability
Asia Lustig (MSES '22) translated childhood aspirations of saving the planet into a purposeful career helping clients reduce their environmental impact
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Insurance and Risk Management, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance
Energy Science and Technologies, Insurance and Risk Management, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance No
ice cream cone

Carbon Capture and Ice Cream

October 01, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability
Techno-economic analyst Chris Wu (MSES ‘23) helps make ice cream production more environmentally friendly through his work with sustainable energy
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Circularity
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Circularity No
person speaking into a microphone

Announcing the Abrams Climate Academy

October 01, 2024 – from Kellogg School of Management
New program will advance Northwestern's ability to find climate solutions while also preparing the next generation of sustainability leaders
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior
Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science, Building and Transportation, Communication and Advocacy, Public Health No
six pillars of decarbonization

The Paula M. Trienens Institute Six Pillars of Decarbonization

September 19, 2024
With a shared goal of decarbonization, the Trienens Institute Six Pillars of Decarbonization leverage Northwestern strengths to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity No
plastic bottles

Transformative Outcomes Through Circularity

September 19, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability
Jenny Carney brings a holistic perspective of sustainability solutions to Northwestern's MSES program, where she teaches a course on the circular economy
Subcategories: Building and Transportation, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Circularity
Building and Transportation, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Circularity No
AI and Computational Sustainability, Quantum Yes
Wind turbines in front of mountains

Creating Environmental Impact at the State Level

August 29, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability
Rebekah Daniel (MSES '23) shares how MSES prepared her to thrive as a regulatory analyst for the California Public Utilities Commission
Subcategories: Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance No
Water being poured into a pitcher

Public Trust in Drinking Water Safety is Low Globally

August 26, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
A new study led by anthropologist Sera Young finds low confidence in water safety, concerns about public corruption
Subcategories: Water, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior, Public Health
Water, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior, Public Health No
Electric vehicle charging fleet

Building Beneficial Electrification

August 20, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability
Mark Gooden (MSES '21) leans on his lessons from the MS in Energy and Sustainability program to create sensible electric-vehicle conversion programs
Subcategories: Electrification and Grid, Building and Transportation, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Electrification and Grid, Building and Transportation, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
perovskite solar cell

New Chemical Method Stabilizes Tin-containing Perovskites

August 15, 2024 – from McCormick Engineering News
Researchers in the Ted Sargent group have found a new way to remove extra tin, improve stability of perovskite solar cells
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage
Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage No
Ship in the middle of water and icebergs

Plastics at the Edge of the World

August 09, 2024 – from Northwestern Magazine
Northwestern students tackle plastic pollution on Alaska’s remote beaches, clearing a total of 15,000 pounds of marine debris
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy
Environmental Health, Water, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy No
Students standing at lakefill

International Collaboration

August 08, 2024 – from McCormick Engineering News
An ongoing exchange between Northwestern and Germany's Univ. of Hamburg scientists looks to drive student research and propel efforts to combat climate change
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy
Climate Modelling, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy No
shark in the ocean

Deep-ocean Floor Produces Its Own ‘Dark Oxygen’

July 22, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
Metallic minerals at the bottom of the ocean produce oxygen and may play a key role in supporting deep ocean dwellers, new study finds
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Water
Environmental Health, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Water No
Environmental Health, Water, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Public Health No
Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Plant Science No
Researchers holding solar cell

A New Way to Stabilize Perovskite Solar Cells

July 17, 2024 – from McCormick Engineering News
Researchers take steps towards improving the stability of perovskitoids, a material with great potential as a source of renewable power
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Scientists in a laboratory working with equipment

Understanding the Carbon Footprint of Reprocessed Medical Devices

July 09, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability
Medline ReNewal worked with MSES students as part of the program's project practicum to determine the carbon footprint of a surgical device
Subcategories: Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Public Health
Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Public Health No
Construction equipment and concrete

Process Stores Carbon Dioxide in Concrete Without Strength Loss

June 26, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
New research from Prof. Alessandro Rotta Loria shows potential of carbonated concrete to offset emissions from cement manufacturing
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Building and Transportation
Carbon Capture, Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Building and Transportation No
MSES alumni with Mars mascot

Procurement and Sustainability at Mars

June 25, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability
Alumni Alison Polite (MSES '22) focuses on incorporating sustainable packaging practices in her role at candy company Mars
Subcategories: Regulation and Governance, Circularity, Public Health
Regulation and Governance, Circularity, Public Health No
Poster for Town Talk

"Beam Me Up, Scotty!" Demystifying the Quantum World

June 15, 2024 – from Telluride Science & Innovation Center
Trienens Institute Co-Executive Director Michael R. Wasielewski gave a Town Talk on quantum science with the Telluride Science & Innovation Center, which was recorded for the "Science Straight Up" podcast—listen to the episode!
Subcategories: Quantum
Quantum No
Environmental Health, Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture No
Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance No
2024 grads to watch

Northwestern’s Class of 2024: Grads to Watch in Energy and Sustainability

June 06, 2024
Every year, more and more Northwestern students seek out a future in sustainability and energy—meet some of the Class of 2024 working towards a more sustainable future
Subcategories: Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Conservation and Biodiversity, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Communication and Advocacy
Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Conservation and Biodiversity, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Communication and Advocacy No
JUAMI study abroad experience

International Experiences Expand Engineering Perspectives

May 15, 2024 – from McCormick Engineering Magazine
Students deepen their understanding of global sustainability and energy challenges firsthand through learning experiences worldwide
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Tech Institute

Green Entrepreneurship with INVO and the Trienens Institute

May 14, 2024
Campus partnerships to commercialize sustainability and energy technology are amplifying university-incubated projects
Subcategories: Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Yes
thistle and butterflies

Capturing the Innovative Spirit of Spring

May 13, 2024
An Executive Note from Trienens Institute Faculty Affiliate Omar Farha covers Northwestern's decarbonization efforts this spring
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture No
Norris Center

Sustainability Lecture Series Returns, Tackles Interdisciplinary Topics

May 13, 2024
Six climate and energy experts from around the world visited campus May 1 to speak at annual Northwestern Sustainability Lecture Series
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Water, Building and Transportation, Electrification and Grid, Regulation and Governance, Circularity, Equity and Social Justice
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Water, Building and Transportation, Electrification and Grid, Regulation and Governance, Circularity, Equity and Social Justice No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice No
nuclear energy

Northwestern to Lead Midwestern Carbon-capture Hub

May 08, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
Northwestern will lead the newest U.S. Department of Energy-funded Midwestern carbon-capture hub, uniting prominent partners from research and industry
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies Yes
Sugar cubes

Sugar-based Catalyst Upcycles Carbon Dioxide

May 02, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
Researchers discover sweet new way to dispose, convert, and repurpose captured carbon dioxide—using table sugar as a key catalyst
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Circularity
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Circularity No
Water, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity, Public Health, Human and Organizational Behavior No
electric vehicle charger

Finding Solutions for an EV Transition

April 18, 2024 – from Master of Engineering Management
In the NUvention: Energy class, a team of MEM students provided assistance on a project at one of the nation’s most important physics labs
Subcategories: Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Chicago skyline

Northwestern Sustainability Lecture Series Returns with Six New Expert Talks

April 17, 2024 – from McCormick Engineering News
Sponsored by the Trienens Institute, the Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience, and the Alumnae of Northwestern, the day-long summit on May 1 will explore topics in energy, climate and environment, and urban transformations
Subcategories: Green Infrastructure, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation
Green Infrastructure, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation No
Birds eye view shot of campus

Environmental and Energy Law Challenges

April 17, 2024
Trienens Institute Faculty Affiliate Robert. A Weinstock reflects on Earth Month as well as the legislation and policy needed to protect our planet
Subcategories: Insurance and Risk Management, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance
Insurance and Risk Management, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance No

Alumni Profile: Ryann Howard (SPS ’20)

April 16, 2024
Northwestern SPS alumna Ryann Howard drives international plastics progress at the Department of State
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy
Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy No
Environmental Health, Electrification and Grid, Building and Transportation, Energy Storage, Insurance and Risk Management, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Circularity Yes
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Collaborating on Sustainability Regulation

April 12, 2024
At Pritzker School of Law, law and economics Prof. Alex Lee focuses on market mechanisms and government regulation as tools for addressing environmental issues
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, Regulation and Governance, Human and Organizational Behavior
Economics and Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, Regulation and Governance, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Corn field

Is Farming the Key to Carbon Capture?

April 04, 2024 – from Northwestern Magazine
Researchers from Northwestern and the Chicago Botanic Garden will study the carbon capture effects of soil additives on agricultural fields
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Plant Science
Carbon Capture, Plant Science No
Professors Prem Kumar and Nivedita Arora

Advancing Quantum Leadership and Community

April 04, 2024 – from McCormick Engineering News
Northwestern University hosted a plenary meeting for the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) to facilitate the advancement of quantum research and technology development
Subcategories: Quantum
Quantum No
Footprint on moon

Examining Lunar Soil for Moon-based Construction

April 03, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
Northwestern mineralogist and Trienens Institute Faculty Affiliate Steven Jacobsen is leading lunar soil analysis for NASA’s MMPACT project
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems
Climate Modelling, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems No
Water, Public Health, Equity and Social Justice No
agricultural field

Jumping Into Sustainable Farming

March 20, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability
Alumni Ankur Seth relies on his MSES education as a senior product lead for sustainable agriculture certification at Rainforest Alliance
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Plant Science
Environmental Health, Water, Plant Science No
Prof. Sera Young speaking at COP28

Water and Our Well-Being

March 14, 2024
Trienens Institute Faculty Affiliate and Professor Sera Young reflects on her work to develop Water Insecurity Experiences (WISE) Scales to capture universal experiences with water access and use
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Public Health
Environmental Health, Water, Public Health No
water cleaning system

Soaking Up Chicago’s Stormwater Pollution

March 08, 2024
A team of Northwestern researchers has designed the ‘PEARL’ media, a sponge-based platform with a special coating that has an affinity for pollutants found in the Chicago area
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Water, Public Health
Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Water, Public Health Yes
Kirsten James headshot

Alumni Profile: Kirsten James (WCAS '00)

March 04, 2024
Environmental science alumna Kirsten James (WCAS ’00) leads the Value Water Finance Initiative at Ceres, engaging nearly 100 institutional investors worth $17.5 trillion to combat water resource risk globally
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Conservation and Biodiversity, Economics and Finance, Insurance and Risk Management
Environmental Health, Water, Conservation and Biodiversity, Economics and Finance, Insurance and Risk Management Yes
fireside conversation

Eco-innovation Highlighted at OR Research Forum

February 28, 2024 – from Office for Research
Fireside chat showcases Northwestern's ability to harness physical and social sciences to take on urgent societal challenges and advance University priorities
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance
Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance No
tree tapping

What Can Tree Sap Tell Us About Climate Change?

February 23, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
Northwestern researchers, students are tapping technology to trees for a closer look at how climate change is playing out in urban environments
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Plant Science
Environmental Health, Plant Science No
Katriella Lumbantobing and Ryan Dooley

Sharing Energy Knowledge

February 22, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability
Katriella Lumbantobing (MSES '21) and Ryan Dooley (MSES '22) are using skills from the classroom to build successful careers in energy and sustainability consulting
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance
Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance No
Library

Student Learning and Discovery

February 16, 2024
Professor and Trienens Institute Co-Director Bradley Sageman speaks to new opportunities to advance student learning through study abroad, travel support, fellowship opportunities, and more
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Economics and Finance, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice
Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Economics and Finance, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation No
Four headshots of certificate alumni

Celebrating a Decade of the Trienens Institute’s Undergraduate Sustainability and Energy Certificate

February 08, 2024
The Trienens Institute catches up with four alumni from its inaugural undergraduate Sustainability and Energy Certificate class in commemoration of the program's 10th anniversary
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior
Carbon Capture, Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior Yes
blades of grass

Understanding How Soil Traps Carbon

February 05, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
New findings from Trienens Institute Faculty Affiliate Ludmilla Aristilde explain how soil sequesters plant-based carbon from the atmosphere
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Environmental Health, Plant Science
Carbon Capture, Environmental Health, Plant Science No
Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Energy Science and Technologies Yes
Klaus Weber

Meeting the Challenge of Corporate Sustainability

January 31, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability (MSES)
Klaus Weber’s MSES course helps students understand how businesses impact everything from the environment to income inequality, and how they can change to become sustainable
Subcategories: Insurance and Risk Management, Economics and Finance
Insurance and Risk Management, Economics and Finance No
great lakes

Great Lakes Project Selected to Receive up to $160 Million from NSF

January 30, 2024 – from Northwestern Now
Northwestern University serves as a core partner on project to discover innovative technology to attract water-intensive manufacturers to the region, recover valuable energy and mineral resources from wastewater, and more
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Regulation and Governance
Environmental Health, Water, Regulation and Governance No
solar cell researcher

Using Liquid Crystals to Scale-up Perovskite Solar Cells

January 26, 2024 – from McCormick Engineering News
A research team including Professors Ted Sargent, Mercouri Kanatzidis, Bin Chen, and Mark Hersam created a technique that led to improved efficiency for large-area perovskite solar modules
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Smokestacks

Collaborative Climate Innovation

January 22, 2024
Trienens Institute Co-Executive Director Ted Sargent shares insights on Northwestern's role in driving research, partnerships to expand carbon removal initiatives
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Carbon Removal, Energy Science and Technologies
Carbon Capture, Carbon Removal, Energy Science and Technologies No
Jeffrey Lopez

Jeffrey Lopez Receives Prestigious NSF CAREER Award

January 17, 2024 – from McCormick Engineering News
Lopez and his research group are working to improve the performance of energy storage devices and to make battery manufacturing and recycling processes more sustainable
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Communication and Advocacy No
Ian Olson

Lessons From the Blue Oval to the Golden Arches

January 05, 2024 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability (MSES)
Ian Olson shares a uniquely global perspective on supply chain sustainability with MS in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) students
Subcategories: Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Human and Organizational Behavior
Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Katie O'Shea

The Clean-Hydrogen Transition

December 21, 2023 – from MS in Energy and Sustainability (MSES)
Katie O’Shea used her MS in Energy and Sustainability education to pivot from working in the oil and gas industry to helping build a multi-billion dollar regional hub for clean hydrogen
Subcategories: Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Linda Broadbelt

Seeking Sustainable Solutions

December 14, 2023 – from McCormick Engineering News
Addressing the global plastic crisis is the focus of research for Northwestern's Linda Broadbelt, who works to capture value from and improve recyclability of existing plastics
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Public Health
Environmental Health, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Public Health No
Basalt, plant, corn field, ocean

Can Earth’s Natural Carbon Cycle Accelerate Decarbonization?

December 05, 2023
Northwestern geologists, plant scientists, student start-up collaborate with Chicago Botanic Garden on two-year demo project explores carbon sequestration power, plant benefits of enhanced rock weathering
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Carbon Capture, Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science
Carbon Removal, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Carbon Capture, Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science Yes
Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Energy Science and Technologies Yes
Energy Science and Technologies, AI and Computational Sustainability No

Inverted Perovskite Solar Cell Breaks 25% Efficiency Record

November 17, 2023 – from Northwestern Now
Ted Sargent, Trienens Institute co-executive director, and his research group have improved solar cell efficiency using a combination of molecules to address different issues
Subcategories: Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Climate Migration
Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Climate Migration No
Earth arial view

Sustainability on the World Stage

November 16, 2023
Trienens Institute Senior Managing Director Demetria Giannisis reflects on Northwestern's presence at the United Nations annual climate change conference (COP28) and her attendance of the Africa Climate Summit
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance, Human and Organizational Behavior
Carbon Removal, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance, Human and Organizational Behavior Yes
Northwestern delegation COP28

Northwestern’s Third Delegation to COP28 Joins Global Partners in Fight Against Climate Change

November 16, 2023 – from Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
Faculty, graduate students, and staff observed negotiations, attended events hosted by international climate leaders, and shared perspectives during panel presentations at COP28
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Carbon Removal, Regulation and Governance, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior
Environmental Health, Carbon Removal, Regulation and Governance, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Technological Institute northwestern

McCormick Faculty Named Among Global ‘Highly Cited Researchers’ for 2023

November 15, 2023 – from McCormick Engineering News
Sixteen Northwestern Engineering faculty members, including multiple Trienens Institute Faculty Affiliates, recognized as influential for highly cited research
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance, Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Yes
Kari Neumeyer

Alumni Profile: Kari Neumeyer (Medill ’01)

November 09, 2023
Northwestern alum Kari Neumeyer tells stories of the ecosystem management practices of Indigenous tribes and governmental agencies in the state of Washington
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Hydrogen

Northwestern is Part of National Effort to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Economy

November 06, 2023 – from Northwestern Now
Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen is one of seven new Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs selected to receive $7B accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen
Subcategories: Green Infrastructure, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Green Infrastructure, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
Energy Science and Technologies, Circularity Yes
Energy Science and Technologies, Quantum Yes
solar panels

Creating a More-efficient Perovskite Solar Cell

October 25, 2023 – from McCormick Engineering News
Trienens Institute Co-Executive Director Ted Sargent of Northwestern Engineering and members of his lab have developed a solution that combines both efficiency and stability in perovskite solar cells
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies
Energy Science and Technologies No
Student on campus with grasses

Sustainability a Strategic Research Focus at Northwestern

October 20, 2023
Vice President for Research Eric J. Perreault reflects on sustainability as a University priority and the Trienens Institute's catalytic role in harnessing Northwestern’s multidisciplinary excellence
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Quantum, Equity and Social Justice, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior
Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Quantum, Equity and Social Justice, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior Yes
Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Carbon Capture, Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Regulation and Governance, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Northwestern University chemist and engineer Dayne F. Swearer

Chemist and Engineer Dayne Swearer Receives Packard Fellowship

October 16, 2023 – from Northwestern Now
Northwestern University chemist and engineer Dayne F. Swearer has received a 2023 Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Carbon Removal, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
UNFCC's COP28 will be held in Dubai, UAE

Northwestern Sends Third Delegation to COP28

October 13, 2023 – from Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
For a third year, a delegation of faculty, graduate students, and staff will be sent to attend the United Nations Framework Convention's Climate Change 28th Conference of Parties (COP28)
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Electrification and Grid, Building and Transportation, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Circularity, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy
Carbon Removal, Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Electrification and Grid, Building and Transportation, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Circularity, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy No
Chicagoland Climate Investment Alliance

Launch of the Chicagoland Climate Investment Alliance

October 05, 2023 – from World Business Chicago
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced the Chicagoland Climate Investment Alliance earlier this month. The Trienens Institute is proud to join the initiative, which will bring climate innovation and investment to the region
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Green Infrastructure, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Equity and Social Justice
Carbon Removal, Green Infrastructure, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Equity and Social Justice No
Kimberly Marion Suiseeya speaks at TNDA launch event.

NU Hosts Launch of University of Toronto-Northwestern Decarbonization Alliance

October 04, 2023 – from The Daily Northwestern
The Buffett Institute, Trienens Institute, and Univ. of Toronto marked the launch of a climate innovation hub, the TNDA, with a two-day series of keynote talks on climate and social justice, urban energy transitions, hydrogen energy, and more.
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation, Energy Storage, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Circularity, Equity and Social Justice
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation, Energy Storage, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Circularity, Equity and Social Justice No
2023 Global Engineering Trek students in Chile

Trek to Chile Widens Northwestern Students’ Perspective

October 02, 2023 – from McCormick Engineering News
Students on the Fall 2023 Global Engineering Trek visited the world's largest source of lithium and copper, met with mining and policy experts, and learned of Chile's role in the green energy transition
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Wax Lips Lake in northwest Greenland in 2014

Ancient Plant Wax Reveals How Global Warming Affects Methane in Arctic Lakes

September 29, 2023 – from Northwestern Now
By studying fossils from ancient aquatic plants, Northwestern University and University of Wyoming (UW) researchers are gaining a better understanding of how methane produced in Arctic lakes might affect — and be affected by — climate change
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems No
Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry Yes
Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health No
Water, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center Building

NU Names Ted Sargent Co-executive Director of Trienens Institute

September 07, 2023 – from Daily Northwestern
McCormick and Weinberg Prof. Ted Sargent will serve as co-executive director of the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy effective Sept. 1
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Yes
Profile of Northwestern's Daniel E. Horton

Science for a Changing Climate

September 05, 2023 – from Northwestern Magazine
Trienens Institute Faculty Affiliate Daniel E. Horton studies the intersection of climate change and public health, Northwestern Magazine recounts how his recent work is shaping the future of environmental policy
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Climate Modelling, Regulation and Governance, Public Health, Equity and Social Justice
Environmental Health, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Climate Modelling, Regulation and Governance, Public Health, Equity and Social Justice No
Trienens Institute Co-Executive Director with students on rooftop with solar panels

Accelerating Global Sustainability and Energy Innovation

September 04, 2023 – from Northwestern Magazine
A transformative $25M grant to Northwestern University will fund critical investment in research, education, and engagement for climate science, the energy transition, and the development of resilient communities, Northwestern Magazine shares
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Communication and Advocacy, Climate Migration
Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Communication and Advocacy, Climate Migration No
bubbles in a surface foam

Foaming Up: New Recycling Process Gives Old Plastics New Life

August 30, 2023 – from Digital Journal
By using ‘green catalysts’, Northwestern University researchers have succeeded in breaking down and rebuilding polyurethane in order to make new type of foam
Subcategories: Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity Yes
Kernza®, a perennial wheat, grows in a field research site in Mettawa, Illinois at the Kurtis Conservation Foundation.

Rooting for Sustainable Agriculture

August 16, 2023
Scientists emphasize adopting sustainable practices like Kernza® for long-term food security and soil health, discussed at the National Science Foundation-funded New Roots annual meeting
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Plant Science, Conservation and Biodiversity
Environmental Health, Plant Science, Conservation and Biodiversity Yes
raindrops on a window

Rainfall Consistency is Changing Across the United States

July 25, 2023
New research from Northwestern University tracks the year-over-year regularity of rainfall levels across the US, an issue altering the outlook for agriculture and water resource management as well as impacting the wellbeing of ecosystems and wildlife
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Water, Public Health
Climate Modelling, Water, Public Health Yes
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Water, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Yes
Taylor Nchako, Beatriz Sampaio, Jessica De La Paz, Michelle Chung

Sustainability Fellows Partner with Evanston on Microgrid Implementation

June 26, 2023
Northwestern Sustainability Fellows partner with Evanston City on microgrid plans, covering economics, technology, and policy, running from winter to summer with changing fellow teams
Subcategories: Green Infrastructure, Electrification and Grid, Economics and Finance, Equity and Social Justice
Green Infrastructure, Electrification and Grid, Economics and Finance, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance No
collage of 2023 grad photos

Northwestern’s Class of 2023: Grads to Watch in Energy and Sustainability

June 06, 2023
Learn about those among the next generation of leaders, many of whom have come through programs at the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy
Subcategories: Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Equity and Social Justice
Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Carbon Capture, Energy Storage, Economics and Finance Yes
law panel

Clearing the Air on Climate Legislation

May 15, 2023
Symposium panelists Robert Weinstock, Michael Barsa, and Michael Panfil talk climate pollution and policy
Subcategories: Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy
Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy Yes
clouds

Navigating Climate Change Communication

April 10, 2023
Symposium panelists Yarrow Axford, David Rapp, and Erik C. Nisbet talk misinformation, messaging, and messengers
Subcategories: Equity and Social Justice, Communication and Advocacy
Equity and Social Justice, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture Yes
shrinking lake in Isreal

In Israel, Forging a Path to a Circular Water Economy

March 28, 2023 – from Northwestern Now
Efforts in sustainable water management are a key focus of Northwestern study abroad trip and scientific collaborations
Subcategories: Water, Circularity, Public Health
Water, Circularity, Public Health No
Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage No
intersecting highways

A New Way of Thinking about Infrastructure

March 27, 2023
Symposium panelists Alessandro Rotta Loria, Stacy Mahler, Tracy Farrell, and Amanda Stathopoulos talk sustainable and resilient infrastructure
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Building and Transportation, Regulation and Governance
Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Building and Transportation, Regulation and Governance Yes
Aerial photo of Chicago loop of highways

Chicago Pollution Varies by Neighborhood

March 27, 2023 – from Northwestern Now
New high-resolution simulation shows different pollutants accumulate along highways, over Lake Michigan
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Public Health
Environmental Health, Public Health Yes
Group of students Sierra Leone

Building a Coding Curriculum for Students in Sierra Leone

March 23, 2023 – from McCormick Engineering News
A second-year student in computer engineering at Northwestern Engineering, aims to help close the digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health
Climate Modelling, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health No
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Equity and Social Justice, Communication and Advocacy, Public Health Yes
fermentation diagram

Building Out the Biobased Economy

March 13, 2023
New Life-Cycle Assessment research evaluates greenhouse gas emission and environmental impact of 15 promising biochemicals
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity
Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity No
Environmental Health, Economics and Finance, Circularity, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Norman C. W. Yung

Meet Norman C. W. Yung (KSM ’99)

February 13, 2023
Norman C. W. Yung leads Aqua Cleanup International in innovative river cleanups to combat ocean plastic pollution
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water
Environmental Health, Water No
CMQT logo

CMQT Announces Research Thrust Leaders

February 07, 2023
CMQT, a US DOE-funded Energy Frontier Research Center, named three members as thrust leaders to enhance collaboration among interdisciplinary teams refining quantum-to-quantum transduction for impactful quantum information science
Subcategories: Quantum
Quantum Yes
Green Infrastructure, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid No
students standing next to windmill

Trek to Germany Opens Eyes of Engineering Students

January 20, 2023 – from McCormick Engineering News
A cohort saw firsthand how German scientists are fighting climate change
Subcategories: Green Infrastructure, Energy Storage, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies
Green Infrastructure, Energy Storage, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies No
Climate Modelling, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Water No
Plant Science No
man asking question in microphone in classroom

Insights from the 2022 ISEN Annual Symposium

December 12, 2022
A gathering of faculty members, industry professionals and leaders, students, and community members, the ISEN Annual Symposium convened on December 1 and 2, 2022 on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy, Public Health, Human and Organizational Behavior, Equity and Social Justice
Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy, Public Health, Human and Organizational Behavior, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Water, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health No
Niloufar Sarvian

COP27 Delegation Joins Global Partners in Fight Against Climate Change

November 07, 2022 – from Northwestern Now
Faculty and graduate students participate in U.N. event, looking to contribute to the next set of innovations driving climate action
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Water, Conservation and Biodiversity, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior, Climate Migration
Carbon Capture, Water, Conservation and Biodiversity, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management, Equity and Social Justice, Human and Organizational Behavior, Climate Migration No
Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Quantum Yes
Water No
Water, Green Infrastructure, Circularity, Public Health No
Quantum Yes
rainfall researchers

It’s Raining Harder in the U.S.

October 11, 2022 – from Northwestern Now
New study finds rainfall is becoming more intense across most of the United States
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Water
Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Water No
Minjee Jung

Why Pursue the Undergraduate Certificate?

September 07, 2022
Northwestern senior Minjee Jung discusses her decision to pursue the Undergraduate Certificate experience
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy
Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy No
Ruth Cho

MSES Student Profile: Ruth Cho

August 30, 2022
Alumna Ruth Cho '22 enrolled in the MS in Energy and Sustainability program with the plan to pursue a sustainability consulting role with a focus on corporate, product, and supply-chain sustainability across a variety of industries, helping drive industry decarbonization
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Insurance and Risk Management, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance
Carbon Capture, Insurance and Risk Management, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance No
Environmental Health, Water, Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice No
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Environmental Health, Water, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Public Health No
breadfruit

Climate-Resilient Breadfruit Might Be the Food of the Future

August 17, 2022 – from Northwestern Now
Researchers forecast negative impacts of climate change on staple crops, yet Northwestern University study reveals minimal effects on breadfruit, a starchy Pacific island tree fruit
Subcategories: Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science, Climate Migration, Public Health
Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science, Climate Migration, Public Health No
electrical towers

Failures in Large Networks Can Be Prevented with Local Focus

August 09, 2022 – from Northwestern Now
New method addresses challenge of controlling large complex networks
Subcategories: Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation, Regulation and Governance
Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation, Regulation and Governance No
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Public Health, Climate Migration No
Climate Modelling, Energy Storage, Economics and Finance, Communication and Advocacy No
plastic debris in a river

Confronting Our Planet’s Polymer Problem

June 03, 2022 – from Northwestern Engineering Magazine
Northwestern researchers seek solutions to the plastics pollution dilemma with new ideas on polymer design and upcycling
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Public Health
Environmental Health, Water, Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Public Health No
Design renditions of Agroco's Nexus system

Northwestern Graduate Gains Ground in Farming Start-up

May 31, 2022
Lorenzo Hernández, CEO of Agroco, is leveraging his MSES degree to deploy innovative, cost-effective vertical farming solutions in Colombia to increase global food production sustainably and enhance access to nourishment
Subcategories: Water, Green Infrastructure, Economics and Finance, Public Health, Equity and Social Justice
Water, Green Infrastructure, Economics and Finance, Public Health, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Joe Sootsman

Meet Joe Sootsman (WCAS ’09)

May 19, 2022
Joe Sootsman bridges academia and industry, innovating materials for electric vehicles at Dow
Subcategories: Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies
Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies No
Ankur Seth

Building Sustainable Strategies for Food

May 13, 2022
Ankur Seth is among the four Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) students who received a Northwestern Sustainability Fellowship for the winter 2022 quarter
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Plant Science, Public Health
Environmental Health, Water, Plant Science, Public Health Yes
Building and Transportation, Electrification and Grid No
Michael R. Wasielewski

Collaborating Across Disciplines for a Sustainable Future

April 21, 2022 – from Leadership Notes
This April marks the 52nd anniversary of Earth Month — the ideal time to consider the role each of us, as faculty, plays in the future of our planet
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Circularity, Quantum, Communication and Advocacy
Carbon Capture, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Circularity, Quantum, Communication and Advocacy No
windmill

Justin Notestein on “The Story of More”

March 29, 2022
Justin Notestein reflects on Northwestern 'One Book', shares insights into how energy-saving technology such as catalysis can have a positive impact on climate change
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
plastic bottles

Upcyling Polyester Could Reduce Plastic Waste

March 24, 2022 – from Northwestern Now
Called plastic upcycling, efficient use of the chemistry has implications from bioremediation to medicine
Subcategories: Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
Kyle McCall

Meet Kyle McCall (McC ’19)

March 10, 2022
Kyle McCall, merging physics and chemistry at Northwestern, pioneers sustainable materials for energy applications as a professor at UT-Dallas
Subcategories: Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
pile of rubber tires

Tire Dumps and Aging Mattresses May Soon Be Relics of the Past

March 08, 2022 – from Northwestern Now
Researchers pioneer innovative chemistry-based solutions, transform complex materials like tires and plastics into recyclable resources, addressing sustainability challenges and unlocking latent energy
Subcategories: Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Public Health
Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Public Health No
Linsey Simpson Gallagher

Meet Linsey Simpson Gallagher (KSM ’02)

February 15, 2022
Linsey Gallagher leads Visit Napa Valley, focusing on sustainable tourism and preserving the unique vineyard land for future generations
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Human and Organizational Behavior
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy No
elephants

Protecting the World’s Rivers

February 02, 2022
A legal exploration of transboundary governance and resource diversion with World Wildlife Fund
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance
Environmental Health, Water, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance Yes
Alka Bhide

MSES Student Profile: Alka Bhide

February 01, 2022
Bhide '22 set out to explore policy at a corporate level and work with different multinational organizations and NGOs toward climate agreements
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management
Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management No
Katherine LaGrave

Meet Katherine LaGrave (Medill '11)

January 20, 2022
Katherine LaGrave, at AFAR magazine, delves into sustainable travel, leveraging her journalism background to educate on eco-conscious travel choices and industry accountability
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Carbon Capture, Environmental Health, Carbon Removal, Building and Transportation
Climate Modelling, Carbon Capture, Environmental Health, Carbon Removal, Building and Transportation No
Environmental Health, Water, Public Health No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance No
Green Infrastructure, Building and Transportation, Insurance and Risk Management No
sunset on Evanston campus

Setting the Stage for New Milestones

December 16, 2021
Faculty joined together in collaborative research and forged new coalitions, all to increase sustainability at the University and at local and global levels
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy
Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Jennifer Coronel

MSES Student Profile: Jennifer Coronel

December 14, 2021
MS in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) student shifts from path to become environmental science lab technician after studying abroad in Sydney during bushfire season
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Economics and Finance
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Economics and Finance Yes
MSES ’21 Alum Sam Wenger

MSES ’21 Alum Sam Wenger Among Researchers Awarded $250,000 Grant

December 13, 2021 – from University of Sydney News
Philanthropic research foundation of Elon Musk awarded USD$250,000 to Univ. of Sydney team developing atmospheric carbon dioxide removal technology
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance Yes
Byron Cheng

Meet Byron Cheng (McC '10)

December 06, 2021
Byron Cheng, a sustainability analyst at Meta, leverages his engineering background to enhance sustainable practices within the company's supply chain towards achieving net zero emissions by 2030
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Green Infrastructure
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Green Infrastructure No
Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Public Health Yes
Taylor Bradshaw

MSES Student Profile: Taylor Bradshaw

December 01, 2021
Bradshaw joined the MS in Energy and Sustainability program to develop skills to support communities with renewables and sustainable technology
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Economics and Finance
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Economics and Finance Yes
Christopher Chacko

MSES Student Profile: Christopher Chacko

November 22, 2021
Chacko joined the MS in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) program to turn his interests in sustainability and food production and consumption into a meaningful career
Subcategories: Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science, Public Health
Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science, Public Health Yes
Energy Storage, Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance Yes
sponges

Shaping a Sustainable Future for a Common Plastic

November 18, 2021 – from Argonne National Laboratory
Team from government, academia and industry unites to identify new opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of polyurethane — one of the most widely used but little recycled plastics
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Environmental Health, Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Katie O'Shea

MSES Student Profile: Katie O'Shea

November 17, 2021
After an 11-year career in oil and gas project management, MS in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) student chose to re-focus her efforts on making a lasting impact with the energy transition
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies
Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies Yes
Tech Building on Campus

McCormick Faculty Named Among Global ‘Highly Cited Researchers’ for 2021

November 17, 2021 – from McCormick Engineering News
Seventeen Northwestern Engineering faculty members named Highly Cited Researchers 2021 List by Clarivate Analytics
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Circularity, Quantum, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Energy Science and Technologies, Circularity, Quantum, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
Jordan Fleming

Meet Jordan Fleming (McC ‘17)

November 11, 2021
Jordan Fleming's journey from Northwestern student to civil engineer tackling global water scarcity challenges
Subcategories: Water
Water No
school bus

NU Sustainability Fellows Feature: Project Green Bus

November 11, 2021 – from sustainNU
Northwestern commits to sustainability via five-year partnership with Ameresco, Inc., a leading cleantech company specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy
Subcategories: Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage
Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage No
Environmental Health, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management No
Ryan Dooley

MSES Student Profile: Ryan Dooley

November 03, 2021
MS in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) student tells of his first-hand awareness of environmental issues due to heatwaves and air pollution warnings in Dallas
Subcategories: Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies Yes
Glasgow, Scotland skyline at night. Photo by Craig McKay on Unsplash

Northwestern Sends Delegates to COP26

November 01, 2021 – from Northwestern Now
Experts prepare to share insights on vulnerable populations, financing, and implementation of climate change goals
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Human and Organizational Behavior, Equity and Social Justice, Communication and Advocacy
Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance, Human and Organizational Behavior, Equity and Social Justice, Communication and Advocacy No
microscopic images of polymers

Northwestern Team Among First to Visualize Polymers in Actual Material

October 11, 2021 – from Northwestern Engineering News
A team of investigators from McCormick School of Engineering are among the first to directly image individual polymers in a bulk polymer environment
Subcategories: Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Bfree device

Now Everyone Can Build Battery-free Electronic Devices

September 22, 2021 – from Northwestern Engineering News
New technology enables hobbyists to build, program smart, sustainable devices
Subcategories: Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science, Green Infrastructure, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice No
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No

Alessandro Rotta Loria Receives Prestigious NSF CAREER Award

July 28, 2021 – from McCormick Engineering News
Northwestern Engineering’s Alessandro F. Rotta Loria received a Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation (NSF)
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Building and Transportation
Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Building and Transportation No
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation No
Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Catalysis and Green Chemistry Yes
MSES Students Graduates in robes

From Cohort to Career: First Class of MSES Students Graduates

June 17, 2021
Students from the first cohort of the MS in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) program share insights, advice for future students, and personal goals
Subcategories: Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy
Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Economics and Finance Yes
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Water, Energy Science and Technologies, Equity and Social Justice No
Environmental Health, Plant Science, Water, Public Health No
Lab picture

A Day in the Life of a Trienens Institute Researcher

May 25, 2021
Postdoctoral researcher Nikolai Tcyrulnikov focuses on light-driven processes in molecules, such as artificial photosynthesis and quantum information science
Subcategories: Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Quantum
Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Quantum Yes
airplane and sunset

Sustainable Travel Panel Offers Industry Insights

May 24, 2021
Options for sustainable travel are more important than ever to consumers as they look to reduce their impact on the environment
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance
Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance Yes
water droplets photo by Max on Unsplash

Seasonal Climate Models May Help Warn for Malaria Outbreaks in Mozambique

May 10, 2021
Applying knowledge of climate variability may be a key to predicting public health trends in Mozambique, according to Ryan Harp, a postdoctoral research fellow with the Ubben Program for Carbon and Climate Science
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Water, Public Health
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Water, Public Health No
mentor farmer

Tanzanian Farmers Boost Diets, Mental Health with Sustainable Methods

May 10, 2021 – from Northwestern Now
Anthropologists and nutritionists from Northwestern, Cornell University, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology study how peer mentorship reduces food insecurity and gender inequity
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy
Carbon Capture, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy No
Environmental Health, Water, Circularity, Public Health Yes
Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Quantum No
Singapore skyline

McCormick Student Team Wins DOE Solar Decathlon Design Challenge

April 22, 2021 – from McCormick Engineering News
Northwestern Engineering student team engiNUity named the 2021 Design Challenge Grand Winner (Residential Divisions) in US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
Subcategories: Building and Transportation, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Building and Transportation, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
energy infrastructure

Trienens Institute Commends National Climate Leadership

April 22, 2021
The Trienens Institute applauds Biden Administration on its bold announcement today to cut national greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% below 2005 emissions levels by 2030
Subcategories: Carbon Removal, Green Infrastructure, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Regulation and Governance
Carbon Removal, Green Infrastructure, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Regulation and Governance Yes
Cornfield

Climate Change is Transforming Illinois, With More to Come

April 20, 2021 – from Northwestern Now
Human health, agriculture, water supplies and ecosystems are at risk without immediate, lasting action
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Carbon Capture, Water, Plant Science, Public Health
Environmental Health, Carbon Capture, Water, Plant Science, Public Health No
Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Climate Modelling, Energy Science and Technologies, Circularity, Communication and Advocacy No
Cassi Saari

Meet Cassi Saari (WCAS '11)

April 09, 2021
Cassi Saari restores native urban landscapes in Chicago, blending ecological restoration with community engagement to foster habitat rejuvenation and public appreciation for native plants
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science No
Tiffany Kwakwa

Meet Tiffany Kwakwa (McC '16)

April 09, 2021
Tiffany Kwakwa manages development projects and aquatic resource protection for USACE, balancing environmental and engineering expertise with legal interpretation
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Regulation and Governance
Environmental Health, Water, Regulation and Governance No
Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Powergrid

Diversity Can Prevent Failures in Large Power Grids

April 01, 2021 – from Northwestern Now
Integrated power grids offer benefits, but also pose challenges best addressed by leveraging differences
Subcategories: Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
potato chips

Potato Chips Inspire Novel Method for Water-Splitting

March 26, 2021 – from Northwestern Engineering News
Newly developed material maximizes active surface and mimics architectural structure of a collection of potato chips
Subcategories: Water, Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Water, Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
plastic pieces

Making Plastics Production More Energy Efficient

March 22, 2021 – from McCormick Engineering News
Engineers demonstrate new approach to chemical catalysis resulting in high propylene yields using less energy, energy-efficient production processes for plastics
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Energy Science and Technologies, Circularity, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Carbon Removal, Carbon Capture, Green Infrastructure No
Kyra Woods

Meet Kyra Woods (McC '13)

March 12, 2021
Kyra Woods, from passing smokestacks to Sierra Club's Clean Energy Organizer, champions climate justice and equity in Chicago's transition to clean energy
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
GIANTFab Evaporator and Testing Box

New LED Testing Capabilities at GIANTFab Lab

March 10, 2021
Researchers are innovating in the GIANTFab core facility, where new LED testing capabilities open doors to a brighter future in solar energy science and similar fields
Subcategories: Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid No
Haile-Manas Academy (HMA) dormitories

Sustainable Energy Infrastructure for Ethiopian Education

February 26, 2021
Northwestern partners with Haile-Manas Academy on solar water heater project with $25k in support from the Resnick Family Social Impact Program
Subcategories: Green Infrastructure, Water, Energy Science and Technologies, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health
Green Infrastructure, Water, Energy Science and Technologies, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health Yes
Environmental Health, Water, Circularity, Public Health No
Nepal

Partnership Explores Legal Avenues for River Protection in Nepal

February 19, 2021
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law Environmental Advocacy Center (EAC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), partnered to propose legal and policy strategies for protecting rivers in Nepal
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Water, Public Health
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Water, Public Health Yes
Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Kellogg

Kellogg to Host ClimateCAP Summit in 2022

February 12, 2021 – from Northwestern Now
Global gathering of MBA students and industry leaders to discuss the intersection of climate change and business
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management
Climate Modelling, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management No
Pollution of land

Exploring New Policies to Curb Pollution in America's Heartland

February 09, 2021
The Gulf of Mexico is home to over 15,000 species of animals and plants---it's also home to the second largest dead zone in the world
Subcategories: Conservation and Biodiversity, Water, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy
Conservation and Biodiversity, Water, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Molecules

NU-Led Team Develops Method to Create Green Hydrogen from Ammonia

February 04, 2021 – from The Daily Northwestern
A research team led by McCormick Prof. Sossina Haile discovered an environmentally friendly way to convert ammonia into pure hydrogen, which can be used as environmentally-friendly fuel for cars
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Missaka Hettiarachchi

ISEN Renews Visiting Scholar Appointment: Missaka Hettiarachchi

January 25, 2021
Hettiarachchi’s work in the EDM aims to reduce climate-related disasters and rebuild after them and requires the understanding that disasters and the environment are intertwined
Subcategories: Water, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management, Climate Migration, Equity and Social Justice
Water, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management, Climate Migration, Equity and Social Justice No
Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Yes
red and white balloons float in a blue sky

Prospects for U.S. and Global Climate Action with a Biden Administration

January 22, 2021 – from Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
A panel of Northwestern University political science, environment, and economics experts came together for a Northwestern Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs webinar to discuss questions around prospects for climate action under the Biden administration
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance
Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance No
Chicago skyline

Northwestern Teams Help the City of Chicago Plan New Equitable Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

January 14, 2021
When students in Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability program (MSES) were asked to consult the city of Chicago on new plans to implement better electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, equity was one of the main points of focus
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Building and Transportation, Electrification and Grid
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Building and Transportation, Electrification and Grid No
Rob Opsomer

Meet Rob Opsomer (KSM '13)

December 08, 2020
Rob Opsomer at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation accelerates a shift to a circular economy, aiming to redesign global economic systems for sustainability
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Circularity
Economics and Finance, Circularity No
Energy Science and Technologies No
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Catalysis and Green Chemistry Yes
Justin M. Notestein

Pathbreaking Catalysis Center Undergoes Change — in Leadership

August 31, 2020 – from Northwestern's Office for Research
Justin M. Notestein, professor of chemical and biological engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, named director of the Center for Catalysis and Surface Science (CCSS)
Subcategories: Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Environmental Health, Water, Public Health Yes
Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Circularity Yes
Quantunm

Perspectives: Chemistry and Quantum Information Science

July 14, 2020
Perspectives piece published in Nature Reviews Chemistry explores the relationship between chemistry and Quantum Information Science (QIS)
Subcategories: Quantum, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Quantum, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Yes
Energy Science and Technologies, Quantum Yes
campus bench

Leadership Lessons Expand During Pandemic for Northwestern Students

June 12, 2020
Student social entrepreneurs embraced unexpected learning opportunities as global challenges arose during participation in the Clinton Global University Initiative (CGI U) leadership program
Subcategories: Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior
Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior Yes
Yuxi Suo

Meet Yuxi Suo (TGS '18)

June 10, 2020
Yuxi Suo combines Earth science expertise with finance at BlackRock, advocating for sustainable investing as a strategy to mitigate climate risk
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Economics and Finance
Climate Modelling, Green Infrastructure, Economics and Finance No
Sossina Haile

Sossina Haile Awarded Ver Steeg Fellowship

May 19, 2020 – from McCormick Engineering News
Award recognizes tenured faculty who have made major research contributions, Haile is a fuel cell pioneer who focuses on sustainability and social good on a global scale
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Electrification and Grid
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Electrification and Grid No
Environmental Health, Water, Circularity Yes
Conservation and Biodiversity, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance, Circularity, Communication and Advocacy No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Water Yes
rhino

Saving Africa’s Last Rhinos

April 15, 2020 – from Northwestern Magazine
Engineering student Saif Bhatti has created an acoustic device that can detect animal poachers’ gunshots
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy No
Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Circularity, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
Will Schafer

Meet Will Schafer (KSM '05)

February 06, 2020
Will Schafer advances sustainability and health with Beyond Meat, creating appealing plant-based meat alternatives
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Public Health
Environmental Health, Public Health No
Conservation and Biodiversity, Energy Science and Technologies, Regulation and Governance Yes
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy Yes
grid of images from top stories of 2019

ISEN’s Most Read Stories of 2019

December 11, 2019
In 2019, the Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern (ISEN) saw significant advancements and new programs
Subcategories: Climate Modelling
Climate Modelling No
person holding fossil

Earth Was Stressed Before Dinosaur Extinction

December 11, 2019 – from Northwestern Now
Study reveals pre-asteroid ocean acidification from volcanic eruptions, providing insights into climate change effects.
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Climate Modelling, Plant Science
Environmental Health, Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Climate Modelling, Plant Science No
Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance No
Green Infrastructure, Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Science No
Water, Conservation and Biodiversity No
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation No
Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy No
Desert

What Can We Learn From The Desert?

November 01, 2019
A group of Northwestern first-year and sophomore students traveled to Israel with the Global Engineering Trek (GET) program to better understand the desert
Subcategories: Water
Water No
smokestacks

To Rid Electric Grid of Carbon, Shore Up Green Energy Support

October 23, 2019
Engineers from Northwestern and Cornell have developed an energy model to replace carbon-generated power with cost-effective wind, solar, and hydro energy
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Environmental Health, Water, Conservation and Biodiversity No
Energy Science and Technologies, Quantum Yes
Water, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Public Health Yes
light bulb

Northwestern Research Center to Focus on the Power of Light

September 25, 2019
Northwestern's PSRC, led by Emily Weiss, explores light-matter interactions for advances in sustainable energy and cross-disciplinary scientific research.
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Quantum, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Energy Science and Technologies, Quantum, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
pollution from factories

Northwestern Receives DOE Funding to Study Carbon Capture Systems

August 19, 2019 – from Northwestern Now
US Department of Energy (DOE) announced $24 million in funding for nine research projects to explore and develop new methods of capturing carbon emissions directly from the air
Subcategories: Carbon Capture, Carbon Removal
Carbon Capture, Carbon Removal No
NU awards logo

Center for Light Energy Activated Redox Processes Receives Ten at Ten Award

August 14, 2019
Robert P. H. Chang and Mercouri Kanatzidis of Northwestern University received a DOE "Ten at Ten" Award for pioneering all-solid-state solar cells with halide perovskites, significantly impacting photovoltaic science and technology.
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Burgess Davis

Meet Burgess S. Davis (WCAS '03)

August 13, 2019
Burgess Davis pioneers PepsiCo's shift to sustainable plastics, emphasizing innovation and circular economy principles
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure
Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure No
Carbon Capture, Climate Modelling, Public Health, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Quantum No
Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Communication and Advocacy, Public Health No
Shoes from Scoots Plant Based Footwear

Innovating for Social Impact

July 30, 2019
2019 Resnick Family Social Impact Fund recipients will take part in prototype creation, international partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address critical sustainability and energy challenges
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Building and Transportation, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice
Environmental Health, Building and Transportation, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Water, Energy Science and Technologies, Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage No
geometric design

Power Theory

July 17, 2019
Chris Wolverton leads computational materials science at Northwestern, innovating in energy storage and conversion through predictive modeling and collaboration.
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
fog

May the Fog Be with You

July 16, 2019
Ken Park seeks to unlock the potential of fog, smog harvesting through bio-inspired surface engineering
Subcategories: Water
Water No
data heart

Data Justice

July 16, 2019
Researchers at Weinberg College use big data to address global issues like gun violence, climate change, and water insecurity
Subcategories: Water, Green Infrastructure, Conservation and Biodiversity, Human and Organizational Behavior, Public Health
Water, Green Infrastructure, Conservation and Biodiversity, Human and Organizational Behavior, Public Health No
NU awards

Five Faculty Honored with Presidential Early Career Awards

July 12, 2019 – from Northwestern Now
Five Northwestern University professors have been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Quantum, Public Health, Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy
Economics and Finance, Quantum, Public Health, Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy No
Regulation and Governance No
plastic

Understanding Plastics as Carriers for Microbial Communities

July 09, 2019
Approximately eight million metric tons of plastic pollution enter the ocean each year--by 2050, the amount of plastic is expected to exceed fish in the ocean by mass
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Water, Public Health
Environmental Health, Water, Public Health Yes
Environmental Health, Water, Public Health Yes
Environmental Health, Water No
Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance No
Samir Mayekar

Meet Samir Mayekar (WCAS '06/ KSM '13)

May 13, 2019
Samir Mayekar, co-founder of NanoGraf Technologies, advances greener lithium-ion batteries with innovative material solutions for longer-lasting, faster-charging batteries
Subcategories: Conservation and Biodiversity, Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Conservation and Biodiversity, Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Methane

Methane-consuming Bacteria Could Be the Future of Fuel

May 09, 2019 – from Northwestern Magazine
Discovery illuminates how bacteria turn methane gas into liquid methanol
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation
Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Building and Transportation Yes
Environmental Health, Water, Circularity, Public Health Yes
Carbon Removal, Building and Transportation, Public Health No
Economics and Finance, Communication and Advocacy No
Catalysis and Green Chemistry Yes
Environmental Health, Circularity, Public Health No
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
Gears

Climate Change Is Transforming the Economy. How Will Your Company Adapt?

March 21, 2019 – from KelloggInsight
Klaus Weber, professor at the Kellogg School, argues that companies need to integrate climate change into their business processes and strategies, making it a routine part of decision-making systems
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Human and Organizational Behavior
Economics and Finance, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Environmental Health, Water No
treetops in the Dawna Tenasserim Landscape ©Hkun Lat/ WWF-Myanmar

The Road Ahead: A Sustainable Path Forward in Myanmar

March 18, 2019
Resnick Family Social Impact Program funds new collaborative research on sustainable infrastructure planning
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Conservation and Biodiversity
Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Conservation and Biodiversity No
John Romankiewicz

Meet John Romankiewicz (McC '06)

March 11, 2019
John Romankiewicz supports the prominent grassroots environmental organization in its efforts to retire outdated coal plants, prevent new natural gas plants from being built, and accelerate the progress of clean energy
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance
Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance No
Neha Palmer

Meet Neha Palmer (KSM '07)

March 11, 2019
Neha Palmer pioneers Google's renewable energy strategy, leading the tech giant to 100% renewable energy usage
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Human and Organizational Behavior, Public Health
Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies, Human and Organizational Behavior, Public Health No
Activists

All Cost and No Benefit

March 06, 2019 – from POLITICO
Professor Monica Prasada argues that the true benefits of carbon taxes are often overlooked in economic analyses that focus solely on costs
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice
Economics and Finance, Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice No
Environmental Health, Water No
Water, Conservation and Biodiversity, Public Health No
Weber arch at Northwestern

Linda Broadbelt, Wei Chen Elected to National Academy of Engineering

February 07, 2019 – from McCormick Engineering News
Northwestern Engineering’s Linda Broadbelt and Wei Chen have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), one of the highest professional distinctions awarded to an engineer
Subcategories: Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
Icebergs in Greenland

Study Shows that Vikings Enjoyed A Warm Greenland

February 06, 2019 – from Northwestern Now
Studies from Northwestern researchers reveal the Vikings may have actually enjoyed warm temperatures in Greenland
Subcategories: Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Plant Science
Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Plant Science No
melting icebergs

Northwestern Researchers Examine Political Divide Behind Climate Change Beliefs

January 24, 2019 – from Northwestern Now
Researchers from Northwestern find little evidence for the "motivated reasoning" explanation on the political divide in the U.S. on climate change beliefs and policies
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior
Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Benjamin Linzmeier in lab

Digging Deep with Benjamin Linzmeier

January 18, 2019
Benjamin Linzmeier, Earth historian, paleontologist, and postdoctoral researcher, deciphers ancient climates through extinct organisms, revealing how past cataclysms shape today's carbon cycle
Subcategories: Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Climate Modelling
Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Climate Modelling Yes
Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies Yes
Disaster in Colombia

Partnership Addresses Environmental Disasters on the Global Stage

January 09, 2019
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law's Environmental Advocacy Center and the World Wildlife Fund partner on experiential project on environmental law frameworks in Latin America and the Caribbean
Subcategories: Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy
Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy No
Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy No
Water, Energy Science and Technologies No
Students in Israel

Northwestern Students Explore Water Technology in Israel

November 24, 2018
Northwestern’s Israel Global Engineering Trek: Water program took 12 students to explore ancient and modern water technologies, infrastructure, and innovations
Subcategories: Green Infrastructure, Water
Green Infrastructure, Water No
dry soil image

Confronting Water Insecurity from Chicago to Kathmandu

November 12, 2018
Northwestern research with local and global impacts aims to understand the community’s lived experiences of routine urban flooding
Subcategories: Water, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health
Water, Equity and Social Justice, Public Health Yes
Regulation and Governance Yes

ISEN Welcomes 2018-19 Cluster Fellows

October 07, 2018
ISEN welcomes eighth group of Cluster Fellows representing a range of disciplines
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy
Energy Science and Technologies, Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy No
Steve McDougal

Meet Steve McDougal (KSM '95)

August 22, 2018
Steve McDougal empowers businesses to act on climate change through renewable energy solutions with 3Degrees
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Environmental Health
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health No
Haley Hill

Meet Haley Hill (TGS '08)

August 15, 2018
Haley Hill funds sustainable tech, linking science and global health at The Gates Foundation.
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior
Energy Science and Technologies, Public Health, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Mark Silberg

Meet Mark Silberg (WCAS '14)

August 15, 2018
Mark Silberg at RMI advances resilient, sustainable electricity systems, focusing on microgrids, renewable energy, and grid resilience, notably aiding Puerto Rico's energy transition
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Katie Ginsberg

Meet Katie Isaak Ginsberg (WCAS '89)

August 15, 2018
Katie Isaak Ginsberg integrates sustainability into education, shaping eco-conscious youth through the Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Communication and Advocacy, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Genevieve Maricle

Meet Genevieve Maricle (WCAS '02)

August 14, 2018
Genevieve Maricle shapes global sustainability policies, from early activism to negotiating Sustainable Development Goals
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Equity and Social Justice
Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Equity and Social Justice No
Rohan Patel

Meet Rohan Patel (BSM '03)

August 14, 2018
Rohan Patel champions clean energy advancement at Tesla, driving policy development for sustainable solutions
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage
Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Building and Transportation, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage No
Rebecca Webber Gaudiosi

Meet Rebecca Webber Gaudiosi (TGS '04)

August 14, 2018
Rebecca Webber Gaudiosi transitions from science to diplomacy, leveraging her engineering insight in environmental policy negotiation
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Human and Organizational Behavior, Public Health
Environmental Health, Regulation and Governance, Human and Organizational Behavior, Public Health No
Laura Oakleaf

Meet Laura Oakleaf (SPS '05)

August 13, 2018
Laura Oakleaf champions sustainability in Cook County, advancing solar energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Conservation and Biodiversity, Public Health
Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Conservation and Biodiversity, Public Health No
Matt Price

Meet Matt Price (McC '01)

August 13, 2018
Matt Price, blending energy tech and business, leads Cyclotron Road, fostering innovative global energy solutions
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Human and Organizational Behavior
Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Tibor Toth

Meet Tibor Toth (KSM/McC '94)

August 12, 2018
Tibor Toth drives clean technology and business innovations in energy as Managing Director at MassCEC
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies
Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies No
Richard Shandross

Meet Richard Shandross (McC '79)

August 10, 2018
Richard Shandross champions sustainable energy through innovation, policy development, and a focus on transactive energy systems
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Environmental Health, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
Joseph LaRusso

Meet Joseph LaRusso (TGS '81/Law '89)

August 08, 2018
Joseph LaRusso guides Boston toward climate neutrality, marrying fiscal prudence with ambitious renewable energy goal
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Energy Science and Technologies, Public Health
Environmental Health, Climate Modelling, Energy Science and Technologies, Public Health No
Javier Manzanares

Meet Javier Manzanares (KSM '01/ KH-02)

August 08, 2018
Javier Manzanares leads GCF's transition to green economies, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable development
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Economics and Finance
Environmental Health, Green Infrastructure, Economics and Finance No
Bryce Meredig

Meet Bryce Meredig (TGS '12)

August 07, 2018
Bryce Meredig's Citrine Informatics uses AI for material science, fostering environmental sustainability through innovations in materials development.
Subcategories: Environmental Health, AI and Computational Sustainability, Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Environmental Health, AI and Computational Sustainability, Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials No
Liz Georges

Meet Liz Georges (Law '94)

August 07, 2018
Liz Georges champions clean energy and sustainability through strategic communications at The Nature Conservancy
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Communication and Advocacy
Energy Science and Technologies, Communication and Advocacy No
Danielle Merfeld

Meet Danielle Merfeld (TGS '99)

August 07, 2018
Danielle Merfeld innovates at GE with technologies that align with customer needs for efficiency and growth.
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Human and Organizational Behavior
Energy Science and Technologies, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Karen Zelmar

Meet Karen Zelmar (WCAS '93)

August 06, 2018
Karen Zelmar champions sustainability initiatives at PG&E, driving clean energy adoption in northern California
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health, Energy Science and Technologies No
tree inside a glass orb

Decoding Climate Change Communication

July 16, 2018
Research suggests that acknowledging political identity before discussing climate change improves conversations, particularly for conspiracy theory-influenced individuals
Subcategories: Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy
Human and Organizational Behavior, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance No
Sameer Patwardhan building solar cells

Building Solar Cells In The Classroom

July 03, 2018
Renewable energy is on the rise and members of the Argonne-Northwestern Solar Energy Research (ANSER) Center have developed an experiential learning program to shift towards a more sustainable future
Subcategories: Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies
Electrification and Grid, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies Yes
Carbon Removal, Public Health No
Environmental Health, Energy Storage, Energy Science and Technologies No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Water, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Greenland

Ancient Greenland Was Much Warmer than Previously Thought

June 04, 2018 – from Northwestern Now
An ancient sediment has revealed ancient Greenland was warmer than originally thought and could potentially inform future climate predictions
Subcategories: Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Plant Science
Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Plant Science No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance, Public Health Yes
narwhals

Defending The Arctic

May 10, 2018
Northwestern partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to protect Arctic species from noise pollution, focusing on creating and improving legislation and best practices.
Subcategories: Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance
Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance No
Energy Science and Technologies No
Conservation and Biodiversity, Communication and Advocacy No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Energy Science and Technologies Yes
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Water No
James DeNaut

Meet Jim DeNaut (WCAS '84)

March 29, 2018
James DeNaut shifts finance towards sustainable energy, leveraging policy and innovation for cleaner future investments
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance
Energy Science and Technologies, Economics and Finance No
Conservation and Biodiversity, Regulation and Governance No
flooding

No Such Thing As A Natural Disaster

February 14, 2018
Dr. Missaka Hettiarachchi and Anita van Breda from the World Wildlife Fund emphasizes how "natural disaster" is a misleading term during a seminar at Northwestern
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Public Health, Human and Organizational Behavior
Environmental Health, Public Health, Human and Organizational Behavior No
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity, Energy Science and Technologies, Public Health Yes
american flag graphic

Leading the Charge

November 15, 2017
Businesses, state and local governments undeterred in aiming for climate targets—will it be enough?
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management
Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Insurance and Risk Management Yes
Electrification and Grid, Energy Science and Technologies, Energy Storage Yes
Energy Science and Technologies No
panda

Partners in Conservation: Student Impact Beyond the Classroom

August 08, 2017
A visit to Northwestern from one of the world’s most renowned conservation organizations has led to the development of an innovative partnership between the two institutions
Subcategories: Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity
Environmental Health, Conservation and Biodiversity Yes
researchers in prairie

Prairie Plays Key Role in Chicago's Flood Management

August 08, 2017
Northwestern researchers study Indian Boundary Prairies' environmental health, focusing on flood prevention, soil erosion, and urban green space benefits
Subcategories: Conservation and Biodiversity, Green Infrastructure
Conservation and Biodiversity, Green Infrastructure No
lithium brine pools in Chile

Sustainable Lithium Extraction Startup Wins SBIR Award

March 15, 2017
Lilac Solutions, a startup addressing demand for lithium in lithium-ion batteries, won a $150,000 Small Business Research grant from the U.S. Department of Energy
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies
Energy Science and Technologies No
Daniel Horton

Studying Extreme Weather

February 02, 2017 – from Northwestern Magazine
Former Air Force weather officer Daniel Horton, now a climate scientist, researches climate change impacts, supported by Northwestern's Ubben Program for Climate Science
Subcategories: Climate Modelling, Environmental Health
Climate Modelling, Environmental Health No
earth

Leveraging Big Data in the Hunt for a Climate Change Signal

October 07, 2016
Professor Daniel Horton uses Big Data to explore how climate change affects atmospheric patterns, illuminating its connection to significant weather events
Subcategories: Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Environmental Health, Climate Modelling
Paleoclimate and Earth Systems, Environmental Health, Climate Modelling Yes
Caleigh Hernandez

Caleigh Hernandez, WCAS ’15, CEO of Best Foot Forward

June 29, 2016
Caleigh Hernandez is a 2014 Clinton Global Initiative University alum and the CEO of Best Foot Forward, a social business dedicated to empowering female African artisans working in the shoe industry
Subcategories: Economics and Finance, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice
Economics and Finance, Communication and Advocacy, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Water, Green Infrastructure, Communication and Advocacy No
Saumya

Q & A with Saumya (KSM '17)

May 07, 2016
Resnick Family Social Impact Program recipient Saumya is co-founder of Kheyti, a social enterprise that delivers a low-cost, modular, and technologically-equipped greenhouse to smallholder farmers
Subcategories: Communication and Advocacy, Public Health, Equity and Social Justice
Communication and Advocacy, Public Health, Equity and Social Justice Yes
Water, Plant Science, Economics and Finance No
Climate Modelling Yes
Economics and Finance, Regulation and Governance, Communication and Advocacy Yes
Michael R. Wasielewski

New Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern

October 24, 2013 – from Northwestern Now
Michael R. Wasielewski, the Clare Hamilton Hall Professor of Chemistry, has accepted the position of executive director of ISEN, effective October 1
Subcategories: Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Quantum, Catalysis and Green Chemistry
Energy Science and Technologies, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, Quantum, Catalysis and Green Chemistry No
No