Wayne State University announces new Department of Environmental Science and Geology

Located in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State University already has a strong foundation in urban environmental research. Now, WSU is taking another huge step toward developing leaders in this increasingly critical field.

This semester, the university celebrates the establishment of the new Department of Environmental Science and Geology (ESG). This newly-formed department in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences merges WSU's environmental science and geology programs into one dynamic academic unit.

"This move primes our department to become a powerhouse in urban environmental studies," says Department Chair Mark Baskaran. "Combining our already robust research in geology and environmental science will allow us to further examine issues such as climate change and sustainability and has relevance to clean energy and environmental justice."

ESG's programs will combine both geological and biological perspectives to give students an interdisciplinary approach to their studies and a truly unique learning experience.

In addition, students will benefit from an external advisory board of industry professionals and alum to bolster networking and research opportunities.

According to Environmental Science Director Donna Kashian, this is just one of the many opportunities WSU students will have to help propel their careers. "One of the core values of this new department is the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum coupled with the commitment to a sense of community both within the university but also beyond the walls of Wayne State," she says. "We will provide opportunities for students to engage with practitioners in the field on and off campus beyond traditional departmental offerings."

Ongoing ESG faculty research includes hydrogeology, applications of isotopes to solve environmental problems, environmental geophysics, invasive species, and forest and aquatic ecology.

Explore the Department of Environmental Science and Geology at esg.wayne.edu.