FAU Launches School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability

I am pleased to share that Florida Atlantic has launched its new School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS). A partnership between the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, ECOS will amplify the University’s research, teaching and community engagement initiatives while creating a comprehensive environmental hub for our region.

The Schmidt College of Science focuses on a wide range of academic disciplines, from biological sciences and chemistry to physics and urban planning, which play an essential role in solving complex environmental problems. Harbor Branch takes on a more specialized function of pursing the research and discovery of coastal and ocean environments. By creating a bridge between these areas of inquiry, ECOS establishes a valuable platform for connecting external partners from the private sector, government and non-governmental organizations with Florida Atlantic’s esteemed students, faculty and researchers.

Colin Polsky, Ph.D., professor of geosciences and director of FAU’s Center for Environmental Studies, is the founding director of ECOS. His research explores how people in Florida create, perceive and respond to climate challenges, such as sea-level rise in urban settings. Florida Atlantic has been a strong contributor to advancing environmental knowledge in our state, and under Dr. Polsky’s leadership, ECOS will continue to drive innovative solutions to our most pressing issues.

By carving this new path for scientific inquiry, Florida Atlantic is expanding the scholarly activities of our University community while forging a more resilient and sustainable future for all. I look forward to the groundbreaking work that will follow from this important initiative.