Over the last several decades, a shift has taken place in the business of forestry. Once valued strictly for timber, forestlands are now recognized for their impact on carbon sequestration, water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitats. These shifts have created global demand for individuals who possess strong knowledge and […]
stories of impact
14 posts
More than 100 Duke alumni and friends gathered at San Francisco’s Exploratorium on Tuesday, Dec. 3, to hear how Nicholas School faculty and students are developing a robust technology commercialization platform for scalable products and services that will benefit the planet, help people live better lives, and create economic value. […]
The Coastal Resiliency Research Symposium, held Sept. 19-20 at the Duke University Marine Lab, brought together a number of Duke alumni working in areas from law to community engagement to scientific research. During the symposium, organized by the Park Institute of America, environmental experts from across the country discussed how […]
There are only so many things you can learn about aquaculture in a classroom. At the Duke Aquafarm in Atlantic Beach, N.C., students are wading into the water to conduct hands-on research that will help determine the best conditions for oyster farming. Their work has the potential to support farmers […]
You are invited on a “virtual voyage” on the Marine Lab’s Shearwater research vessel to experience all of our adventures in 2023 and 2024. Now in its fifth year, the R/V Shearwater has served as our invaluable classroom at sea, advancing ocean research and providing exceptional opportunities for both students […]
Bruce Molnia, MA’69, points to two photographs, side by side. The first is of an enormous glacier sandwiched between ice-capped mountains. The second shows a river almost hidden by towering trees with a green mountain in the background. It’s hard to see the similarities until you realize they are pictures […]
Steve T’86 and Diane Siegel sat together at a picnic table in a scenic nature park in Savannah, Ga. But they weren’t just enjoying the view; they were waiting for their daughter, Emily, to pass her drone pilot exam. Emily, who just completed her first year in the Master of […]
When Mary Mapes visited Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment on Friday, May 3, she thought she would be listening to her husband, Tim, participate in a panel discussion. Instead, she was greeted on the Grainger Hall rooftop with champagne and hugs from her family. Mary, an avid environmentalist who […]
Giving back to support the environment is a family tradition for Marshall Field V and his daughter, Abby Field Gerry, T’02. Marshall served on the Board of Visitors of the Nicholas School of the Environment from 2000 to 2009, and ultimately served as board chair. When he left the board, […]
Andrea “Andie” Kolarova, MF-MEM’23, enjoyed studying at the Nicholas School so much, she just had to come back. As an undergraduate student, Andie became interested in everything from corporate sustainability to marine biology. Early on in her academic career, she joined the Pimm Lab, researching hummingbird feeding behavior and publishing […]
Chuck Amsler, T’80, met Maggie O’Leary while they were both undergraduates spending the summer of 1978 at the Duke Marine Lab. She introduced herself when she saw him carrying scuba gear, and they soon arranged to go diving together. When Maggie badly cut her leg on an oyster shell during […]
Eric and Laura Sorkin’s story is as sweet as it gets. After meeting at the Nicholas School, where they studied for their Master of Environmental Management, the couple has used their passion for sustainable landscapes to rise to the top of the organic maple syrup industry, all while navigating the […]