Environmental Science is the study of the interactions of the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment. At the University of Dubuque, your studies will take you into the intersecting worlds of ecology, environmental chemistry, hydrology, GIS, remote sensing, fish and wildlife management, and environmental toxicology. You will leave ready to pursue a career in consulting agencies, water quality, environmental monitoring and testing, management of natural resources, wildlife biology, and governmental agencies.
Making a Difference Through the Study of the Natural World
Students and faculty at UD are active in the laboratory and in the field. Their work contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge. They have examined the impacts of climate change, probed environmental distribution of microplastics, examined mussel and turtle population dynamics in the Mississippi River, and discovered new populations of flying squirrels and Aeglid crabs.
Degree Distinctive
- Opportunity for students to pursue their own research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Through the years, UD students have developed long-term data sets for the river, mussels, river turtles, and flying squirrels.
- Hands-on experience in the field and in the lab throughout every environmental science course.
Career Opportunities
Examples of specific careers that can be obtained with a bachelor of science in environmental science fall in four main categories:
- Government: Working at parks, wildlife management areas with GIS offices, and with the public. Employment is available at federal, state, and local levels.
- Environmental Consulting: Serving as the go-between for industry and regulators. Consultants do work such as environmental site assessment, soil and water sampling, and project management.
- Education: Teaching both in schools and as naturalists in parks. Many students decide to concurrently obtain an endorsement in science teaching, often at the high school level.
- Non-profit Conservation: Managing natural resources for non-profit organizations, such as the Nature Conservancy. To help prepare students, UD also offers a minor in natural resource management.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
Examples of specific careers that can be obtained with a post-graduate degree in environmental science are all of those listed above plus university professor, scientific researcher, and project and resource manager. Additional education can further enhance opportunities for upward career mobility.
Wolter Woods and Prairies
One opportunity students have to study the world around them is to perform research at the University's Wolter Woods and Prairies Environmental Stewardship and Retreat Center. Located near Sherrill, Iowa, about 20 miles from the University of Dubuque's main campus, Wolter Woods and Prairies is 121 acres of unglaciated land. The property was purchase by UD in 2020 and is home to a variety of mammals including fox, otters, and minks, over 90 species of birds like the yellow-billed cuckoo, owls, and pileated woodpeckers, three orchid species, and the threatened and endangered amethyst shooting star. Through fellowships, research projects include bat, bumblebee, flying squirrel, insect, orchid, small rodent, snake, and soil research. The property was also the site for class projects like GPS or water testing and service projects conducted by UD Web of Life and UD Fishing Club.
Chlapaty and Butler Fellowship Program
Coming Soon
Natural and Applied Sciences Faculty/Staff
Amandeep AroraAssistant Professor of Chemistry
Phone: 563.589.3498 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: AArora@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104E University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, Oklahoma State University; MS, Guru Nanak Dev University; BSed, Panjab University; BS, Panjab University.
Bindu BalakrishnanAssistant Professor of Neurophysiology
Phone: 563.589.3261 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: BBalakrishnan@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104D University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences - India; MSc, Kasturba Medical College.
Joshua ChamberlandStewardship and Sustainability Coordinator for Department of Natural and Applied Sciences
Phone: 563.589.3752 Email: JChamberland@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 317 University Science Center
Credentials
MAC, University of Dubuque; BS, University of Cincinnati
Dale EasleyProfessor of Geology
Phone: 563.589.3639 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: DEasley@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104B University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, University of Wyoming; MS, University of Wyoming; BS, Guilford College.
Kelly GrussendorfAssociate Professor of Biology
Phone: 563.589.3149 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: KGrussendorf@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 230B University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, University of Kansas; BA, Minnesota State University - Moorhead.
Adam HoffmanDepartment of Natural and Applied Sciences Head Professor of Environmental Chemistry
Phone: 563.589.3746 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: AHoffman@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204E University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, University of Wisconsin - Madison; BA, University of Minnesota - Morris.
Lalith JayawickramaTeaching Specialist - Department of Natural and Applied Sciences
Phone: 563.589.3148 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: LalithJ@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 317 University Science Center
Credentials
MS, University of Delaware; BS, Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Adam KleinschmitAssociate Professor of Biology
Phone: 563.589.3142 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: AKleinschmit@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204A University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, University of Minnesota; BS, University of Wisconsin - Madison.
David KochAssociate Professor of Environmental Science
Phone: 563.589.3598 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: DKoch@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204B University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, Kansas State University; MS, Kansas State University; BS, University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Rasika Mudalige-JayawickramaProfessor of Plant Biology
Phone: 563.589.3144 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: RMudalig@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104C University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, University of Hawaii; MS, Louisiana State University; BS, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Eric NieEnvironmental Specialist of Wolter Woods and Prairies
Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: Enie@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences
Mark SintonAssociate Professor of Chemistry
Phone: 563.589.3153 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: MSinton@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204C University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, Michigan State University; MS, University of Denver; BA, University of Denver.
Richard SmithAssistant Professor of Physics
Phone: 563.589.3146 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: RWSmith@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 230C University Science Center
Credentials
MA, Mankato State University; BS, University of Dubuque.
Ken Turner, Jr.Associate Professor of Science Education
Phone: 563.589.3799 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: KTurner@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104C University Science Center
Credentials
EDD, National Louis University; MAT, DePauw University; BA, Valparaiso University.
Gerald ZuercherProfessor of Biology & Vertebrate Ecology
Phone: 563.589.3147 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: GZuerche@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 309A University Science Center
Credentials
PhD, Kansas State University; MS, University of Alaska - Fairbanks; BS, Mississippi State University.
Michele ZuercherTeaching Specialist, Department of Natural and Applied Sciences
Phone: 563.589.3151 Fax: 563.589.3688 Email: MZuercher@dbq.edu Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 230A University Science Center
Credentials
MS, Mississippi State University; BS, Mississippi State University.