Sustainable future | Explore | Clark University

Aedan Derrick ’26 standing in the Hadwen Arboretum, Clark University, on a winter day.

Re-imagine our connection to the living world

The world needs leaders and visionaries who can integrate information from multiple fields to address complex environmental challenges and work towards a sustainable, equitable future.

Aedan Derrick present at the culminating poster salon for a research project he worked on with Matt Shea ’26, “Climate Change Adaptations of Major American Waterways.” — Aedan worked with Matt Shea ’26, left, on a research project, “Climate Change Adaptations of Major American Waterways,” which they presented at the culminating poster salon.

Aedan Derrick ’26
Major: Environmental Studies

Aedan knew he wanted to study environmental science at Clark.

During his First-Year Intensive class, Navigating the Global Climate Crisis, he got to interact with climate scientists such as Clark Geography Professor Karen Frey, an internationally renowned polar scientist.

Aedan Derrick ’26 participates in a group discussion at a gathering of the Men of Color Alliance — Aedan attends biweekly gatherings of the Men of Color Alliance and values the contribution the group has made to life on campus.

“Regardless of what we talk about, I like the fact that this space is here. It’s a big thing.”

The Men of Color Alliance provides an essential space for Clark men of color to share experiences, hash out challenges, celebrate achievements, and, as one member puts it, just “be up.”

Men’s varsity basketball

The scarlet and white, closes out the regular season with a 19-6 record then clinches its spot in the NEWMAC finals during Aedan’s second year.

“I wanted to learn more from the experts in the field, learn more about what it takes to be a scientist, about networking and writing proposals, and about climate policy.”

—Aedan Derrick

Academic Programs

The School of Climate, Environment, and Society

Building on a long legacy of climate-related work in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, Clark’s School of Climate, Environment, and Society — opening in fall of 2025 — offers students new opportunities to explore human‑focused, community‑centered solutions to the climate crisis.

New academic programs include a climate, environment, and society major and graduate degree in climate and society.

Explore the school Website

Students gathering at a reservoir for a course on water in the city.

New in Fall 2025

Climate, Environment, and Society, B.A.

Search for more equitable, sustainable and just pathways for the future. Immerse yourself in the various disciplinary perspectives required to understand and address climate change and other sustainability challenges.

Clark Geography Professor Florencia Sangermano and fellow researchers work to determine how many species live in a 38.6-square-mile section of the Amazon rainforest by remotely collecting environmental wildlife sound.

New graduate program

Climate and Society, M.S.

Lead the response to the pressing challenges of climate change. Acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become effective practitioners in the fields of climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, and climate change advocacy and activism.

Biology, B.S.

Environmental professors in the field collecting water samples

Environmental Science, B.S.

Geography, B.A.

Hands on

Professor Chandra Jack and her students plant a new crop of wheat at the grow house. — Professor Chandra Jack and her students plant a crop of wheat at the grow house to study how microbe interactions affect plant traits. This work will contribute to the development of new, more sustainable ways to increase food production.

A student installs new grow lamp unit in Chandra Jack's biology lab

Nathan Ahlgren kneels on a dock to collects water samples to explore why viruses are killing Cyanobacteria — Funded by $1.1 million in NSF grants, microbial ecologist Nathan Ahlgren and his students explore why viruses are killing Cyanobacteria, single-celled microbes that carry out about 25 percent of the photosynthesis in the ocean.

Dukilda Hasanllari ’23, Angell Jean-Laurent ’24, and other students have helped isolate more than 100 Synechococcus strains from water samples taken from Narragansett Bay.

Connected to community

Amanda Dye ’24 talks about the community bioshelter where she works.

A greenhouse operates as an indoor ecosystem for mushroom growing. Outside, Main South families cultivate and harvest their own fresh produce in raised vegetable beds and small fruit orchard.

Excerpt from The Fruits of Our Labor, directed by Thu Le ’25

“I would want to create a nonprofit where there wouldn’t be any barriers for people to access the space, learn something new, and enjoy being together as a community.”

—Amanda Dye ’24

Hadwen Arboretum

Minutes from campus

Acres

Geography Professor, John Rogan leads an urban forestry class in the Hadwen Arboretum

Environmental leadership in action

At Clark, biology major Quincy Milton III ’20 balanced his studies with lacrosse practices and fly fishing in local waterways.

Now Quincy works as a scientist for EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, a public benefit corporation that provides environmental, compliance, natural resources, and infrastructure engineering and management solutions to public and private sector clients.

4 + 1

An advanced degree within reach

The 4+1 Accelerated Master’s provides an opportunity to earn a pathway to a master’s degree — with one year of additional study and available tuition scholarships.

Explore 4+1 options

Lauren Holmes ’23, M.S.’24, an environmental science major, makes a concoction — dish soap, water, and salt — to preserve and transport ants. — Lauren Holmes ’23, M.S. ’24, an environmental science major, makes a concoction — dish soap, water, and salt — to preserve and transport ants. By studying the diversity of ant species in cranberry bogs at different stages of restoration, students can learn about the health of the ecosystem.

Be a force for change.

Come study at a small research university with a strong liberal arts core.

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