Building a Welcoming Community
The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies embraces the critical importance of diversity and strives for a community that is supportive, welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all individuals.
Just as our environmental research, education, and service value a wide range of perspectives, our Nelson community is strengthened by the inclusion of historically marginalized people with a diversity of lived experiences and identities. We are deeply committed to working toward a sustainable future and facilitating culturally sensitive approaches to global environmental issues.
Inclusive Solutions to Environmental Challenges
Community Environmental Scholars Program
Through direct service, research, personal networking, and community organizing experiences, the Community Environmental Scholars Program offers a diverse cohort of undergraduate students an academic framework for examining the links between environmental studies and community service and developing perspectives and solutions around complex issues.
Native Nations Partnerships
Since 2016, the Native Nations Working Group has worked toward creating broad educational networks, respectful research relationships, and culturally responsive engagement programs.
The Sky’s the Limit and Nature’s Navigators STEM Camps
The Sky’s the Limit and Nature’s Navigators STEM camps broaden science opportunities for autistic youth by providing summer camps that support inquisitiveness in a non-threatening, non-traditional, and inclusive learning environment.
Everyone’s Earth
Everyone’s Earth: Conversations on Race and Environment is a lecture series that showcases and promotes voices of color, highlighting the issues at the intersection of diversity and environmental justice.
Tales from Planet Earth
The Tales from Planet Earth film series links compelling narratives to the work of scholars and community organizations advocating for environmental and social justice.
Research on Air Quality Disparities
Scientists in Tracey Holloway’s lab are assessing potential disparities in exposure to fine particulate matter pollution in Madison using a low-cost sensor network. The information gathered will help the city develop strategies to reduce pollution where it is highest.
Welcoming and Inclusive Nelson Committee
The Welcoming and Inclusive Nelson (WIN) Committee is a division-level committee that advises the institute on issues around inclusion, diversity, and equity, and assists with reporting to the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement. It coordinates with committees across the Institute and the campus on issues of mutual interest.
Contact: wincommittee@nelson.wisc.edu
Snack and Chat
Join us for monthly Snack and Chat sessions. These are casual gatherings to encourage connection and conversations in the Science Hall student lounge.
What is Snack and Chat?
Connect over coffee and snacks. No agenda — just conversations! Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Come and go as your schedule allows.
Our Stories
Celebrating Native November
Bad River Band documentary screening highlights love and resiliency.
Teachers’ Pets: Steph Tai and Megyn Kelly
When it comes to exercise, dressing up, or coming to campus, this iguana don’t wanna.
Al Ritmo de la Confianza
“Este es un lugar al que realmente pertenezco”. Así se sentía Gloria Castillo Posada durante su infancia en Bogotá, Colombia.
The Speed of Trust
“This is a place I belong.” That’s how Gloria Castillo Posada felt as a girl growing up in Bogotá, Colombia.
Selling the Dream
It’s Friday night in Washington, DC’s Anacostia neighborhood. Laura Miller is outside washing her car as a neighbor stops by the yard to borrow a few hand tools.
