Notes from the Dean
A welcome and perspective from the Nelson Institute’s leadership.
Notes From the Dean
Dear alumni and friends, Welcome to the winter edition of The Commons: The Earth Issue. If you recall the theme of our redesign debut back…
December 15, 2025
Deep Dive
An in-depth look at big questions, breakthrough work, or urgent environmental issues.
What We Don’t Know (Yet)
You have questions about the environmental impacts of data centers. Our experts do, too.
December 15, 2025
Celebrating 60 Years of Watershed Stewardship
For 60 years, the WRM practicum has trained generations of water leaders — and transformed communities, ecosystems, and policy along the way.
September 15, 2025
Reflection
Guest essays and op-eds that reflect on experience, place, and purpose in a changing world.
Minerals, Modern Life, and the Future of Society
To safeguard our democracy, we need to dig deep — and reach for the stars.
December 15, 2025
The New Gerrymander: Flood Maps
Flood risk lines are designed to keep us safe. What happens when they can be bought?
September 15, 2025
In Your Environment
Practical how-tos, at-home actions, and personal sustainability steps.
How to Be Sust(AI)nable
Four tips for using artificial intelligence responsibly and sustainably.
December 15, 2025
How to See the Water in the Leaves
Up your leaf-peeping game this season by looking at more than just colors.
September 15, 2025
Alumni in Focus
Nelson Institute graduates making bold moves and meaningful impact around the globe.
The Transdisciplinarian
How Alberto Vargas turned interdisciplinary interests into a career-defining strength.
December 15, 2025
At the Corner of Academia and Government
Maria Daniela Castillo makes connections everywhere she goes: from cars and people to research and reality.
December 15, 2025
Every Pixel Tells a Story
Amintas Brandão Jr. works daily to protect and preserve his community — even though he’s thousands of miles away.
December 15, 2025
The Gateway Bug
Valerie Stull sought a nexus between the environment, human health, and nutrition. She found it with crickets.
December 15, 2025
Field Notes
Student dispatches from courses, fieldwork, internships, and research.
Field Notes: The Environmental Sustainability Scholars Program (ESSP)
Learn how a group of freshmen are setting the stage for sustainability, community, and connection.
December 15, 2025
Field Notes: Beaver Dam Lake
Join a team of WRM students as they dive into hands-on learning and community collaboration.
September 15, 2025
Unearthed
Nelson Institute experts share five things you didn’t know about an environmental topic.
Unearthed: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Dirt
It’s all around you — in your yard, on your shoes — but did you know these soil secrets?
December 15, 2025
Unearthed: Five Things You Didn’t Know about Springs
Our most critical resource is one you can’t see. It’s beneath your feet, way beneath, supporting life in uncountable ways.
September 15, 2025
Abstracts
The latest research highlights from Nelson Institute faculty and students.
Sowing Spicy Seeds
New research finds that pepper-coated acorns can outsmart seed-hungry rodents, helping support forest restoration efforts.
December 15, 2025
The Greener Commute
New research from the Nelson Institute explores how pandemic-driven work changes shape a more sustainable future.
December 15, 2025
No Soy, No Deforestation
Studies from SAGE researchers show Brazil’s moratorium plays a crucial role in preventing forest loss across the Amazon.
December 15, 2025
