Winter 2025 Stories

What We Don’t Know (Yet)

You have questions about the environmental impacts of data centers. Our experts do, too.

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?

Field Notes: The Environmental Sustainability Scholars Program (ESSP)

Learn how a group of freshmen are setting the stage for sustainability, community, and connection.

Minerals, Modern Life, and the Future of Society

To safeguard our democracy, we need to dig deep — and reach for the stars.

The Transdisciplinarian

How Alberto Vargas turned interdisciplinary interests into a career-defining strength.

At the Corner of Academia and Government

Maria Daniela Castillo makes connections everywhere she goes: from cars and people to research and reality.

Every Pixel Tells a Story

Amintas Brandão Jr. works daily to protect and preserve his community — even though he’s thousands of miles away.

The Gateway Bug

Valerie Stull sought a nexus between the environment, human health, and nutrition. She found it with crickets.

Sowing Spicy Seeds

New research finds that pepper-coated acorns can outsmart seed-hungry rodents, helping support forest restoration efforts.

The Greener Commute

New research from the Nelson Institute explores how pandemic-driven work changes shape a more sustainable future.

No Soy, No Deforestation

Studies from SAGE researchers show Brazil’s moratorium plays a crucial role in preventing forest loss across the Amazon.

How to Be Sust(AI)nable

Four tips for using artificial intelligence responsibly and sustainably.

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…