Environmental Science and Sustainability at St. Mary’s
The Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability at St. Mary’s University encompasses teaching the scientific skills to study and learn about our environment while being firmly rooted in the principles of sustainability.
Our curriculum includes hands-on opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research, both in the classroom setting and through independent research projects. Students also gain training in scientific communication, applying for internships, job skills and preparing for graduate school.
Laudato Si’
Sustainability is a multidisciplinary field, and thus the Department will collaborate with other departments across St. Mary’s to provide students with education in multiple emerging fields.
Aligning seamlessly with the teachings of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on ecology and care for our common home, our focus is on creating a sustainable world for all.
The Rainwater Harvesting System
We believe that the hands-on experiences of students in both internships and research are an important part of developing prepared and well-rounded graduates. The Rainwater Harvesting System on Garni Science Hall is a student project that was realized to help provide water for landscaping around the building. Student research opportunities to help transform our campus support our commitment to the Laudato Si’ Action Plan.
Rainwater Harvesting System
Student Opportunities
Outdoor Classroom Experience
The Environmental Science program at St. Mary’s emphasizes an active student-learning experience. Our curriculum encourages students to investigate the complexity of natural systems, and most courses include field trips to area environmental landmarks such as:
- Blue Wing Solar Project
- Cibolo Center for Conservation
- Edwards Aquifer Authority Field Research Park
- Enchanted Rock
- Government Canyon State Natural Area
- Natural Bridge Caverns (discovered by St. Mary’s students in 1960)
Hands-on Research
The Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability provides students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that address pressing environmental challenges at local, regional and global scales. The following student research projects serve as a curated collection of selected student work showcasing laboratory reports and academic projects.
Academic Research Resources
Career Preparation
Our students gain research experience in the classroom and receive support in applying for internships all over the world.
Internships and Applied Projects
Our students have gained real-world experience at many places and organizations, including:
- Biosphere 2
- National Park Service
- Bracken Bat Cave Preserve
- National Science Foundation
- City of San Antonio
- NISD
- Confluence Park
- SAISD
- Geological Society of America
- San Antonio River Authority
- Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance
- San Antonio River Foundation
- Government Canyon State Natural Area
- San Antonio Water Systems
- Edwards Aquifer Authority
- US Department of Veteran Affairs
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Live and Learn Together With Your Community
Many of our students live in the Science Living Community, a residence hall dedicated to students who are majoring in the sciences. In this community, students live down the hall from their classmates studying similar subjects and have tutors available in the dorm for some math and science courses.
This community partners with the School of Science, Engineering and Technology to host programs throughout the academic year and invites faculty to visit the halls and share their passion and experiences.
Contact Us
For more information on the Environmental Science and Sustainability Department at St. Mary’s, contact Evelynn Mitchell, Ph.D.
Evelynn Mitchell, Ph.D.
