Launched in October 2009, the Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) is focused on research and partnerships that integrate environmental science, engineering, and policy and that provide strategies for addressing environmental challenges facing Delaware and the nation, including climate change and sea-level rise, contaminated soil remediation, nutrient management, and water quality. These efforts help sustain our economic pillars in agriculture, industry and tourism. In a short time, DENIN has forged a strong and cohesive network of distinguished scientists, engineers, educators, and policy makers committed to world-class science and education.
Research
- Launched faculty working groups in core research areas: (1) processes at the air/land/water interfaces and (2) environmental monitoring and remediation
- Led major research grants focused on environmental science: NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII), $15M, NSF EPSCoR Cyber-infrastructure Improvement (C2), $1.2M, NSF Critical Zone Observatory, $4.3M
- Coordinating new faculty cluster search in environmental sciences and engineering at UD, including the Howard E. Cosgrove Chair in Environment
- Led submission of pending proposals for research funding: NSF Geosciences, USDA AFRI
Education
- Developed new interdisciplinary graduate program in Water Science & Policy
- Provided graduate fellowships and undergraduate summer research internship opportunities
- Provided education and outreach programming in partnership with scientists
- Developing new Environmental Technology curriculum at Delaware Technical & Community College
- Sponsored spring and fall interdisciplinary seminar series
- Led submission of pending geoscience education proposal (NSF STEP), $10M
Outreach
- Launched award-winning website
- Sponsored DENIN Dialogue public lectures
- Launched quarterly EcoCafé breakfast workshop series for Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control staff
- Participated in educational festivals such as UD’s Ag Day and Coast Day, Earth Day, NCCL Kid’s Greenfest, and Earth Week celebrations
- Formed partnership with Stroud Water Research Center and the Delaware Nature Society
- Developing workshops for faculty, researchers, and graduate students on communicating scientific information
- Conducted outreach programs for groups including: Delaware Bar Association, Brandywine River Conservancy, Christina River Conservancy, UD Association of Retired Faculty
- Formed Student Programs Committee of 8 undergraduate students that launched a Bottled Water Awareness Campaign on UD’s campus and planned the first annual Eco Tour with Wilmington Charter High School and St. Mark’s High School
