Loyola University Chicago

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The three basic components of CUERP — research, teaching and training, and outreach — focus on the urban landscape as an ecosystem and on the reciprocal manner in which human populations interact with this landscape. As a result, CUERP's activities provide a solid foundation of direct use in the service of humanity. 

Research

Facilitating collaboration among Loyola's talented faculty, and other environmental scientists and policy makers from regional academic and government institutions, CUERP provides the support and infrastructure necessary to produce innovative research that addresses the Chicago metropolitan region's environmental issues.

Through a state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab, CUERP-affiliated faculty are able to advance urban environmental research through the management and analysis of datasets with a geographic component.

To further the advancement of environmental research and effective policy analysis and design, CUERP offers fellowships to Loyola faculty. For more information, visit the Faculty Fellowship page.

Teaching and Training

CUERP provides undergraduate and graduate students with the skills necessary to become leaders in environmental research, policy and justice. CUERP integrates the Environmental Studies/Science major to provide a framework for training Loyola's students. Through this integration, CUERP is positioned to train and educate undergraduates, both in the classroom and in the field, through environmental science and policy research projects, community outreach and internships. CUERP enables undergraduate and graduate students to pursue cutting-edge interdisciplinary research with faculty well-known in their disciplines.

Outreach and Service

CUERP promotes societal understanding and appreciation of the environment in an urban setting through community outreach in the Chicago metropolitan area. For more information, visit our Outreach page.

CUERP Mission

• Advance understanding of the complex interdependency between humans and environmental systems through scientific research
• Enable policy questions and social issues to guide scientific research in support of policy development
• Increase public awareness and understanding of environmental issues relevant to the Chicago metropolitan area by actively engaging the community
• Provide undergraduate and graduate students with the skills to become leaders in environmental research, policy and advocacy

CUERP Goals

• Enhancing Loyola University Chicago's reputation in urban environmental research, stewardship and environmental justice
• Building upon existing faculty expertise in environmental science, social sciences, policy and education, and developing interdisciplinary research collaboration
• Educating undergraduate and graduate students on the interdependence of environmental sciences, human populations and policy, and preparing them to serve as environmentally informed leaders in society
• Establish an outreach network within the Chicago community to foster awareness of the interconnectivity between humans and their local environment and promote stewardship
• Attracting extramural funding to support research, training and community outreach