Our Vision

Managing the complex system of land-water-energy resources underpinning our society is the grand challenge of the 21st century. To meet this challenge, we are exploring the interactions between Earth systems and human activities. Our research and teaching explores the interface of the geosphere and hydrosphere in both ancient and modern systems.

Our goals are to understand natural processes in these systems as well as how they are changed by the expanding impact of human activities through cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research. Through research and coursework, we seek to teach the next generation of scientists, professionals, and public leaders topics that will fundamentally shape this century.

Such students grounded in science and the physical processes that shape our earth are poised to fill posts that guide business and steward the environment to build a resilient community through work in the private and public sectors.

Our Mission

Temple University is a national center of excellence in teaching and research with an international presence. As a comprehensive, public research university, Temple seeks to create new knowledge that improves the human condition and uplifts the human spirit. Temple has strong ties to the greater Philadelphia area and serves as a launching point for many first-generation college students, as well as drawing students from across the nation and internationally for undergraduate and graduate study.

The mission of the Department of Earth and Environmental Science is to create informed citizens through instruction in general education science classes, to prepare undergraduate and graduate students for successful careers in earth and environmental science, and to advance human understanding through research and its application.