A Message from the DEO

Dear Alumni,

As we conclude our first full academic year as the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability (SEES), I am proud to reflect on a year defined by momentum, growth, and meaningful achievement. Our transition to a School within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa on July 1, 2025 marked an important milestone—one that has already begun to elevate our impact in research, teaching, and outreach.

This inaugural year has been strengthened by transformative philanthropic support. We are deeply grateful for a generous estate gift from Ira and Vera Sorenson, which is helping to fuel a bold vision for SEES and interdisciplinary discovery. This investment will expand opportunities for students, support innovative research, and enhance our ability to address complex Earth and environmental challenges. The gift will facilitate the launch of the new Speaker Program on Human-Environment Relationships and Earth Science (SPHERES) in the coming years—an exciting new initiative that reflects our commitment to preparing students with the skills and perspectives needed to tackle global challenges in collaborative and creative ways.

Our students and faculty continue to achieve recognition at the highest levels. Undergraduate student Nina Osborne was named a 2026 Goldwater Scholar, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for undergraduate researchers. In addition, SEES researchers contributed to a major scientific discovery uncovering an ancient crocodile species—sometimes referred to as “Lucy’s hunter”—offering new insights into prehistoric ecosystems and highlighting the global reach of SEES research.

Dr. Jessi Meyer received tenure to Associate Professor this year, marking an important milestone in her career and for the School. Dr. Ben Swanson has been promoted to Associate Professor of Instruction and received the 2025-2026 Collegiate Teaching Award and was designated a CLAS Distinguished Associate Professor of Instruction in recognition of his outstanding contributions in teaching.

We also celebrate the many accomplishments of our students this year, including:

• Graduate student award winners
  • A.C. Trowbridge Award: Henry Frederick
  • Rex Honey Award: Matthew Kucmanic
  • Harold H. McCarty Award: Riley Pacer
  • Samuel Calvin Award: Protiti Roy
• SEES Spring 2026 Undergraduate Award winners
  • Nicholas L. Paape Award: Nina Osborne and Elijah Kaufman
  • Chad E. Smith Scholarship: Emma Skelley
  • Lowden Prize in Geology: Owen Barstad
  • Outstanding EES Student: Joseph Staats
  • Outstanding GSS Student: Beverly Bishop
  • Outstanding EPPL Student: Grace Koziol
• SEES Fall 2025 Undergraduate Award winners
  • Matt Blanche Memorial Scholarship: Owen Ashbrook
  • Michael G. and Barbara L. Cook Scholarship: Landon Fuller
  • Aaron and Joyce Liesch Geology Scholarship: Ian Spry and Abbey Steger

Looking ahead, we are actively building for the future. Successful searches this year means two new faculty members will join SEES in Fall 2026 with concentrations in ecology and GIS. These hires will further strengthen our interdisciplinary mission and support continued growth across our programs. We plan to recruit three new faculty in searches next year focused around solid Earth geology, Earth surface processes, and human-climate interactions. 

Our physical spaces are evolving alongside our academic vision. This year, we completed renovations to the lobby and student lounge—made possible by a generous gift from geology alum Leon Aden (BS ’80, MS ’82) and Vicki Aden (BSE ’81)—creating more welcoming and functional spaces for students and visitors. This spirit of philanthropy is further reflected in the establishment of the Trowbridge Hall Renovation Fund, which builds on gifts like the Adens’ to support a broader transformation of Trowbridge Hall into a more collaborative and welcoming environment. Looking ahead, the College has also committed to additional upgrades in summer 2026, including a new administrative suite and modernized faculty offices to better serve our community and advance SEES’s interdisciplinary mission.

Thank you to our alumni and friends for your continued engagement and support during this exciting first year as SEES. Your connection to the School plays a vital role in our success, and we are energized by all that lies ahead. I encourage you to stay connected with us on Instagram and LinkedIn, explore our latest news online, and engage with fellow alumni through our growing SEES network.

Warm regards,

Dr. Emily Finzel
Professor and DEO (Chair)
William M. Furnish Faculty Fellow