Meet the future
The world needs bold leaders ready to tackle urgent environmental challenges. At SEAS, we say “bring it on.” We’re the architects of a new tomorrow: transforming research into action to create a healthier planet for all.
Why SEAS?

AI vision system reveals bird wings evolved for heat regulation, not just flight
Using Skelevision, a new computer vision system, researchers have confirmed that not only do animals in warmer climates have longer limbs, but that the same principle applies to bird wings, which are longer in warmer climates. The findings of the study, led by SEAS Assistant Professor Brian Weeks, reshape our understanding of the evolution of bird wings to include the demands of temperature regulation in addition to flight mechanics.
Academic Rigor—Real-World Impact

Research News
The latest in research from SEAS faculty and students

Impact Stories
Master's projects produce real-world throughout the region—and the globe.

Community Highlights
Our SEAS community is recognized through notable awards and honors across all disciplines.

In the Media
Our experts in the field weigh in on issues across a wide spectrum of media outlets.
Themes
Sustainability Themes cut across all specializations—and give students, faculty, and partners a chance to dig deeper into a particular area of impact and interest. Themes are also used as rallying points for cross-campus research, teaching and civic engagement collaborations.
Bold Leaders: Inventing Tomorrow

"The Great Lakes University"
The Great Lakes are the great uniters. That’s how SEAS Professor of Practice and Engagement Mike Shriberg (MS ’00, PhD ’02) describes these valuable resources.
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Meet the Future of Sustainable Food Systems: A Focus on Soil Health and Crop Diversity
Although the global population has more than tripled since 1950, studies show that modern intensive agriculture, which largely ignores ecological practices and focuses on a small number of high-yielding commodity crops reliant on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, did not grow out of necessity, but rather a drive for profits.
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Island Biology: “A Lot of Bang for Your Conservation Buck”
Islands, which comprise just 5.3% of the planet’s land area, hold about 20% of the world’s wildlife and 50% of endangered species. They offer boundless opportunities to inform basic ecological science and applied conservation biology, and are integral to protecting global biodiversity.
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Upcoming Seas Events
SEAS New Student Orientation 2025
9:00 amWelcome to the School for Environment and Sustainability! We are so...
23rd Annual Wege Lecture on Sustainability featuring former U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm
5:30 pmSave the date! This year’s Wege Lecture features Jennifer Granholm...