Sustainability
Create a healthier planet
Simmons University’s specialization or minor in Sustainability allows you to study a broad range of subfields. You'll learn how to approach the world's problems from many angles and find green solutions.
Through courses, you'll tackle 21st century environmental challenges using creative strategies such as better conservation, sustainable urban development, and restoring natural resources. You'll also gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental functions.
Our campus culture focuses on green initiatives and sustainable practices. For example, our Management and Academic Building earned Gold LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. And it uses 34% less water and 38% less energy than similar buildings of the same size.
Spotlight on Biology and Sustainability Students and Alums
Congratulations to the 2025 SURPASs Scholars
Eight undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). SURPASs students receive the necessary funding and mentorship to execute an independent research project of their own design.
Six Students Selected for the 2025 Senior Scholar Award
Ginjer Doherty ’25, Aviva Foster ’25, CJ Haggard ’25, Theo Hatfield ’25, Lili Malatinszky ’25, and Grace Walters ’25 have been selected for the prestigious Senior Scholar Award at Simmons University. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships, the Senior Scholar Award recognizes outstanding scholarly research across different disciplinary fields.
A Mother Follows Her Child’s Footsteps to a Simmons Education
During high school, Devin Ryan ’21 toured Simmons, where they later majored in Biology. Meanwhile, someone close to Ryan was also inspired by that campus tour: their mother, Misty Neader ’25MSW.
Inspired to Expand a Summer Research Project into an Independent Study
Biology major Leila Aydibi ’24 discusses getting involved on campus, participating in a research project, being a first-generation student, and some of her favorite Simmons courses.
Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars
The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.
Associate Professor of Biology Eric Luth Co-Authors Scientific Article with Former Students
Neurobiologist Eric Luth recently co-authored a peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A (October 2021) with several of his students: Celine Breton ’21, Kaitlyn Kessel ’23, Ariel Robinson ’19, and Kainat Altaf ’22. The piece traces developmental abnormalities among worm populations after exposure to environmental contaminants.
Simmons Announces Passionate Leaders Project Scholars for Fall 2023
The Passionate Leaders Project supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic & professional interests beyond the classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester’s students produced research related to human rights, documentary film, healthcare access, therapeutic care databases, the neurodevelopment of fruit flies, Muslims’ experiences with healthcare in Boston, and software that supports Simmons’ food pantry.
Neurobiology Student Explores Connections between Science and Policymaking
Neurobiology major Debora Edouard, who participated in a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program this past summer, is now receiving training with Scholars Transforming Through Research . During this six-month program, students develop advocacy skills that help bolster undergraduate research...
Our Faculty
Rich Gurney
Professor and Chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department
Michael Berger
Professor Emeritus
Jennifer Roecklein-Canfield
Professor