This faculty group works under the premise that the ecological integrity of urban ecosystems has a profound impact on urban health, productivity, and quality of life. They believe that students must have a grounding in new theoretical and practical understanding, be prepared to carry out relevant research, and conduct innovative practices to gain the knowledge and tools necessary to foster healthy natural systems essential for the future well-being of the modern city.

Because this focal area is inherently interdisciplinary, a wide range of natural science, social science, and policy courses are relevant, depending on student interest and specialty. Students are recommended to take at least one course in each of the following areas: biological environmental sciences; physical environmental sciences; social environmental sciences; quantitative methods and mapping; architecture and engineering; and policy and law. The faculty also encourage students to take courses at F&ES and other parts of Yale with a particular reference to this area, such as urban anthropology; urban poverty and policy; the future of American cities; environmental aspects of the technological society; issues and approaches in environmental education; and sustainable and restorative environmental design.

Faculty Gaboury Benoit (Coordinator), Paul Anastas, Ellen Brennan-Galvin, Mary Cadenasso, Marian R. Chertow, Gordon T. Geballe, Bradford S. Gentry, Thomas E. Graedel; Stephen R. Kellert, Karen Seto

Courtesy joint appointments Michelle Addington, James W. Axley