Chemistry Solutions Fueled by the Sun
How AV研究所 researcher Jier Huang is using tiny molecules to help solve one of the world鈥檚 biggest problems鈥攃limate change.
The Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society brings together all members of our campus community to address society鈥檚 most challenging problems, particularly in the areas of energy, health, and the environment. Through interdisciplinary scholarship, initiatives, courses, and events, we enhance Boston College鈥檚 rich history of working across disciplines to develop new knowledge that makes a real-world impact.
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Program & Initiative Spotlight
AV研究所 Delegates off to Baku for COP29
Baku, Azerbaijan | Nov 11- Nov 22, 2024
Boston College is an official Observer Organization for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP). COP plays an active role in global climate change policymaking. The University has sent delegations to COP26, COP27, and COP28, and is continuing its involvement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan this November.听The COP29 delegation includes 18 members鈥攆our faculty, six graduate students, seven undergraduate students, and one staff member. The Schiller Institute is dedicated to extending Boston College鈥檚 investment in COP participation through outreach programming that engages students, faculty, and the wider community. We recently hosted two Broadcasts from Baku where the delegation virtually connected with members of the AV研究所 community while they were on the ground.听
Research Spotlight
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Chemistry Solutions Fueled by the Sun
Schiller Core Faculty:听Jier Huang
Jier Huang, the Institute鈥檚 professor focusing on renewable energy and sustainability and associate professor in Chemistry, is pioneering solar-powered photocatalysis to combat climate change. Inspired by photosynthesis, her work transforms carbon dioxide into less harmful gases and splits water molecules into hydrogen, a cleaner alternative to natural gas. Her research is funded by grants, including a $400,000 grant from the US Department of Energy, and advanced through interdisciplinary collaborations.听Dr. Huang鈥檚 innovative work reduces greenhouse gases and creates new renewable energy technologies.
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Largest meeting of International Climate Modeling Conference held at Boston College
Schiller Core Faculty:听Yi Ming
Yi Ming, Institute Professor of Climate Science and Society and professor in Earth & Environmental Sciences, led the organization of the 2024 Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project (CFMiP) meeting. Climate scientists from around the world gathered at Boston College this summer to discuss clouds and cloud cover, one of the most complicated variables in predicting the course and effects of climate change. There were approximately 160 scientists in attendance 鈥� from physicists to environmental and atmospheric science to representatives from NASA, DOE, NOAA, and the European Space Agency.听听
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The Global Nitrous Oxide Budget
Schiller Core Faculty: Hanqin Tian
Hanqin Tian, Institute Professor of Global Sustainability and professor in Earth & Environmental Sciences, co-led the study, which is the most comprehensive worldwide assessment to date of the potent greenhouse gas. The robust 100-page document, 鈥淕lobal Nitrous Oxide Budget 1980-2020,鈥� was published in the leading journal Dr. Tian is the director of the Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability (CES3), which is the Boston office of the , a leading group of researchers who routinely assess greenhouse gas emissions.听
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Schiller Institute Research Grants
The Schiller Institute offers two types of seed grants for AV研究所 faculty: Grants for Exploratory Collaborative Research (SI-GECS) and Grants for Research in Targeted and Emerging Areas (SI-RITEA). SI-GECS grants support collaborative, interdisciplinary projects between two or more faculty members in the areas of energy, environment, and health. SI-RITEA grants support projects featuring the Global South and collaborations with US-based, non-academic partners. The Institute awarded grants to 12 projects for approximately $430,000 this year, which are described in the article below. The听SI-GECS听and听SI-RITEA听pages have all of the current and past projects.听
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New associate editor for the Journal of Sustainable Marketing
Schiller Faculty Affiliate: Gergana Nenkov
Gergana Nenkov, Associate Professor of Marketing in the Carroll School of Management and Schiller affiliate faculty member, has been named Associate Editor for the Journal of Sustainable Marketing (JSM). JSM is a respected, peer-reviewed publication committed to advancing innovative research on sustainable marketing practices. By spotlighting topics critical to promoting environmentally and socially responsible production, consumption, and distribution, JSM provides valuable insights to global academic, business, and public policy audiences striving to drive sustainability worldwide.
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New Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
Schiller Faculty Affiliate:听Brittney van de Water
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Brittney van de Water, Assistant Professor in the Connell School of Nursing and Schiller affiliate faculty member, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) in early November. The Fellows of AAN are selected through a rigorous nomination process. Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally.听
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AV研究所 researchers receive NSF support to cultivate STEM interest among rural Navajo youth
Schiller Faculty Affiliates:听Avneet Hira and Marina Bers
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The three-year, $1,240,345 award will be shared between AV研究所 and the Logan, Utah-based USU, a public university in Northern Utah, whose academic roots are in rural education. Leading the AV研究所 team, which includes undergraduate and graduate students, are two Schiller affiliate faculty members: Avneet Hira, the Sabet Family Dean鈥檚 Faculty Fellow and an assistant professor in the Engineering Department and Marina Bers, the Augustus Long Professor of Education in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
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听Third Chelsea Children's Cabinet in-person retreat
Schiller Faculty Affiliate:听Becca Lowenhaupt
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Becca Lowenhaupt, Professor of Educational Leadership & Higher Education in the Lynch School and Schiller affiliate faculty member, hosted the third Chelsea Children's Cabinet in-person retreat in early November. The retreat brought together leaders from all the key sectors in the city, to talk together about practical solutions to some of the challenges facing Chelsea's youth. Some of the students at the retreat also participated in the Youth Leadership Institute at 245 Beacon St this summer. The students shared their thoughts about the summer program and opportunity to learn at AV研究所.听
Latest Schiller Institute News
Graduate Research Symposium Deadline
The Schiller Institute is a proud co-sponsor of AV研究所's Spring Graduate Research Symposium, which will take place March 26, 2025 from 9am - 2pm. The symposium provides an opportunity for graduate students to share their research, present findings in a public forum and build community across various disciplines. All graduate students conducting their own research are invited to participate. Applications are due Sunday December 15, 2025. We encourage you to apply!