About | Earth and Environmental Engineering

Our vision is simple. We seek to tackle the most pressing ecological challenges while empowering sustainable growth to create a better future for people and the planet.

To make this vision a reality, we draw on the strengths of the best minds, supported by world-class facilities, and immersed in the innovative environment of Columbia’s School of Engineering.

We’re a diverse and forward-looking community of explorers, pioneering solutions to the challenges of today and training engineers who will meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Find out more about who we are below.

Our History

In the late 1990s, the School’s traditional programs in mining and mineral engineering were adapted to include environmental concerns for land and water resources.

Learn More About Our History

Research Areas

Though department faculty have wide interests, they can be grouped under three main headings. Here’s a sample of what we’re working on.

Abstract pattern from bottom view of high voltage pole power transmission tower with backlit sunshine sky background in monochrome. — Sustainable Energy: We’re exploring carbon reduction, capture, and utilization; developing renewable energy technologies; and finding ways to create a smarter energy grid.

Scientist measuring water depth to install water level data loggers in a coastal wetland to understand inundation period and impact on ecosystem services. — Sustainable Water: We’re adapting water systems and mitigating risks as the climate changes; developing better models for global water resource dynamics; and engineering new ways to desalinate and treat water.

Open pit mine, extractive industry for coal. The sunsets over an cloudy orange sky in the distance. — Sustainable Mining, Minerals, and Materials: We’re augmenting our abilities to recycle and reuse materials; creating more efficient techniques to extract rare resources; and developing new ways to restore land affected by mining.

x/x

Research Centers

Columbia Electrochemical Energy Center

Exploring electrochemical energy storage and conversion from electrons to devices to systems

Gloved hands holding a water sample with a laptop, test tubes, and body of water in the background.

Columbia Water Center

The Columbia Water Center is leading intellectual inquiry into the assessment, understanding, and resolution of the most pressing global water issues.

Earth Engineering Center

The mission of EEC is to research and educate on the material use and energy resources for sustainable development, with preservation of land and water resources; and disseminate this information.

Learning the Earth with Artificial Intelligence and Physics

Aligning physics and machine learning to revolutionize near-term climate projections

Illustration of molecules showing carbon capture

Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy

The Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy seeks to advance science and develop technologies that provide sustainable energy and materials for all humanity.

At a Glance

Faculty

Department faculty bring a wealth of research and industry experience to drive innovation within departmental focus areas.

Meet Our Faculty

>100

Undergrad & Graduate students

Discover a place where those around you love the thrill of intellectual discovery as much as you do.

Student Life

Affiliated research centers

Organized around three major themes of sustainability, our research covers an extensive range of scientific disciplines and socio-economic concerns.

Our Research

Clearing the Air: V. Faye McNeill Talks Air Quality on a Global Level

Earth and Environmental Engineering professor V. Faye McNeill is pioneering change to address poor air quality in some of our fastest-growing regions and explains obstacles that remain.

Read the Story