Understand and Solve Earth’s Climate, Environmental and Sustainability Challenges

The Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with unique interdisciplinary study programs encompassing Geosciences, Meteorology, Hydrology and Sustainability. Our research and teaching engage students in today’s environmental challenges, including climate change, critical minerals and water resources.

Meet Our Students & Alumni

Laurie Agel speaks at a podium
Laurie Agel '18
Marine Sciences & Technology

Software engineer Laurie Agel was looking for a career change in her 40s. Fifteen years later, she has her Ph.D. in marine sciences and technology from UML and is working as a post-doctoral research assistant, studying extreme precipitation and flooding in the Charles and Mystic river basins.

I’ve seen many, many people like me – people doing a second career and coming in from another field. And there’s just so much excitement at UMass Lowell. I don’t really feel like a fish out of water.
Read More About Laurie Agel 
Lena Arango poses in front of a classroom sign with the words "Welcome meteorologist Lena Maria Arango."
Lena Maria Arango '19, '20
Meteorology & Atmospheric Science

Lena Maria Arango ’19, ’20 loves meteorology.

It’s never boring or static.
Read More About Lena Maria Arango 
Eric Roy in a field with a beautiful sky behind him
Eric Roy '22
Meteorology and Mathematics

Eric Roy started doing meteorological research on campus the summer after his freshman year – and then won two research internships with government agencies.

I can’t say enough good things about UML and how they’ve helped me.
Read More About Eric Roy 
Erin McGuire sits on a mountaintop
Erin McGuire '21
Geoscience

Erin McGuire has been able to ease into her new job as staff geologist at Nobis Group in Concord, N.H., while putting the finishing touches on her bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a geoscience option.

I’m excited to have the outdoors as my office. I really love being outside.
Read More About Erin McGuire 
Christopher Skinner points at a weather map on a screen with Tyler Harrison looking on
Tyler Harrington
Atmospheric Science

Before starting his Ph.D. in atmospheric science at UMass Lowell, Tyler Harrington interned at the Federal Aviation Administration, where he wrote a report for Congress on how extreme weather events affect air travel.

I knew that this was a person I really wanted to work with.
Read More About Tyler Harrington 
  • Christopher Skinner points at the pyranometer.

    Professor Studies Weather ‘Whiplash’ from Downpours to Droughts

    A warming climate is leading to greater extremes of wet and dry weather, a pattern called hydroclimate whiplash. One example is the Los Angeles fires, which were followed by torrential rains and mudslides, says Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Prof. Christopher Skinner.
    Featured Story
  • An artist rendering of a three-story building addition, with people crossing a street in the foreground.

    Kennedy College Breaking Ground on Olney Science Center Expansion

    Work is set to begin on the expansion and renovation of the Olney Science Center, providing modern labs, collaborative spaces and amenities to enhance the learning experience for Kennedy College of Sciences students.
    Featured Story