Centers of Excellence

The International Forestry Resources and Institutions Research Network is a unique group of researchers working on forest governance and livelihoods. It focuses on data collection and analysis across multiple international settings at the local-level, using both social and ecological data collected at several points in time. It aims to explain how institutions shape forest governance outcomes.

Nearly all of the research conducted at the Center for Sustainable Systems involves the participation of students. Through Graduate Student Research Assistantships, hourly employment (including work-study) and volunteer positions, students have the opportunity to publish their research results in CSS reports, peer reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, CSS fact sheets and press releases.

CILER facilitates research opportunities for students by fostering collaborations between the University of Michigan, Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (GLERL), NOAA, and other research institutes through formal and informal programs. CILER also sponsors students to work with GLERL researchers on a range of topics. Several students have earned either their Master's or doctorate degrees while employed through this CILER program. The opportunity and ability to conduct top-notch research is a unique and valuable experience for most students.

EMI offers students many opportunities to get involved, enhance their résumés and meet valuable contacts. EMI Fellows are hired every semester to work on a wide range of projects, from case study research to planning and teaching workshops on collaborative ecosystem management. You may also apply to become a GSRA and gain practical experience while significantly contributing to EMI. EMI supports Master's Projects every year, where students work with faculty to provide real products for clients.

As a part of the Environmental Justice Initiative (EJI), students are invited to work with communities that struggle with environmental justice issues. From conducting research and developing environmental justice strategies to teaching community advocacy, students engage in creative problem-solving processes for real-world situations while gaining valuable networking experiences.

The Erb Institute sponsors a renowned dual-degree program between SNRE and the Ross School of Business. As an Erb student, you will gain an understanding of the complexities associated with the issues of managing organizations with environmental, social and economic challenges. Ross and NRE allow students the flexibility to tailor their course of study so that they are prepared to face the challenges of meeting the ideals and the realities of sustainable enterprise.

Reporting to the Provost, the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute is a collaborative partnership of nine schools and colleges at the University of Michigan (U-M), including the School of Natural Resources and Environment.  The Graham Institute fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration to create and disseminate knowledge, and offer solutions related to complex environmental sustainability issues.

Institute for Fisheries Research (IFR) was established in 1930 as a formalized cooperation between the Michigan Department of Conservation (now the Department of Natural Resources) and the University of Michigan. IFR's mission is to conduct research and education for advancing scientific understanding of the ecology and management of aquatic resources, habitats, and the fisheries they sustain; and to provide scientific and technical expertise to support sound management decision making.

Michigan Sea Grant attracts highly motivated students who are passionate about the nation’s Great Lakes and marine resources. Students who work with Michigan Sea Grant help shape the program through their involvement in research, outreach and education projects, user surveys, and work related to ongoing programs. Hands-on experiences have brought students together with K-12 teachers, industry leaders, politicians, and natural resource managers from government agencies.

Students with a strong environmental background participate in MELDI and LIMFEF as research assistants. They conduct interviews, identify study participants and administer databases. Through work in these initiatives, students also meet recruiters brought to campus, organize and participate in career development workshops and national environmental conferences, like MELDI's National Summit on Diversity in the Environmental Field. As part of the effort to raise awareness about these initiatives, students interview and develop profiles of outstanding minority professionals in the environmental field, while getting recognition for their efforts.