Chemistry Solutions Fueled by the Sun
How BC researcher Jier Huang is using tiny molecules to help solve one of the world’s biggest problems—climate change.
The Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society brings together all members of our campus community to address society’s most challenging problems, particularly in the areas of energy, health, and the environment. Through interdisciplinary scholarship, initiatives, courses, and events, we enhance Boston College’s rich history of working across disciplines to develop new knowledge that makes a real-world impact.
Program & Initiative Spotlight
BC 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. The COP29 delegation includes 18 members—four faculty, six graduate students, seven undergraduate students, and one staff member. The Schiller Institute is dedicated to extending Boston College’s 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 BC community while they were on the ground.
Research Spotlight
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Chemistry Solutions Fueled by the Sun
Schiller Core Faculty: Jier Huang
Jier Huang, the Institute’s 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. Dr. Huang’s 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: 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 – from physicists to environmental and atmospheric science to representatives from NASA, DOE, NOAA, and the European Space Agency.
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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, “Global Nitrous Oxide Budget 1980-2020,” was published in the leading journal Earth System Science Data. Dr. Tian is the director of the Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability (CES3), which is the Boston office of the Global Carbon Project, a leading group of researchers who routinely assess greenhouse gas emissions.
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Schiller Institute Research Grants
The Schiller Institute offers two types of seed grants for BC 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 SI-GECS and SI-RITEA pages have all of the current and past projects.
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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: Brittney van de Water
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.
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BC researchers receive NSF support to cultivate STEM interest among rural Navajo youth
Schiller Faculty Affiliates: Avneet Hira and Marina Bers
The three-year, $1,240,345 award will be shared between BC and the Logan, Utah-based USU, a public university in Northern Utah, whose academic roots are in rural education. Leading the BC team, which includes undergraduate and graduate students, are two Schiller affiliate faculty members: Avneet Hira, the Sabet Family Dean’s 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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Third Chelsea Children's Cabinet in-person retreat
Schiller Faculty Affiliate: Becca Lowenhaupt
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 BC.
Latest Schiller Institute News
Graduate Research Symposium Deadline
The Schiller Institute is a proud co-sponsor of BC'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!