UNC Institute for the Environment

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

From the blog: See how student researcher Ariana Cotton investigated environmental quality and developed her skills to have real-world impact on campus through the Sustainable Triangle Field Site over the spring semester.

Read it here 🔽

Ariana Cotton is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill from Memphis, Tennessee.

05/18/2026

From the blog: Protecting communities means understanding both environmental and financial risk. A closer look at flood resilience research at by UNC student researcher Olivia Payne.

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Olivia Payne is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill from Etowah, North Carolina. She is double-majoring in Environmental Studies and Public Policy and is an undergraduate student researcher with UNC’s Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation. By Olivia Payne ’27 … Read more

05/14/2026

Though world-renowned researcher and professor Hans W. Paerl retired in June 2025, his legacy will continue to make waves at Carolina and throughout the state for years to come.

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Hans Paerl inducted into North Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

05/12/2026

County ordinances play a key role in whether large-scale solar projects advance or stall in the U.S. Read more about the latest research out of Carolina.

A new study examines county-level ordinances on the development of large-scale solar projects.

05/11/2026

Country superstar Eric Church addressed and performed for the 7,100-plus Tar Heel graduates in a ceremony presided over by Chancellor Lee H. Roberts.

05/07/2026

Evianna Merriam combined science and teaching in her studies and will continue marine science research after graduation.

05/04/2026

The incredible oyster! 🦪

Oyster research at is driving new opportunities for North Carolina’s workforce, economy and coastal health.

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Oyster research at UNC is driving new opportunities for NC's workforce, economy and coastal health.

04/30/2026

From the blog: data science student Perry Holtzclaw dives into how North Carolina is navigating the massive energy needs of data centers and the move toward a renewable grid.

Read her takeaways from the 2026 IE Cleantech Corner Initiative Summit 🔽

Perry Holtzclaw is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Data Science with minors in Sustainability and Public Policy. Perry is from Mercer Island, Washington. By Perry Holtzclaw ’27 Finding an Interest in Renewable Energy and Policy As a data … Read more

04/29/2026

After years of hard work, late nights and determination, they're joining the ranks of more than 371,000 Carolina alumni.

04/27/2026