From Coast to Campus at the University of Miami

Since its founding in 1925, the University of Miami has been a hub for innovation and discovery, where subtropical landscapes and coastal life shape both scholarship and daily experience. Beneath the lush palms and coral-stone walkways, the university is forging a bold, forward-looking vision for environmental leadership—one that blends research, policy, and community partnerships to confront the climate crisis and build resilience across South Florida and beyond.

Ungar Building

On Thursday, September 25th, Diego Tovar, Director of Campus and Civic Engagement at the Rachel Carson Council (RCC), spent a full day immersed in this dynamic setting, witnessing firsthand how Miami’s commitment to climate action and interdisciplinary collaboration is brought to life. The visit began in the Ungar Building, where Diego introduced the RCC’s National Environmental Leadership Fellowship to students in two back-to-back environmental science classes. Their eagerness to learn how personal narratives can shape public understanding of climate change and influence policy set the tone for the day.

Immediately after, Diego met with Dr. Julia Wester and Dr. Karlisa Callwood for an in-depth conversation about deepening the partnership between RCC and the University of Miami. Together, they explored how to build lasting coalitions, strengthen youth advocacy, and create meaningful, community-driven climate solutions. Their dialogue captured the spirit of collaboration that defines Miami’s environmental efforts, highlighting the power of bridging academic expertise with civic engagement to create lasting impact across the region.

Palms on campus

This theme continued through lunch at the Faculty Club with Professor Theresa Pinto, where the discussion turned toward the vital role of interdisciplinary education in preparing the next generation of climate leaders. Professor Pinto emphasized the importance of equipping students to navigate the intersections of science, policy, and social change, not just in Miami but worldwide. Later in the afternoon, Diego met with Dr. Jessica Bolson, Senior Lecturer at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, who shared insights into how students can engage in marine policy and strengthen their voices in shaping climate resilience. Their conversation underscored the unique position of the University of Miami—situated at the heart of a region already grappling with rising seas and stronger storms—to connect cutting-edge science with real-world policy.

The day unfolded with a campus sustainability tour, which revealed how the university is translating climate science into tangible action. From energy-efficient operations and green building practices to ambitious plans for reducing emissions and managing resources wisely, the tour showcased how environmental stewardship is embedded in the campus’s infrastructure and daily operations. Diego then met with Dr. Robin Bachin to discuss opportunities for future partnerships and expanding RCC’s collaboration with Miami’s vibrant network of environmental leaders.

As evening settled in, Diego hosted drop-in office hours for students interested in the Rachel Carson Council Fellowship before joining an Environmental Open House. The event brought together a broad coalition of campus and community leaders: the Climate Action Campaign, Miami Waterkeeper, the Climate Resilience Academy, the Environmental Justice Clinic, and the Teacher Accelerator Program, among others. A lively mixer followed, creating space for one-on-one conversations where students and partners exchanged ideas and forged connections.

From marine policy to urban resilience, from interdisciplinary teaching to grassroots advocacy, the university embodies how research, education, and community partnerships can drive meaningful environmental change. We are proud to welcome the University of Miami as the 88th member of the Rachel Carson Campus Network.