Since stepping into the role on July 1, I have been humbled and inspired by the SES community—our faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters, and friends. I have witnessed dedicated faculty building innovative, hands-on learning experiences; alumni making an impact across diverse fields; and deeply engaged students who aren’t waiting until graduation to make a difference—they are taking action now.

It is an exciting time of growth and transformation for SES. Over the past year, we added a new program in climate and energy, an area of increasing importance and opportunity. We welcomed Rodrigo Mercado Fernandez, PhD, a new faculty member who studies the resilience of energy infrastructure. This year, SES also welcomed our first post-doctoral researcher, Daniel Hayden, who is already making meaningful contributions in our Food Systems Focus Area. Additionally, Bailey Cowart joined our team as the new lab manager, and Jackie Nowotnik assumed the role of academic advisor.

At the University level, Loyola celebrated an extraordinary milestone by achieving carbon neutrality. Today, clean, renewable solar energy provides 100 percent of the electricity needs of our Chicago-area campuses. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our entire campus community—and it further cements Loyola’s national leadership in climate action.

Looking forward, we are excited to embark upon the next chapter, expanding enrollment and crafting a strategic vision for the future. On a personal level, I am eager to connect with many of you as we move forward together, united in our mission and inspired by what lies ahead.

Warmly,

Malini Suchak, PhD
Dean, School of Environmental Sustainability

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