Top environmental engineering scholar and professor of civil and environmental engineering, George Hornberger, will lead the new Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment.

The interdisciplinary graduate program of VIEE will build upon the current joint doctoral program in the Earth and Environmental Science and the Civil and Environmental Engineering. The program will enhance current research programs in climate change, environmental risk management and environmental law.

New programs will be added, such as alternative energy technology and environmental health.

"It is a natural collaboration the science of the earth, it is inherently interdisciplinary," said Professor of Geology Molly Miller. "This is the main thrust of Vanderbilt's environ-mental program, not only scientifically interdisciplinary, but it brings together so many social aspects."

The institute will provide today's students an interdisciplinary education that did not exist a generation ago.

"We have to get students beyond where we've been," said Hornberger.

The concept for the institute was developed jointly by faculty from various departments, including Law, Economics, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Civil and Environ-mental Engineering. These faculty members are currently working with Hornberger to finalize details and establish the organizational framework for the institute.

"(VIEE) has become a top priority of Chancellor (Nick) Zeppos and Provost (Richard) McCarty," said Professor David Kosson, chair of the School of Engineering's Civil and Environmental Engineering department.

University administrators plan to role out the new institute in either the late fall or early spring semester.

Hornberger is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, where he has served in many leadership roles. He is an internationally recognized scholar and leader in his field and will join Vanderbilt from the University of Virginia.

"He is a terrific addition bringing a long history of effective team building and bridging across disciplines," Kosson said.

With the addition of Hornberger, others are taking notice of Vanderbilt, as well.
"There's quite a buzz across the country amongst faculty working in these areas," Kos-son said.