The Greek philosopher Heraclitus's wisdom is often summed up as “the only constant in life is change.” As the seconds tick by and turn into days, weeks, and months, the entire universe remains in flux. Time marches on and change is inevitable. So, as we find ourselves approaching another spring commencement, it is appropriate to reflect on the changes and developments that have occurred recently within Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE).

It’s a busy day at Purdue University. Graduate students are researching, facilities staff are cleaning, classrooms are buzzing, professors are lecturing, sports teams are practicing, and Lindsey Payne is planning. Dr. Lindsey Payne, newly promoted to Clinical Associate Professor of Practice in Environmental and Ecological Engineering, often finds herself behind the scenes as a perpetuator of EEE projects, university initiatives, and personal passions.

Spencer LaBelle, a Senior Project Professional at SCS Engineers, doesn’t have a traditional engineering degree, and he’s proud of it. LaBelle is a 2015 graduate of Purdue's Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE) program, one of the first graduating classes of EEE. When he began at Purdue University, EEE was just establishing itself within the College of Engineering.

Purdue Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE) is pleased to welcome Michael L. Foster (Mike) to the EEE External Advisory Council (EAC). Mike is a Senior Advisor in Global Health, Safety, and Environment at Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly).

Come with EEE Junior, Grace Smith, as she explores EEE topics in the UK with Professor Andy Whelton and other EEE students.

If you find yourself interested in industrial sustainability or life cycle assessment and want to find an expert, you may come across Fu Zhao’s website. Front and center is a quote from Immanuel Kant: “Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe, the oftener and more steadily we reflect on them: the starry heavens above and the moral law within.”

In 2019, the world discarded over $57 billion dollars’ worth of raw materials in recyclable electronic waste (or e-scrap), a figure projected to rise as our digital footprint expands. To tackle this growing issue, researchers, governments, and companies are racing to develop economical and sustainable recycling systems. Last year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched a competition to spur innovation in this field.

On February 7, 2025, John W. Sutherland, Fehsenfeld Head of Environmental and Ecological Engineering and Professor of Environmental and Ecological Engineering was named a distinguished professor by Purdue University's Board of Trustees.

Every dollar counts! As we continue to grow, we need your support. Join us on April 30, 2025, as we "ALL HAIL" our own Purdue.