From our home base on the St. Paul campus to our hub in Duluth, IonE’s places are designed for connection. Students, staff, faculty and partners use these spaces to meet, work and trade ideas across every corner of our community.
Where We Work
Home on the St. Paul Campus
IonE’s main office occupies the third floor of the Learning & Environmental Sciences (LES) building on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities – a corner of the University with deep roots in environmental and agricultural research. Today the “metropolitan meadow” offers rare urban green space (with the occasional mooing cow) and close neighbors including the Bell Museum, College of Biological Sciences and College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.
The LES building began its life as the Minnesota State Fair Livestock Pavilion, designed by Cass Gilbert in 1904. Its converted interior now holds IonE staff offices, a light-filled central atrium and a range of meeting and event spaces – including a Commons area with flexible seating and technology for in-person and hybrid gatherings. (With some exceptions, these spaces are available to reserve at no-to-low cost to University departments, staff and students.)
A Hub on the North Shore
Established in 2018 on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus, this formal hub supports interdisciplinary sustainability work rooted in the Lake Superior region and connected to IonE's statewide network. Under the leadership of Director Julie Etterson, the Duluth hub has grown steadily since its founding – more than tripling faculty affiliation with IonE and deepening ties between the University of Minnesota Duluth and surrounding communities.
Today the hub connects more than 45 researchers, educators and practitioners whose work spans freshwater science, ecology, environmental engineering, Indigenous governance, the arts, humanities and sustainability policy. Each year it convenes the Our Climate Futures conference, bringing community members together with University faculty, staff and students around a different regional climate topic – through workshops, field trips, art and presentations.
Learn more about getting to our St. Paul office, including accessibility information, directions, and tips for traveling via public transit, bike or car.
Spaces Built for Collaboration
Good collaboration needs room to happen. IonE’s spaces in the Learning & Environmental Sciences building in St. Paul – from our hybrid-ready Commons to smaller meeting rooms – are designed for students, staff, faculty and partners to gather, work and exchange ideas. Spaces are available to reserve at no-to-low cost for University members, as well as external parties with modest rental fees.
Interested in hosting a meeting or event at the Institute? Explore our Meeting & Event Spaces.
Additional Resources
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