Paul Bates
Sustainability education
Background & Expertise
As an associate teaching professor in the Swenson College of Engineering, Paul Bates teaches several courses that emphasize aspects of human, animal and ecosystem health. In his general biology course, students examine the effects of environmental toxins, health care policy and anthropogenic climate change. Students in other courses investigate how our food influences our health and our environment. In his study abroad program, students experience firsthand how humans have impacted the coral reef ecosystem. He has led a student team to evaluate an undergraduate curriculum in light of an ecosystem health framework. He has advised student groups on strategies to mitigate the effects of invasive species in Duluth. Bates is a recipient of the Horace T. Morse, University of Minnesota Alumni Associate Award for outstanding contributions to undergraduate education.
2023 Impact Goal Grants Award $1.1M to Support Interdisciplinary, Sustainability-Focused Project Teams
As increasing concentrations of greenhouse gasses and environmental degradation threaten people and ecosystems around the world, sustainability issues have never been more pressing. At the same time, signals are emerging of pathways to a liveable future, including growth in clean energy, greater consideration of natural capital in decision-making, and advocacy for socio-economic equity.