About CER
CER Vision
CER is a community of scientists engaged in interdisciplinary research focused on the ecological and environmental sciences. The CER faculty, staff, and students share common research and learning spaces that facilitates communication and collaboration amongst peers, all actively engaged in scientific research. This arrangement expands our research competitiveness and improves our ability to respond to societal needs.
CER Mission
CER is a Center of Excellence within CSU, Chico's College of Natural Sciences created to:
- Create a scientific peer community.
- Respond to societal needs.
- Expand competitiveness in the research of the environment and in specific ecosystems; and the exploration of the various biological, physical, and chemical components therein.
- Expand and explore out-of-classroom learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
CER Objectives
- Expand and support research of the environment and of ecosystems
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Facilitation of interdisciplinary work
- Share ideas
- Share research space
- Share common equipment
- Serve the North State and beyond
- Expand learning opportunities
- Provide organizational structure and support
- Support and expand productivity
- Build on our strengths in environmental and ecological research
- Create relationships and open the lines of communication between administration, colleges, departments, research centers (both on- and off-campus), with off-campus individuals, businesses, non-profits, governmental agencies, and funders.
CER Goals
- Enhance educational activities and competitive research in ecology and environmental sciences.
- Promote and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration amongst faculty.
- Provide the infrastructure for coordinating shared use of laboratories, equipment, staff, and other resources supporting research.
- Assist faculty in pursuit of external funding to support research activities, employ students, and purchasing equipment and technology.
- Connect with the community to provide quality outreach that meets the environmental-science needs of Northern California.
- Link NS to the campus-wide environmental initiatives led by the Institute for Sustainable Development.