Energy. Consumption. Biodiversity. Climate. Understanding the complex interconnections of natural and human systems is fundamental to any enterprise, and to life on this planet. At Kenyon you can explore these systems up close, with hands-on activities in our local ecosystems and Kenyon’s extensive network of conserved forests, farms and wetlands. Here, we critically examine data and grapple with the trade-offs inherent in environmental decision-making, all rooted in a cultivated sense of place.
Start exploring, and discover what’s key to you.
A Living Laboratory
Kenyon is the only college in the nation with its own land conservancy. Within the 6,000 acres of preserved land surrounding Kenyon’s campus are an environmental center and working farm that serve as living laboratories for students and faculty.Go Deep with Paid Research
Research takes center stage during the summer months at Kenyon, with funding for mentored research projects as early as your first year. Here are a few.
The Sustainability Scholars program provides opportunities for environmental studies majors to pursue research with a faculty mentor related to climate change or sustainability. Selected scholars will work in close collaboration with their faculty mentor as well as staff from the Brown Family Environmental Center, Kokosing Nature Preserve, Philander Chase Conservancy or Kenyon Farm, for up to 10 weeks during the summer. The Sustainability Scholars program is supported by the Kenyon College Fund for Environmental Studies.
The Kenyon Farm Fellows program provides opportunities for STEM-related student-faculty summer research or academically related high-impact experiences that utilize resources at the Kenyon Farm. The selected fellow will work in close collaboration with a STEM faculty mentor and the staff and volunteers of the Kenyon Farm for up to 10 weeks during the summer. The program is funded by the Diane Elam ’80 and Nancy Donohue Endowment for Kenyon Farm Fellows.
The Hoskins Frame Summer Science Writing Scholars program supports student writers who wish to communicate artfully and with precision about science, with the goal of deepening our understanding of the natural world and our place in it. Science Writing Scholars working for up to 10 weeks during the summer develop writing projects in diverse genres through close interactions with active research groups in Kenyon’s Summer Science Scholars program and with the Office of Communications. The Hoskins Frame Summer Science Writing Scholars program is made possible by Rick Hoskins and Lynne Frame P’22.
Inform, Persuade and Delight Through Scientific Storytelling
In this interdisciplinary program, learn to write artfully, creatively and with precision about the natural world. Science and nature writing at Kenyon empowers you to become a skilled storyteller who can communicate complex scientific issues to a general audience.Fast-Track Your Internship
Every year, Kenyon alumni, parents and partner organizations turn to the College for talented interns. In addition to sourcing opportunities, Kenyon offers funding to supplement wages or offset expenses for internships that would otherwise be out of financial reach. Here is a sample of opportunities offered exclusively to Kenyon students in recent years.
XCharge Energy North America offers two internship tracks at a clean energy technology company manufacturing EV charging and smart grid solutions. Finance interns support accounts payable/receivable, reconciliations, and financial data management using QuickBooks and Ramp. Operations interns coordinate cross-functional projects, track operational KPIs, maintain data systems, and identify process improvements across sales, marketing and product operations.
Knox County Head Start offers an internship to support the development of sustainable food access initiatives connecting local farms, gardens and community resources with early childhood programs. Interns research farm-to-school models, develop gleaning and surplus food infrastructure, create contact databases of local food partners, identify funding opportunities, and present findings to agency staff on strengthening local food systems for Head Start families.
Knox Public Health offers an internship to supervise and mentor teens (ages 14-19) in a community garden program teaching sustainable agriculture, nutrition and life skills. Interns lead garden maintenance, facilitate educational workshops with local experts, coordinate farmers market activities, and create an inclusive learning environment focused on food systems and youth development.
Ariel Foundation Park offers an internship to develop and deliver environmental education and interpretive programming for youth and adult audiences. Interns lead guided hikes, birdwatching walks and historical tours; create educational materials and presentations; facilitate nature-based activities and school group programs; and research local flora, fauna, geology and cultural history to connect visitors with the park's natural resources.
Clubs & Organizations
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Environmental Campus Organization
ECO aspires to transform Kenyon into a more sustainable college, while also raising awareness of environmental issues.
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Birding Club
Through guided nature walks and discussions, the Birding Club provides instruction on bird identification, morphology, lifestyles and conservation.
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Outdoors Club
KCOC connects members of the student body with the natural world and with one another by offering affordable trips, outings and activities to members of the community.
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Buildings, Grounds & Sustainability Committee
The Buildings, Grounds and Sustainability Committee creates dialogue between students and administrators surrounding the current state of campus buildings and grounds projects.
