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Implementing interdisciplinary sustainability education with the food-energy-water (FEW) nexus

Author

Listed:
  • Chelsie Romulo

    (and Sustainability at University of Northern Colorado)

  • Bhawani Venkataraman

    (The New School)

  • Susan Caplow

    (University of St Thomas)

  • Shamili Ajgaonkar

    (College of DuPage)

  • Craig R. Allen

    (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

  • Aavudai Anandhi

    (Florida A&M University)

  • Steven W. Anderson

    (University of Northern Colorado)

  • Caterina Belle Azzarello

    (Doctoral Student of Educational Psychology at University of Northern Colorado)

  • Katja Brundiers

    (University of Freiburg)

  • Eunice Blavascunas

    (Whitman College)

  • Jenny M. Dauer

    (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

  • Daniel L. Druckenbrod

    (Department of Earth and Chemical Sciences at Rider University)

  • Ennea Fairchild

    (Social Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

  • Lydia R. Horne

    (Associate Director of Sustainable Ecotourism and Recreation Programs. Unity Environmental University)

  • Kyungsun Lee

    (University of Arkansas at Little Rock)

  • Marizvkuru Mwale

    (University of Venda)

  • John Mischler

    (Goshen College)

  • Emily Pappo

    (Smithsonian Institution)

  • Nirav S. Patel

    (Binghamton University)

  • Nicole D. Sintov

    (The Ohio State University School of Environment and Natural Resources)

  • Carla S. Ramsdell

    (Department of Physics and Astronomy)

  • Shirley G. Vincent

    (Vincent Evaluation Consulting LLC)

Abstract

Growth in the green jobs sector has increased demand for college graduates who are prepared to enter the workforce with interdisciplinary sustainability skills. Simultaneously, scholarly calls for interdisciplinary collaboration in the service of addressing the societal challenges of enhancing resilience and sustainability have also increased in recent years. However, developing, executing, and assessing interdisciplinary content and skills at the post-secondary level has been challenging. The objective of this paper is to offer the Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus as a powerful way to achieve sustainability competencies and matriculate graduates who will be equipped to facilitate the transformation of the global society by meeting the targets set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The paper presents 10 curricular design examples that span multiple levels, including modules, courses, and programs. These modules enable clear evaluation and assessment of key sustainability competencies, helping to prepare graduates with well-defined skillsets who are equipped to address current and future workforce needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Chelsie Romulo & Bhawani Venkataraman & Susan Caplow & Shamili Ajgaonkar & Craig R. Allen & Aavudai Anandhi & Steven W. Anderson & Caterina Belle Azzarello & Katja Brundiers & Eunice Blavascunas & Jen, 2024. "Implementing interdisciplinary sustainability education with the food-energy-water (FEW) nexus," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-03332-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03332-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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