The Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars Program
An opportunity for established and emerging leaders who are advancing a more equitable and sustainable world.
Bring your ideas and energy into Pittsburgh’s dynamic shift toward a better future.
The Program
The Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars program is a short-term residency at the groundbreaking Eden Hall Campus for accomplished academics, artists, community leaders, government or private sector professionals living the legacy of conservationist, public health advocate, and Chatham alumna, Rachel Carson.
Hosted by the Falk School of Sustainability and Environment at Chatham University, the program provides an opportunity for scholars to spend a few weeks living at Eden Hall; engaging with Chatham faculty, students and partners; and sharing their work with local and regional leaders in Pittsburgh—an iconic American city in the midst of a dynamic transition toward a more sustainable future.
The Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars program is not only for academic faculty. Traditional academics are welcome to apply, but so are public and private-sector practitioners, community leaders or others whose career accomplishments and current work can contribute to the vibrant learning environment at the Falk School. Scholars come from one of the following areas: natural systems, including environmental science and natural resource conservation; sustainable built systems; equitable community development; food studies; sustainable business practices; and environmentally-inspired writing and communication.
A graduate of Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham University), Rachel Carson advocated for justice for the environment and changed the shape of the world forever.
The Residency
Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars spend up to four weeks in residence at Chatham’s Eden Hall Campus, the world’s first university campus designed to be a showcase for sustainable solutions.
Scholars spend time advancing their own work while immersed in the vibrant community and restorative land at Eden Hall.
While in residence, scholars share their ideas and experience through public lectures and presentations while connecting with Falk School faculty and students in vital conversation about our common future.
Based in Pittsburgh—an archetype of the Industrial Revolution engaged in a remarkable transformation—scholars find new colleagues to expand their network and ignite collaborations.
Eden Hall Campus is a nearly 400-acre academic community dedicated to sustainable living and the modeling of sustainable approaches to energy; water and soil; food and agriculture; and air quality and climate.
Exchanging Ideas
Hear from Zygmunt J. B. Plater, inaugural Rachel Carson Visiting Scholar, and Lou Leonard, dean of the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment and Eden Hall Campus on what makes the program remarkable.
Explore the Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars Program:
Rachel Carson
Scientist. Author. Environmentalist. Pioneer. Student. Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham University) graduate Rachel Carson '29 rose to prominence with her book Silent Spring as a trailblazing voice questioning the resulting impact of pesticides on people, animals, and the environment. This call to attention was a catalyst for the environmental movement that has helped bring awareness and action to the ecological problems our planet faces. Her inspiration guided Chatham to the creation of Eden Hall Campus, and her work has also served as a catalyst for our and the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment's commitment to advancing sustainability education, implementation, and research. Carson's big thinking and devotion to improve the world are just two of the qualities we work to bring to life through our students.