Climate Collaboration Leadership

The Campus Climate Collaboration is a faculty-led initiative with support from an advisory council of deans and partnerships across campus and beyond. The Collaboration is led by Brett Sanders, Chancellor’s Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. A nationally renowned expert in flood modeling and coastal resilience, Professor Sanders brings a strong record of convening policymakers, agency leaders, and community stakeholders.

Led by Civil Engineer Brett Sanders

Chancellor’s Professor Brett Sanders is uniting education, research, communication, community engagement and practical applications to inspire actionable progress in addressing environmental challenges. Our work in climate, resilience and sustainability involves faculty from many different schools across the UC Irvine campus.

A civil and environmental engineer, Sanders is trained in the mechanics of environmental systems and computational methods for simulating the interaction of people and infrastructure with the natural environment. Simulation tools give us an eye into the future, allowing us to better assess risks, evaluate response options and negotiate effective solutions – from new technologies to policy action. Sanders is also experienced with multifaceted research projects that meaningfully engage stakeholders. The integration of new technology, leading-edge science, stakeholder engagement and policy measures will be vital in creating a sustainable tomorrow for future generations.

Brett Sanders

Advisory Council of Deans

The Climate Collaboration will be supported by an advisory council made up of the following members:

Bernadette Boden-Albala, M.P.H., Dr.P.H.

Bernadette Boden-Albala, M.P.H., Dr.P.H

Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health
James Bullock

James Bullock, Ph.D.

School of Physical Sciences
Magnus Egerstedt, Ph.D.

Magnus Egerstedt, Ph.D.

Samueli School of Engineering
Jon Gould, Ph.D.

Jon Gould, Ph.D.

School of Social Ecology
Ian Williamson, Ph.D.

Ian Williamson, Ph.D.

Paul Merage School of Business

The Climate Collaboration will also include a faculty steering committee with campuswide representation, and an external advisory board with representatives from government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. These groups will be convened later in 2025.