Eileen Merritt

Professor integrating diverse disciplines to study the intersection of education and environmental sustainability, Eileen Merritt is an Affiliate Global Futures Scholar at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and serves as an Assistant Professor in Elementary Sustainability Education at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Her academic journey led her to earn a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2012, where she honed her expertise in understanding the cognitive and developmental aspects of learning. Dr. Merritt's research is primarily centered on observational studies within classroom settings, with a particular emphasis on the implementation and impact of environmental service-learning projects. Her work seeks to unravel how these projects can be effectively integrated into elementary education to foster a deeper understanding of sustainability among young learners. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, she aims to equip educators with the tools and strategies necessary to inspire future generations to engage with and address environmental challenges. Her research interests are deeply rooted in sustainability education, environmental service learning, and applied developmental science. Dr. Merritt is committed to exploring how educational practices can be transformed to promote sustainable thinking and action. Her contributions to the field are not only academic but also practical, as she collaborates with educators to design and implement curricula that are both innovative and impactful. In addition to her research, Dr. Merritt is actively involved in mentoring students and educators, guiding them in their pursuit of integrating sustainability into educational contexts. Her dedication to fostering an educational environment that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving in relation to environmental issues is evident in her teaching and outreach efforts. Through her role at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, Dr. Merritt continues to expand her research and influence, contributing to a global dialogue on the importance of sustainability education. Her work not only advances academic understanding but also has tangible implications for how education systems can evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.