2024-2026 Experiential Learning and Research Impact Report Released
Join us in celebrating the professional and research accomplishments of Middlebury Institute students documented in our 2024-2026 annual Experiential Learning Impact Report.
Middlebury cohort participates in global climate solutions at COP30 in Brazil
Meet the delegates from Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network joining the international climate conference in Belém, Brazil November 10-21, 2025!
They are joining world leaders, scientists, policymakers, industry representatives and delegates from around the globe who will be gathering in the Amazon city of Belém at the 30th United Nations (UN) Conference of the Parties, or COP30. What is the goal of COP? To negotiate national responses to climate change on a global level. COP30, the 30th conference, aims to accelerate the implementation with a focus on finance pledges and equitable engagement. This is the first time the COP has been held in Brazil.
In all, 5 representatives from Middlebury will travel to Belém, including 4 current graduate students and one recent alumnus. Each has prepared with intention. As representatives of the Middlebury observer delegation at COP30, they will lead panel discussions around climate finance and the role of higher education in climate policy. They will also be volunteering for the Ocean Pavilion and the youth and indigenous delegations. Travel to COP30 for the delegation is generously supported by Middlebury’s Ron and Jessica Liebowitz Fund for Innovation, Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation, and the Center for Blue Economy.
Importantly, the delegation will also be updating the broader Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network with live sessions, posts, and answering questions from the network. This professional network of students, staff, faculty and alumni across Middlebury College, Schools, and the Institute has been an incredible opportunity to connect a community with shared interests. The network was initiated in 2025 with generous support from Middlebury’s Ron and Jessica Liebowitz Fund for Innovation.
Want to Learn more? Join us Friday!
LIVE from COP30 with the MIIS Delegation
Friday, Nov. 14th, 10AM to 11:15AM PT
via Zoom and live from the Center for the Blue Economy
Description: COP30 is underway. It is the 30th year. Is it working? In this session, we will explore questions around what climate leadership looks like on the international stage. We will hear from current Middlebury Institute students who are at COP30 on what they are experiencing. Are you interested in ways you can become more engaged? Join this conversation and learn about the recent launch of the Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network.
Facilitated by: Angela Izi
Join via zoom
This session is part of the Fall Forum:
What Works Now? Middlebury Fall Climate Forum
November 14-16, 2025 (event schedule)
Breakout: Leadership Past, Present, and Future: International Agreements and Policy
What is the Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network?
The COP Network brings together Middlebury College and MIIS students, alumni, faculty, and staff who share a common interest in international climate policy. The primary goal of this network is to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster deeper understanding of global climate negotiations through direct engagement with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).
The network aims to demystify the COP process by creating an experiential learning opportunity for participants, and sharing their knowledge with the broader network community. A key component of this initiative is to support the participation of at least two students and one alum to attend COP30 through the Middlebury observer delegation status. These participants will gain firsthand insight into the complexities and dynamics of international climate negotiations. The network also organizes virtual events before and after COP to share knowledge, insights, and ideas.
To join the group, any Middlebury student„ alumni, faculty, or staff from the College, Institute or any of the Schools can sign up though this short survey. The group is coordinated through periodic emails to share events and a Linked-In group to share ideas, opportunities, and make professional connections.
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Reflections on the IEP EPM Alumni Reunion Weekend
The International Environmental Policy (IEP) program, renamed to the Environmental Policy & Management (EPM) program had an Alumni Reunion Weekend, Friday to Sunday, April 10-12, 2026. It was the 30th anniversary of this impactful master’s degree program. It was an uplifting and inspiring weekend.
Middlebury cohort participates in global climate solutions at COP30 in Brazil
| by Megan McKenna and Rachel Christopherson
Five delegates from Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network are joining the international climate conference in Belém, Brazil November 10-21, 2025
Sharing the Risk of Climate Impacts: insurance for infrastructure in the State of Maine
| by Rachel Christopherson; Charles Colgan
Investigating the feasibility of a public infrastructure insurance facility is now being undertaken by Dr. Colgan, Director of Research at the Center for the Blue Economy, following up on the climate vulnerability and infrastructure adaptation studies undertaken by the Center around the U.S. over the past decade.
Coastal America: A Demographic and Economic Picture
| by Rachel Christopherson; Charles Colgan
A new report by the Center for the Blue Economy funded by NOAA finds coastal America accounts for over one-third of both GDP and employment.
Student Researchers Sharpen Their Skills at the Center for the Blue Economy
| by Caitlin Fillmore
Students put their skills to work and get a career head start in innovative roles in ocean research at the center based at the Middlebury Institute.
Monterey Bay White Shark Website Launches
Students helped contribute to a research effort on White sharks off the Central Coast that aims to increase public awareness about this majestic apex predator. The Center for the Blue Economy is one of several partners contributing to the $5 million project.