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Mike Piehler

@mpiehler.bsky.social

Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor, Director of the Institute for the Environment & Chief Sustainability Officer at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

250 Followers  |  256 Following  |  7 Posts  |  Joined: 15.09.2023  |  1.7932

Latest posts by mpiehler.bsky.social on Bluesky

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The buzz at Carolina: Connecting bees, students and sustainability at Carolina - UNC Institute for the Environment “If you think you are too small to make a difference, you’ve never met a honey bee.”

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, you’ve never met a honey bee.” - Nathan Halsey '27

Read our latest blog post to learn more about how Halsey is connecting Carolina's pollinators, students and sustainability.

ie.unc.edu/news/the-buz...

21.07.2025 15:51 — 👍 5    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Millions of gallons of sewage flowed into the Eno River. Is it harmful? Experts weigh in on what risk the sewage overflows pose to the environment.

.@unc-ie.bsky.social Director @mpiehler.bsky.social weighs in on wastewater contamination during flooding events caused by Tropical Depression Chantal.

Read more ⬇️
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c...

17.07.2025 14:15 — 👍 2    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
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Carolina’s water warrior, Hans W. Paerl retires after nearly 50-year career  - UNC Institute for the Environment After nearly 50 years at Carolina, Hans W. Paerl set aside his beakers of slimy, green algae water.

Congratulations to our good friend Hans W. Paerl on his retirement. After nearly 50 years at Carolina, Paerl set aside his beakers of slimy, green algae water and retired at the end of June. Read more about his remarkable life and career. 🔽

ie.unc.edu/news/carolin...

07.07.2025 15:04 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Although we typically consider photosynthetic allochthonous and autochthonous carbon in stream food webs, chemoautotrophic sources (ammonia or sulfur oxidation) can contribute substantially, and incorporate ancient C. Recently accepted to FWS, online at www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...

04.07.2025 17:42 — 👍 9    🔁 5    💬 1    📌 0
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NC Collaboratory funds critical environmental research - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Check out three projects on water quality, lithium mining and marsh restoration that are protecting the state and its residents.

“This research benefits the citizens of North Carolina because the marsh problem is not just localized to Currituck Sound. It is across North Carolina and the world." - Troy Walton, senior research associate at @unc-ie.bsky.social.

Read more ⬇️ www.unc.edu/posts/2025/0...

01.07.2025 13:04 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Compost, Croissants and Community: A Taste of Freiburg - Sustainable Carolina Story by Nicky Coursey, our summer 2025 traveling intern.

"It’s a regenerative, continuous cycle made possible by community members who care deeply."

When she's not analyzing net zero pathways through her summer internship, Nicole Coursey has found herself spending time in Freiburg's community gardens.

sustainable.unc.edu/2025/06/comp...

24.06.2025 13:56 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State offering free drinking water testing in Buncombe County - UNC Institute for the Environment Researchers are testing drinking water, mold and assessing water security in Buncombe County homes.

Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State are testing drinking water, mold and assessing water security in Buncombe County homes following Hurricane Helene. Testing will take place June 27-28.

Full details ⬇️

ie.unc.edu/news/unc-cha...

24.06.2025 18:04 — 👍 4    🔁 5    💬 0    📌 0
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Read our latest blog post by #UNC rising senior Hannah Weas about the 2025 Sustainable Triangle Field Site’s study, which makes policy recommendations to establish a connected network of valuable habitats.

Full post 🔽

environmentblog.web.unc.edu/2025/05/sust...

23.06.2025 15:17 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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A new study by researchers at @unc-ie.bsky.social examined two rapidly growing coastal regions and found that water quality patterns and processes varied between them—highlighting the importance of managing water quality in developing coastal areas.

Read more: go.unc.edu/Hm7e3

18.06.2025 13:49 — 👍 2    🔁 2    💬 1    📌 0
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MegaMove Publishes Landmark Global Study showing Where Marine Megafauna Needs Protection - MegaMove MegaMove paper identifies top-priority ocean areas for whales, sharks, turtles & more. Protection still lags.

Lindsay Dubbs, director of Carolina's Outer Banks Field Site (OBXFS), is an author on this landmark study published in Science on marine megafauna.

Read more ⬇️

megamove.org/marine-megaf...

16.06.2025 12:42 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

I also rode the city bus to elementary school (77C Shady Side for yinz old folks), but I think it is clear that that sweet 70s hair got me on Mr. Rogers.

11.06.2025 00:23 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
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A champion for environment and sustainability, Piehler named Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor  - UNC Institute for the Environment Piehler is a renowned leader in coastal environmental science.

Since he was just a kid growing up in Pittsburgh, @unc-ie.bsky.social‬ Director @mpiehler.bsky.social‬ has enjoyed #sustainable transportation 🚲 He may have even achieved fame on a certain children's television show!

09.06.2025 12:45 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 1
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🌱 Our June e-news is out today! Read about the new solar field at the former Horace Williams Airport ☀️

Plus: Honors for @unc-ie.bsky.social's Director @mpiehler.bsky.social and Board of Visitors Members Frances Seymour & more.

Read it here: go.unc.edu/Xn4y5

02.06.2025 17:32 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
UNC Research is creativity and intellect.

UNC Research is creativity and intellect.

For 26 years, the UNC Office for Undergraduate Research has hosted the Celebration of Undergraduate Research. For three years, UNC OUR has given hashtag#SustainableCarolina the opportunity to award outstanding research related to topics like energy, water, waste, air quality, biodiversity and more.

For 26 years, the UNC Office for Undergraduate Research has hosted the Celebration of Undergraduate Research. For three years, UNC OUR has given hashtag#SustainableCarolina the opportunity to award outstanding research related to topics like energy, water, waste, air quality, biodiversity and more.

This year, Sustainable Carolina judged 27 posters for its Prize for Excellence in Sustainability Research. A group of first-year students took home first prize.

This year, Sustainable Carolina judged 27 posters for its Prize for Excellence in Sustainability Research. A group of first-year students took home first prize.

UNC Research is North Carolina.

UNC Research is North Carolina.

UNC Research is creativity and intellect.

It's an honor to present the Prize for Excellence in Sustainability Research at the #UNC Office for Undergraduate Research's Celebration of Undergraduate Research.

Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC #UNC #SustainableCarolina

21.05.2025 20:23 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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UNC Research is rooted in N.C. communities.

When Hurricane Helene devastated communities in western North Carolina, @unc-ie.bsky.social mobilized educators to provide a day of hands-on learning for kids displaced by flooding.

Explore more: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC
#UNC

22.05.2025 10:15 — 👍 2    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
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UNC Research is clean air and water for all.

Researchers at @unc-ie.bsky.social are at the forefront of research that contributes to clean air and clean water for everyone.

Learn how Carolina research serves N.C. and beyond. Visit: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re....

#UNCResearchisNC
#UNC

20.05.2025 14:34 — 👍 8    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 0
A student in graduation robe stands in front of Carolina's Old Well.

A student in graduation robe stands in front of Carolina's Old Well.

Two students hold research tools in a river.

Two students hold research tools in a river.

A student installs an audio recording device in nature.

A student installs an audio recording device in nature.

Paul Hollis headshot.

Paul Hollis headshot.

UNC Research is future-ready leaders.

The @unc-ie.bsky.social helps provide students with the tools, experiences and opportunities to take the study and understanding of the environment to the next level.

Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC
#UNC

19.05.2025 13:24 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
UNC Research is excellence in sustainability.

UNC Research is excellence in sustainability.

Five years ago, sustainability at Carolina found a new home in the UNC Institute for the Environment. Sustainable Carolina advances and amplifies efficiency initiatives in campus operations, research and academics.

Five years ago, sustainability at Carolina found a new home in the UNC Institute for the Environment. Sustainable Carolina advances and amplifies efficiency initiatives in campus operations, research and academics.

In 2025, Sustainable Carolina reintroduced its lab sustainability program, piloting it in four labs on the medical side of campus. Any lab can become certified by taking on sustainability measures in their space.

In 2025, Sustainable Carolina reintroduced its lab sustainability program, piloting it in four labs on the medical side of campus. Any lab can become certified by taking on sustainability measures in their space.

UNC Research is North Carolina.

UNC Research is North Carolina.

UNC Research is excellence in sustainability.

Working under the @unc-ie.bsky.social, #SustainableCarolina provides guidance to capstone courses, the Sustainable Triangle Field Site and campus labs.

Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC #UNC #SustainableCarolina

19.05.2025 20:12 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

I am honored and humbled by this recognition. I am also exceptionally grateful to all of my amazing collaborators throughout the years.

15.05.2025 00:27 — 👍 13    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
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UNC Sustainability Council YouTube video by UNC Institute for the Environment

The Carolina Sustainability Council meets this morning. You can stream the spring meeting live or watch it later on the @unc-ie.bsky.social YouTube channel. @mpiehler.bsky.social www.youtube.com/live/YZmT4IA...

13.05.2025 12:51 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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📬 Our May e-news hit inboxes this morning! Read about Carolina hosting the Collegiate Drone Racing Championship, the 11th UNC Cleantech Summit, Carolina's research impact and more!

Dive into all these stories at: go.unc.edu/May25News.

05.05.2025 16:54 — 👍 2    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
April Sustainability News

Classes are over and Earth Month is coming to an end. What a spring its been for sustainability on campus 🌸 @unc-ie.bsky.social @mpiehler.bsky.social

Check out April's #SustainableCarolina newsletter: mailchi.mp/unc/april-25

29.04.2025 19:48 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
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New solar field provides opportunities for student enrichment - Sustainable Carolina Energy modeling course students visited the former Horace Williams Airport to learn about the University's first ground-mounted solar field.

For the first time ever, Noah Kittner didn't have to take his class off campus to visit a solar field.

That's because #UNC is now home to its own 900-panel system ☀️ Learn how it's enriching students' studies. @uncfacilitiessvcs.bsky.social @unc-ie.bsky.social
sustainable.unc.edu/2025/04/new-...

22.04.2025 17:16 — 👍 5    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
Graphic with a background that looks like cardboard. The middle of the graphic reads, "Festival on the Green Roof + CDS Farm Stand." The top reads, "Monday, April 21 @ 3:30 - 6:30 pm, Chase Plaza."

Graphic with a background that looks like cardboard. The middle of the graphic reads, "Festival on the Green Roof + CDS Farm Stand." The top reads, "Monday, April 21 @ 3:30 - 6:30 pm, Chase Plaza."

Graphic with a cardboard background reads,"We're collecting reusable tote bags to donate to the Carolina Cupboard and Inter-Faith Council."

Graphic with a cardboard background reads,"We're collecting reusable tote bags to donate to the Carolina Cupboard and Inter-Faith Council."

Happy #EarthWeek 🌎 We are kicking off our celebrations today with our Festival on the Green Roof. We are thrilled to partner with Carolina Dining Services this year to bring their farm stand to the event!

Full list of events here: sustainable.unc.edu/events/earth...

21.04.2025 16:14 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Discover how #UNC junior Grace Layman is fostering a vibrant ecology community through the SEEDS Program, promoting ecology, education, diversity and sustainability to other students. From research trips to building networks, she's helping students find their path!

Read it here 🔽
go.unc.edu/Sd5z3

14.04.2025 18:11 — 👍 5    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
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Honorary degrees go to athlete, producer, former faculty, US representative | UNC-Chapel Hill Mia Hamm, James Lowe Peacock III, Scott Sanders, Frances Jane Seymour, Dhiren Thakker and Robert J. Wittman will be recognized at Spring Commencement.

🎓 Exciting news! 🎉 @unc-ie.bsky.social Board of Visitors member Frances J. Seymour will receive an honorary degree at UNC's graduation in May! 🏅 Congratulations, Dr. Seymour!

Read more about this incredible honor 👇
www.unc.edu/posts/2025/0...

03.04.2025 14:42 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
Graphic that reads, "Happy Earth Month." There is a globe in the center of the graphic, popping up behind some green hills. There are trees to the left and right of the globe. A bag and a cup are also on the graphic and both have a recycling symbol on them.

Graphic that reads, "Happy Earth Month." There is a globe in the center of the graphic, popping up behind some green hills. There are trees to the left and right of the globe. A bag and a cup are also on the graphic and both have a recycling symbol on them.

Our monthly newsletter came out yesterday, just in time for you to make all the plans for your Earth Month celebrations.

Check out what's happening this month: mailchi.mp/unc/march-25

01.04.2025 19:48 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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UNC-Chapel Hill to host CDRA Drone Racing Championship Apr. 5-6 - UNC Institute for the Environment For the first time ever, the Institute will host the Collegiate Drone Racing Assoc. Drone Racing Championship.

The Collegiate Drone Racing Championship will be in Chapel Hill this weekend! Finalists begin racing at 12:30 p.m. on Sun., Apr. 6.

Don't miss it, it's sure to be a drone-tastic time!

Full details 🔽
go.unc.edu/dronerace

01.04.2025 17:29 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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The Future of the AI Boom Lunch and Learn - UNC Institute for the Environment The UNC IE Board of Visitors External Relations Committee Presents The Future of the AI Boom Lunch and Learn AI is one of the megatrends of our time, and one of its effects is growth in electricity de...

NEXT WEEK: @unc-ie.bsky.social presents "The Future of the AI Boom Lunch and Learn."

Apr. 8, 2025 12 – 1:30 p.m

RSVP required. See full details ⤵️

31.03.2025 18:23 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Water Plan - Sustainable Carolina Click to Section Water Sustainability Progress Goals  Strategies Acknowledgements Water Sustainability: A Growing Challenge Sustaining water quantity and quality for people and the environment is a gr...

Strategies in the #UNC Water Plan emphasize non-potable water use, stormwater management, research, community engagement and more.

As we celebrate Orange County Creek Week, check out our plan!
sustainable.unc.edu/focus-areas/...

19.03.2025 16:32 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

@mpiehler is following 20 prominent accounts