Brandon Derman, associate professor of environmental sciences at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been named University Scholar for 2025. This prestigious award, the highest faculty honor from the University of Illinois System, recognizes outstanding teaching and scholarship. Only one faculty member receives the award annually at UIS.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this award, and profoundly appreciative of the support it signals from the University of Illinois System and from our campus community for the work I do, and for the engaged scholarship so many of us do at UIS,” Derman said.

Derman, a geographer in the School of Integrated Science, Sustainability and Public Health, joined UIS in 2016 and earned tenure in 2022. He was selected for his outstanding contributions to climate justice scholarship. His work includes two monographs, most notably “Struggles for Climate Justice,” which received national recognition, and numerous articles, book chapters and public talks.

He has played a significant role in climate initiatives, including attending United Nations climate conferences and leading local environmental justice efforts in Springfield. His research was also cited in the most recent major report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Derman has also actively involved students in his research and international climate advocacy, exemplifying the ideals of scholarly engagement and mentorship.

As University Scholar, Derman will receive $15,000 annually for three years to support his research and other scholarly activities. Faculty members are nominated by their peers, and a committee of senior faculty makes the final selection.

“The funding that comes with this award will enable me to expand my work on climate justice as an issue in political, policy and legal forums, continuing to explore its connections with evolving energy transition efforts, and to create spaces and resources to support teaching and community engagement on these urgent topics.”