Simon Appolloni

Simon Appolloni is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the School of the Environment, University of Toronto. His work focuses on Eco-anxiety and Pedagogies of Hope, Environmental Epistemologies, and Liberation Philosophies. He teaches interdisciplinary courses grounded in the humanities, including Environment, Culture and Film, Environmental Psychology, and Environmental Ethics.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. Religious Studies & Environmental Studies, University of Toronto
  • Master of Divinity, University of St. Michael’s College
  • B.Ed., Queen’s University
  • B.A., University of Ottawa

His research centers on integrating pedagogies of hope into environmental education to build psychological resilience in students. He explores how environmental epistemologies, social ethics, and liberation philosophies can address climate anxiety through curriculum design and nature-connected assignments.

Recent publications analyze resilience strategies for youth, ecological spirituality in Catholicism, and interdisciplinary approaches to environmental ethics. His 2024 article How to stay hopeful in a world seemingly beyond saving synthesizes these themes into actionable educational frameworks.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2023 Institutional Grant (SIG) SSHRC

He has advised Mallory Furlong, Nolan Scharper, Annika Harley, and Salvatore Cormaggi in eco-anxiety research, collaborating with 41 instructors across 5 Canadian universities. His website includes pedagogical videos like Bright Prospects and Simon’s Asides, reflecting his commitment to public engagement.