Environmental Science and Biology Home
The Major in Environmental Science and Biology
The Master of Science in Environmental Science and Biology
Facilities
ES&B Dept. Academic Writing Policy
Research Outreach
The School of Sciences and Mathematics
Contact:
(585) 395-5975
Environmental Science Laboratory (ENV 202),
Mendon Ponds, a picturesque location to study ecology.
Campus Sustainability
Since commencing my career at the College, I have supervised student groups working on an environmental assessment of the campus’ energy, recycling and transportation uses (www.brockport.edu/gci/StudentProjects.html). I have compiled this data along with other research. With the invaluable guidance and writing of Dr. Jim Haynes, this campus assessment was submitted to Facilities and Planning January '07 for comment and action. We expect to see positive changes reflected in the upcoming year (www.brockport.edu/GCI). SUNY Brockport is doing a good job overall in many areas of sustainability, however, there is room for improvement as well as innovative solutions to our energy needs. Currently, I have student groups researching the possibility of using biodiesel, wind and photovoltaics on campus and in new building construction. The ability to be designated LEED certifiable by the US Green Building Council for our Geothermal Apartment complex is a huge accomplishment for sustainability. The new SERC building and the Thompson residence hall will be built to LEED Silver standards. We hope that The College at Brockport, SUNY will continue to design with sustainability and alternative energy sources in mind.
Currently, as Chair of the Sustainability Task Force and working with the Environmental Health and Safety Officer, we hope to create a protocol for incoming students to encourage recycling on campus and within the community. Targeting students upon entrance to the College may have a significant effect on recycling rates. Additionally, I have student research groups promoting recycling and providing incentives to both students and custodial staff to encourage recycling on campus.
As chairperson of the Sustainability Task Force and in cooperation with the Managing Environmental Health and Safety committee, the campus can create a culture of sustainability through an integrated relationship between the environment and our education and research programs, thereby establishing a paradigm of environmental responsibility within our future decision-makers.
Environmental Conservation
In February 2007, I was awarded a UUP Professional Development Grant and an Office of Graduate Studies Proffesional Development Award to conduct environmental conservation on La Hesperia, a biological reserve located in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. On June 3rd 2007, I embarked on a journey to preserve one of the most biologically diverse areas of the world. My conservation work included tree regeneration studies, propagation of seedlings, planting of primary forests within the cloud forest and organic, sustainable farming. The two weeks spent on the reserve enriched my personal and professional experience. Please check out the following link to La-Hesperia where you will find research and volunteer opportunities in the cloud forest of Ecuador, a biologically diverse hotspot of the world. Volunteer positions last from two weeks to six months and are highly recommended. This experience also afforded me the opportunity to visit several neighboring villages.
After my volunteer work, I toured Quito and surrounding areas (see photos). I was also was able to take a catamaran across the Galapagos Islands. I was able to see first hand the organisms first studied by Charles Darwin. Click here to see a photo gallery slideshow of the La-Hesperia, Quito, Banos, Mitad del Mundo and Oltovalo.
Environmental Education
With the goal of promoting environmental education across the community, I work with several non-profit and school groups each year. Together, students and community members learn about the importance of water quality, pollution prevention, issues in sustainability and biodiversity within our environment. Children of all ages are excited to actively engage in issues such as stream biomonitoring or stormwater stenciling. An active approach to some of our more complex topics allow students to draw connections to the living environment.
Other
In addition to working with the MESH committee and being the Chairperson of the Sustainability Taskforce, I am also on the Walk! Bike! Brockport committee, an event to promote living well and reducing our dependence on fuel-powered vehicles. This event is held each fall. Community members are encouraged to walk or bike to work instead of driving your car. Prizes are given to members who have walked or biked during the week at the end of the week finale. All are encouraged to participate.
I also work with RochesterCares Inc. (www.RochesterCares.org), a group dedicated to promoting, creating and managing effective volunteer programs to meet and exceed the educational, environmental, and human service targets of the greater Rochester community. I am responsible for coordinating environmental activities across the community as well as assist programs such as Alternatives for Battered Women, FoodLink and Habitat for Humanity. I am currently on the Executive Board of Directors as Secretary and sit on other committees as necessary for this non-profit group.
Given these activities on campus and within the Rochester community, it is my intent to promote environmental awareness and civic engagement. It is power at the individual and community level that will induce change in our society as a whole. Lead by example, be proactive and motivate others to use their most powerful tool: their voice.
'The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything' - Einstein 1879-1955.
Be the Change! Volunteer!
Environmental Science Lab students studying diversity in the field (Fall ’05).
Responsibilities on Campus:
In years with high enrollment, help teach Marine Biology/Geology-Bahamas during the January intersession, San Salvador Island, Bahamas.
Hazardous Waste Liaison for the Department, including all relevant training and certifications.
Founding member of the Green Campus Initiative and advocate for promoting environmental stewardship among SUNY Brockport students and faculty.
The College at Brockport Sustainability Taskforce Chairperson.
Advisor for the Environmentally Conscious Organization for Society (ECOS) - Some events include America Recycle's Day, The Coastal Cleanup at Hamlin Beach, Earth Day Fair, Stormwater Stewardship Day, recycling and composting on campus, Campus Environmental Audit, and guest lecture series.
Supervision of work study students within the Department.
Maintain Department budget records, including ordering all except office supplies and following up on all orders to ensure timely delivery and payment.
Maintain records of all Department truck usage, reported to the chairman quarterly.
Maintain teaching labs, Departmental equipment, perform audits, maintain record of inventory, order supplies as needed, assist faculty and graduate students in field work.
Develop problematic experiments and lab exercises to develop proper techniques for class usage.
Teaching other laboratory sections as needed.
Assist graduate students with research as necessary.
One of Western New York’s beautiful natural settings.
ECOS (Environmentally Conscious Organization for Society)
I am the advisor for the environmental club on campus and as such, I am responsible for the events on campus. Each semester we hold fairs and activities to promote environmental awareness on campus and across the community. Current events include Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup (second Saturday of September), America Recycle's Day events (November 15th), Darwin Day (February 12), Volunteer's of America Clothing Drive (March 5-10), Campus Cleanup (March 26th), Earth Day (April 22nd, events held week prior), Walk! Bike! Brockport, and Arbor Day (April 27).
Links of Interest
Great Lakes Information Network
San Salvador's Living Jewels Foundation
Associations:
International Association of Great Lakes Research
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
National Wildlife Federation
National Science Teachers Association
New York Chapter of the Wildlife Society
The Nature Conservancy
Arbor Day Foundation
Graduate student Bill Guenther (BS ’03, MS in progress) and I studying stream habitat.
The sampling crew for graduate student Scott Wells’ Longear Sunfish study (L to R, Hilary Richardson, Ross Abbett, Melissa Wells and Scott Wells)
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
May 4th
Finals Week:
May 7 -11th
Commencement:
May 12th, 2012
Dept of Env Sci & Bio Summer Hours:
Monday- Thursday, 7am - 3pm
Secretary: Deb Dilker
Contact: 585.395.5975
Memorial Day (office closed):
May 28th, 2012
Independence Day (office closed):
July 4th, 2012
First Day of Fall 2012 Classes:
Monday, August 27th, 2012
Labor Day, Classes Suspended:
Monday, September 3rd, 2012
