Gallery / Postings / Info
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The 2011 Winter Graduation of the Sustainability Studies program. A special reception hosted by the University Alumni Association gave the graduates and their families a warm send off. Several of the grads will go on to graduate school and others are actively seeking to enter new careers in areas related to "green" jobs.
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Nicole is a Coastal Studies Major. Her recent trip to Franz Joseph Glacier which is located within Westland National Park of the South Island in New Zealand. The glacier is the steepest and |
Nicole said, "The sights I witnessed that |
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| Professor Hoffmann teaches a Systems an Modeling Class where students will learn to use simulation software that facilitates the visualization, formulations, and analysis of systems. Some of the systems studied include population,economic, and chemical models. | The Director of the Sustainability Studies Program, Dr. Martin Schoonen, representing the program in the May 2011 Commencement Ceremony. | Recycling and Reincarnation art exhibit highlights how art can be represented from found objects. |
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| Undergraduate students participating in laboratory experiments acquire hands on experience enhancing their research skills. The role of chemistry in the development of alternative energy sources, remediation technologies, and eco-friendly products is highlighted. |
Field trips are part of some of the classes in the curriculum in our five majors and three minors. Here, Professor Cassidy leads a group of students at Hubbard County Park, during a session of "Sustainability of the Long Island Pine Barrens" course. Hands on learning is a unique aspect of many of the courses in the programs. |
An installation from a Recyled art exhibit at the Wang Center, a partnerhsip between SBU and East China Normal University. Students are encouraged to learn about other cultures for greater understanding of global issues. |
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| An artwork installation on campus created by students in the "Enviromental Writing and the Media" course this past spring semester. Students are encouraged to use what they have learned in their multidisciplinary studies for such projects. |
Students are given the opportunity to conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. Such projects can then be submitted for campus wide events such as the Undergraduate Research Poster session hosted by URECA each spring semester. These skills are a perfect foundation for graduate program study. |
Stony Brook students studying abroad in Madagascar. Here they are spending the day with local school children and talking about the tropical rain forests that are part of the habitat. |
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Professor Bowman leads a field trip in a Marine Wetlands Preserve in Brooklyn, NY. Courses such as this "Restoration Ecology" include a study of the rationale, principles, practices, and legal, social, economic, and ethical issues associated with restoring the structure and function of degraded cological systems.
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Students building a water collection shed at the campus Organic Micro Farm in spring of 2011. The project is managed entirely by students and all members are volunteers, planning is done in conjuction with the campus Environmental Club. Adam and Nick were involved in many projects outside their required coursework. A message from Adam on his acceptance into a selective summer internship program that he credits to participation in our program: |
Graduating senior Martha Weller with family members at the departmental graduation ceremony. Martha manges her own environmental landscaping company, "Garden Environments". The compnay focuses on exercising environmental integrity and responsibility in design.
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Dr. Marc Fasanella curates an Environmental Art Exhibit on campus, Fall 2011. Dr. Fasanella is a faculty member of the Sustainability Studies Program, and specializes in Art, Design & Eco-Aesthetics. |
Deanna Lally, who is minoring in Sustainability Studies is seen here with her vertical garden at an environmental art exhibit. She is working on a patent with Dr. Marc Fasanella, her mentor for the project and curator of the exhibit. |
Sustainability Studies is proud to participate in the planning of Earthstock, the campus annaul weeklong celebration of environmental awareness. |
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Dr. Sharon Pochron, and Ms. Kimberly Barbour of Cornell University Cooperative Extension work with students on weaving eel grass to restore a natural living enviroment for fish and shellfish in local coastal waters. This class is part of the Ecosystems and Human Impact program, students gain hands on learning experiences in identifying and troubleshooting environmental issues. |
Students working on this restoratoion of the natural environment will see their efforts in action, the woven patches of grass will be installed and covered with sand and rocks to recreate the habitat. Students can major, or minor, in EHI. |
Gordian Raacke of Renewable Energy Long Island, and SBU Alum Ricky Greening were chosen to present for the Climate Reality Project, part of a 2011 initiative created by former Vice President Al Gore, which focuses on Climate Change, and what people can do from a local to a global perspective to create sustainable living practices. |
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Members of the first graduating class of Sustainability Studies students from Stony Brook University. Students majored and minored in Ecosystems and Human Impact, Environmental Design, Policy & Planning, Environmental Humanities, and Sustainability Studies. Our graduates will be going on to graduate school or entering the workforce into a growing market for "Green Sector" jobs. |
The banner bearer carrying our flag in the University Commencement ceremony. Kim graduated with honors, and recently sent us this message about her experience in the Environmental Humanities Major - please click this link for her first hand feedback of our program. Kim's Message: |
Fall Classic ! The Sustainability Studies faculty - student whiffle ball game brought out some fans and all enjoyed the terrific weather. Students are encouraged to participate in activities outside the classroom, enhancing their campus experiencse. |
Alumni Spotlight: Caroline Dwyer- Chancellor's Award Winner
Hello! My name is Caroline and I am a recent graduate of the Sustainability Studies Program at SBU, having received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Design, Policy and Planning with a Minor in Sustainability Studies. This spring, I have been spending my time working as I plan the next step of my education- graduate school! The Sustainability Studies program provided me with a strong background in my chosen field, urban planning, and, last fall, I applied to some of the top graduate programs in this area of study. I have currently been accepted to graduate programs at the University of Virginia, CUNY Hunter College, MIT and UNC- Chapel Hill. I do not doubt for a moment that my time with the Sustainability Studies Program provided me with an opportunity to effectively compete with other applicants to these very prestigious programs. After great consideration, I have chosen to join the Department of City and Regional Planning at UNC- Chapel, a program that is consistently ranked within the top-ten graduate planning programs in the nation.
In my opinion, the strengths of the Sustainability Studies Program include a “systems approach” to environmental problem solving, ample opportunities for students to pursue independent research, an engaged faculty with diverse areas of expertise, strong and thoughtful curriculums within all of the majors and minors (including courses in the practical application of cutting-edge software) and a strong community of like-minded students. I am certain that these program benefits greatly added to the strength of my graduate school applications, making my resume stand out in a way that others did not.
During my time in the program, I had the opportunity to research topics including: environmental factors in the collapse of the Hohokam civilization in the southwest United States; effects of current and historical social stratification on land use patterns in Eastern Suffolk County; the “cult” of the American suburban lawn and its effects on the environment, salient social and land use issues in the Norfolk, VA metropolitan statistical area, waste management policies (with policy recommendations) in Suffolk County, Long Island and a thorough analysis of town-level comprehensive land use plans as a part of my “senior project” and with the assistance of a summer research grant from the Sustainability Studies Program.
If you are an individual that has an interest in pursuing an education in sustainability, I would not for a moment hesitate to recommend the Sustainability Studies Program at Stony Brook University. I feel that I was amply prepared for my next steps, whether they had been to enter the work force or to continue my education, as I have chosen to do. The relevancy of this field cannot be overstated and being on the front lines of the movement, towards greater sustainability for all, is an opportunity to not be missed!
Alumni Spotlight: Richard Greening - Whats he doing now?
Richard Greening,Alum
Stony Brook University Graduate 2011
A Graduating senior Ricky received a degree of distinction; Summa Cum Laude, accepting the Directors Award for Academic Excellence.
I am currently working full time at the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center--which is where I worked while attending school--in Hampton Bays. Additionally, I am applying to approximately several graduate schools, including Stony Brook, to pursue a doctoral degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Evolutionary Biology. By this time next year I hope to be studying how anthropogenic impacts to the environment alter traditional patterns of disease in wildlife and how those changes ultimately impact human and ecosystem health, as well as economic systems. My other interests include restoration ecology and creating a meaningful system for making complex scientific information readily available and comprehensible for lay people. My first choice for school is Columbia University, but I am also looking into the Richard Gilder graduate school at the American Museum of Natural History, Rutger's, Princeton, Yale, Stony Brook, CUNY, and George Mason.
I just got finished with a four day conference (Student Conference on Conservation Science) at the American Museum of Natural History. The conference, run by the Center for Biodiversity Conservation, was spectacular and featured some cutting edge research projects. For those research or conservation minded students, these types of events might be a good primer to receive feedback on their research projects.
In addition to work and school related items,I am currently looking for grants that would enable me to build a net-zero carbon footprint home, hopefully somewhere along the east end of Long Island. This would be a rewarding next step in my commitment to sustainability and my education.
Alumni Spotlight: Nick Zanussi reflects on his time at SBU:
Nick Zanussi, Alum
Stony Brook University Graduate 2011
Major: Environmental Studies with a concentration in Ecology
Minor: Ecological Systems and Human Impacts
My time as a student in Stony Brook University’s Sustainability program included working on independent research and gaining extensive knowledge of Environmental Science. I worked with many faculty members and staff to design the Idiosyncratic Eco-Dwelling, an eco-house that can be used either as a relief dwelling or a residence. I was fortunate enough to have a mentor assist me with many different topics and was able to build a symbiotic relationship with him. Professor Marc Fasanella was my mentor, and it proved to be an invaluable experience. His willingness to oversee my research was critical in my success.
During my time at the university, I was responsible for the Organic Micro Farm and Garden managed by the Environmental Club. We grew many different varieties of crops and educated individuals in organic gardening. The Micro-farm will be run by a great group of students who will continue the tradition and ensure its productivity.
The extensive knowledge I gained in my sustainability studies classes helped me obtain employment in the environmental science field. I worked as a Coastal Steward for the Town of Southampton Trustees protecting and implementing conservation plans for endangered species of coastal birds and plants. Immediately after I graduated in May 2011, I worked at Suffield Academy, an independent school in northern Connecticut, teaching biology to middle and high school students during the school’s summer program. I am currently working for Nature’s Classroom as an Outdoor Environmental Educator to middle school students. I am grateful for the experience and knowledge I gained through Stony Brook University’s Sustainability Program. I am confident that it will enable me to become a successful environmental scientist.
Julie Schipper, Internship Summary, Department of Transportation- Bike Program
This past summer, I was an intern for the N.Y.C. Department of Transportation. I worked in the bike department promoting sustainable transportation throughout the city. This experience helped me realize my passion for work in this field. It gave me the opportunity to use what I have learned in many of my EDP classes and apply them to real situations. For one project, I was sent out into the field to take pictures of citizens utilizing different bike lanes throughout the city. I traveled throughout all five boroughs and became increasingly interested in the planning of bike lanes. Due to this project, I am now writing a research paper and presenting a presentation on the planning of bike lanes for the Environmental Design Project class.
My involvement in this internship was helped greatly by my EDP studies. Due to the variety of classes I had to take, I was able to complete all tasks asked of me. I found myself more prepared for this internship than some of the other interns from other schools. When deciding on which internships I wanted to apply for, I spoke with one of my advisors who pointed me in this direction. Without his help, I would have not applied for this specific internship and had the great opportunity that I did. I believe this work I completed during this internship will eventually help in finding a career in this field.
Environmental Art Exhibit catalog - Stony Brook University, Fall 2011 semester
Please click on this link to view the catalog from the show. It was curated by Marc Fasanella, of the Environmental Humanities Major, and features works of current students, alumni, and professionals in the field of eco-aesthetics.
About Green Careers after graduation:
Green Careers: The Direction of Jobs and the Economy in the Present and Future
Our society is rapidly adapting to the new realities of an interconnected world that faces environmental challenges, population growth, and dwindling non-renewable resources. New careers have emerged and others have been redefined in the context of these new challenges. Careers focusing on conservation of ecosystems and their biodiversity, working with industry on the implementation of alternative energy resources, designing and building greener communities, and developing new policies and incentives for consumers to make greener choices are just a few examples of career paths that are seeing rapid growth and expansion.
Minimizing the use of resources while lowering cost is an important incentive for businesses, all levels of government, and individuals to innovate and operate more sustainably. To achieve this, there is a need for skilled analysts, consultants, educators, advocates, planners, and policy makers. Many of these jobs did not exist several years ago and this “green” sector of the economy is expected to continue to grow. For example, the Federal government has estimated that occupations in clean energy and sustainability will grow by an impressive 52% between 2000 and 2016. By contrast, other careers are projected to see an increase of only 14% in this same time period.
Green job salaries will be competitive with those in other areas of the economy and higher in areas of greater demand. The NYS Department of Labor is working with Stony Brook University to look at the future of "green" jobs- more information on this initiative can be found at : http://www.labor.ny.gov/pressreleases/2010/May06_2010.htm
There is a fast growing body of data in this area and detailed information can be found at: http://www.bls.gov/green/home.htm.
Some specific examples of “green” and sustainable career opportunities are:
- Town /County/ State Planning and Land Use Environmental Consulting
- Green Marketing Representative Preservation & Stewardship Manager
- Green Architecture and Construction Renewable and Alternative Energy
- Environmental Education Energy and Efficiency Auditors
- Eco-Tourism and Travel Recycling and Waste Reduction
- Governmental and Regulatory Administration Innovation and International Aid
- Ecosystem and Ecological Restoration Natural Resource Management
- Non- Profit Advocacy Organizations Public Policy & Health
