eclecticenvironment

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey there, I’m KC!

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I attend the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF). I am an Environmental Studies major with a concentration in Law and Policy. I am the Founder and President of The Black Student Union at my college.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

My studies closely relate to environmental justice as a core point. My major is learning about different cases of environmental injustices and how to potentially solve them.

3. What has been your favorite academic experience to date?

There are two class-related experiences that I consider my favorite. Sophomore year of highschool I took an urban environmental class at a CUNY College nearby. This class was very hands-on and I got the opportunity to learn many of my lessons outdoors with real world examples of what we were being taught, whether that be tree species or green infrastructure. The second experience was the I-81 tour led by Professor Lemir Teron outlining the many issues this highway has caused for the residents of the bordering neighborhood. It helped me realize that what we are learning is really real sink in.

4. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known?

Some of my biggest struggles were finding my own path for what I want my future to look like and finding a role in my college. Learning how to manage the workload and still making time for myself was also very challenging. This has been my biggest workload in my academic career and I had to settle in to a new environment at the same time. I would recommend that incoming freshman utilize the time of their advisors and professors when they have questions about their future career and goals as well as how to manage their time. 

5. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

I am hoping for a career in environmental law. I would also hope to do some kind of education later on in life whether that be in higher education or at the grade school level. 

6. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

I like to spend time with my friends. We often watch movies, go out on walks, or cook together. I also find painting very relaxing.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hello, I’m Brianna Brackett!

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I am a student in Environmental Resources Engineering at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY. I also have a minor in Mathematics and I am involved in several clubs. The one club I am most active in is Bob Marshal Club, which is a student-run hiking club.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

Environmental engineering relates to just about every aspect of the environment, as it is engineering with the environment. We have taken classes that involve earth’s water systems such as ecological engineering and fluid mechanics. All of these classes are not only teaching us the general engineering techniques but are helping us to gain an understanding of how we can create environmentally friendly and efficient systems. 

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

‘The Omnivore’s Dilemma’ is one of my favorite books that relates to the environment, as it brings up one of the biggest reasons for environmental degradation - food. The book shines light on the factory farming systems used for most animal products produced in America and just how big the impact these systems are having on our environment.

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

I am currently and will be the Corporate Environmental Intern for Barrett Industries for the next year. I have gotten firsthand experience at the plants, being able to see the environmental impacts the company has on the surrounding areas, and their constant struggle to stay within the DEC Guidelines and have as little impact on the environment as possible. I was able to learn about the different permits the company needs to keep track of and the numerous environmental forms they need to fill out every day to be able to operate. I also got to help them create new action plans for some of the biggest environmental concerns at various sites.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known? 

Taking classes that you are not particularly interested in, or did not anticipate taking in your major, can be a challenge. I love math and classes that involve complex problem-solving skills, so when the engineering students were stuck in a Biology class freshman year, I was not too pleased. But at the end of the day, it’s just a part of the journey and it does help you to have a broader understanding of different subject areas that may be useful one day, making you a more well-rounded student.

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate? 

I would like some type of job that is mainly field work with some desk work opportunities - which is conveniently something I have already found in Barrett Industries. I love being able to go to the sites on my own terms, walk around, and take samples and photographs. But then some days I don’t want to go driving around and it is nice to be able to work with the information I have obtained on my laptop for the day.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

I love being outside, and mainly going on hikes or walks. I enjoy hiking in the Adirondacks or even locally. Going along with this is a love for camping and kayaking.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hello, I’m Maddie Eggenberger!

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated? 

I am a senior attending the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) and I am majoring in Environmental Resources Engineering. Throughout my time at ESF, I have played for the women’s soccer team and was named a captain this year! Sadly, we had no games this year due to restrictions because of the pandemic, but I am so grateful to have been a part of such a great team. I am also currenting working at Jacobs as a Civil Engineering Intern, focusing mainly on stormwater infrastructure in Syracuse, NY.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

The curriculum for ERE is largely focused on water resources. We study storm and wastewater, the effects that human infrastructure has on the world, and how to design systems that help mitigate pollution and harm to the environment. At my internship, we focus on controlling stormwater runoff with green and grey infrastructure to reduce combined sewer overflows that have been polluting Onondaga Lake and its tributaries.

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

One of my favorite books is ‘Desert Solitaire’ by Edward Abby. I read it for a writing class at ESF and it really opened my eyes to how different the landscape is in different parts of the United States. My bucket list now consists of travelling to Arches National Park and to the Grand Canyon. Another book I have read is ‘Gathering Moss’ by Robin Wall Kimmer. This book made me understand a connection between humans and nature that I hadn’t considered before. I really enjoyed both books and would recommend them to everyone!

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

My favorite part of my academic experience was being a teaching assistant for General Biology. I had learned so much in that course and I was so happy to be teaching it! Being a TA definitely helped me with my public speaking and presenting skills; it was very rewarding to help students with the material and to have them tell us how helpful we had been at the end of the semester.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known? 

As an incoming freshman, I was incredibly focused on school. While this is important, I think it is also necessary to think about the topics that most interest you and follow that path. When I first arrived at ESF, I was an Environmental Science major. I got very caught up in trying to get high grades that I didn’t realize until two years in that I wasn’t very passionate about what I was learning. I ended up switching my major to engineering to follow my love for math and for the hydraulic environment, and I am so much happier. I wish someone had told me sooner to not only consider my grades, but my own happiness as well.

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate? 

I am hoping to work as a Water Resources Engineer at an engineering firm after I graduate. I have really started to enjoy working with stormwater throughout my internship, and I think that is a path I would like to follow and explore more.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

Outside of school, I really enjoy spending time in the Adirondacks. I like to go hiking and kayaking and spend time on the water. I have also been slowly learning to play the guitar. Mostly though, I just love to spend time with my family and friends.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey there, I’m Gini Weisar! 

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I attend the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry (SUNY ESF) and I am majoring in Environmental Resources Engineering. We don’t have official concentrations anymore but, unofficially, I’m concentrating in ecological engineering. I’m in too many clubs to readily list, but I’m the Treasurer of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) and the Social Media Coordinator for Friends of Oakwood Cemetery.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

My major requires us to take an ecology elective, so I decided to take Urban Ecology and loved it. It focused on both biological ecology within urban systems, such as animals that cannot adapt to the urban landscape versus animals that adapt a little too well, and environmental justice with topics like food deserts and redlining. Hydrology is a large part of my major and one of the most common career choices we go into as environmental engineers. Water is a hot topic with wastewater, conservation, and fluid mechanics. I want to go into ecological restoration which relates to ecology, hydrology, and environmental justice in a very interdisciplinary way.

3. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

I did an NSF funded research project in 2019 that paid me to go to Mexico. In January of that year, I spent 3 weeks in the Baja Peninsula using Ground Penetrating Radar to look at the subsurface with students from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC). I missed the first week of classes but it was so worth it. Later that summer, we all got together in Kansas City to finish up the research.

4. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known?

The rigor of the coursework was definitely challenging. Going to school full-time is, well, full-time. I typically do 18 credit-hours every semester and if you’re supposed to do 3 hours of work outside of class, then that’s over 50 hours a week. I wish I had known earlier how to ask for help. Additionally, I would recommend getting your work done at least a day or two in advance so that you can utilize office hours and tutoring.

5. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

My dream job is working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). I would really like to do coastal wetland remediation, or truly any sort of ecosystem restoration.

6. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

I love hiking. I’m from Missouri so we don’t really have mountains and now I’ve been to the Adirondacks more time than I can count. I also like just walking around locally; there’s a giant cemetery nearby and I go on walks through there and volunteer with Friends of Oakwood Cemetery most weekends. I also like to read and I’m currently trying to learn Mandarin Chinese.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hi, my name is Emily Hudak!

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated? 

I attend the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) in Syracuse, NY. I'm currently in my junior year and I am studying Environmental Resource Engineering. There are a few awesome clubs I'm involved in at SUNY ESF including the Student Environmental Education Coalition (SEEC) and the Undergraduate Student Association (USA).

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

Ecology and hydrology are some of the largest parameters associated with environmental engineering. Additionally, my major and studies help with environmental justice because they inspire me to make a change in the world. With the knowledge that I will have coming out of school, I will be able to make things more environmentally sustainable and friendly. Environmental engineering, when applied properly, protects people from adverse environmental effects that are usually caused by humans.

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

My favorite source of literature in relation to environmental justice is ‘The Ripple Effect: The Fate of Fresh Water in the Twenty-First Century’. My high school environmental science teacher made my class read this as an assignment and I have never been more thankful.  It really opened up my eyes to the inequality within freshwater supplies and systems. 

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

My favorite academic experience to date was participating in the NCF-Envirothon. NCF-Envirothon is an annual environmentally-themed academic competition for high school students organized by a program under the National Conservation Foundation. It consisted of a bunch of categorized group exams based upon soils, forestry, and aquatics. There were different levels of the competitions - once your team won counties you qualified for states, each qualification increasing in intensity. This was a big impact on me because this was when I realized environmental science was important to me and I wanted to pursue a career in it.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known? 

The most difficult transition into college for me was becoming in charge of my own actions. I have to say the free time was hard to manage between school and friends.  It does become easier once time goes on though and you get used to what works out for you. What I would recommend coming into school as a freshman is to take advantage of all the school has to offer - tutoring, office hours or even all of the extra curricular activities they have for us to have fun.  There are a lot more opportunities being offered than you think, so you might as well enjoy them.

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate? 

If I am being honest, I am not 100% sure. I am thinking of joining the Peace Corps because I believe that would be a good fit for me and I could see myself becoming very passionate within that field. I am also considering going to get a Masters in Education and becoming either a high school math or science teacher. It's all up in the air still, but that’s the exciting part - there's so many opportunities with this major.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

When I am not working, I love to be outdoors. You can catch me hiking, biking and kayaking. I recently started my long journey in hopes of becoming an ADK 46er. I also love to bake and try a bunch of new recipes.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hello, my name is Emily Ellithorpe!

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I attend SUNY ESF with a major in Environmental Resources Engineering and a minor in Water Resources.  I am the Vice President for the New York Water Environment Association student chapter and the Local Project Lead for Engineering for a Sustainable Society on campus.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

Being in engineering, people expect that I love math and physics and those are the only subjects I study.  While that is true for a majority of my classes, I’m personally more interested in the applications on these areas to solve problems in ecology, hydrology, and environmental justice.  To me, environmental engineering is about creating sustainable systems that are not only better for the environment, but also systems that improve EVERYONE’s quality of life.  It may seem like a lot to combine all of these fields together, but in order for a system to work properly all of these things need to be considered, especially with wetland ecosystems, which are what I’m primarily interested in.

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

My favorite literature is probably National Geographic, a classic. I think they generally do a really good job of encompassing different issues surrounding the environment and how they impact the system as a whole.

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

My favorite academic experience so far has been working on a stormwater management project with Engineering for a Sustainable Society.  This project started my freshman year with research and site visits, with the first implementation day occurring in my sophomore year. Even though our phase one implementation failed, due to a 100 year rainfall event, I learned a lot about stormwater and bioretention before I was introduced to it in any class, and knew that this was a field I wanted to focus on. This year, as a junior, I am the new project lead working on designing a new approach based on what we learned from the failure of the first implementation. Although the project has been moving slower than I expected, it has taught me how to learn from failure, improve my communication skills, and use the tools I’ve learned in class on a real life project.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known?

The biggest struggle I had to overcome in college was accepting that even the best solutions to problems aren’t perfect.  Since my freshman year, I’ve been experimenting and researching different ways to reduce my personal impact on the planet through plant-based diets and zero waste alternatives. I’m incredibly proud of everything I have accomplished and learned through this process but it was definitely a struggle when I realized that there are no perfect solutions. I have realized though that every little bit makes a difference.  Some days I think that my small changes to using less plastic don’t mean much, but for me it’s all about learning what works and teaching others. 

One thing I would recommend to an incoming freshman is to find something you enjoy doing outside of class and set goals for yourself.  While the things you learn in class are important, there are so many things you learn on your own by exploring.  Goal-setting is my second tip because it has helped me tremendously this past year.  Instead of New Year’s Resolutions I make new year/semester goals. The difference here is the phrasing.  Setting a goal gives you something to work toward throughout the year and at the end of the year you can look back and be proud of accomplishments rather than failing one month into a resolution and giving up.  These goals can be related to school, relationships, health, and my new addition of environmental impact.

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

My dream career after graduation would be in wetland restoration or land reclamation. I think it’s an incredible thing that we have the ability to restore ecosystems that we have destroyed and I want to be a part of coming up with even better ways to do that.  Along with that, I also want to do some work in public education because there’s no use fixing an ecosystem if it is going to be degraded again, or if it isn’t restored in a way that is supported by a community.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

Aside from school work I honestly just enjoy getting outside in any way possible. It seems like such cliché that someone in an environmental field enjoys the outdoors, but who doesn’t.  Being able to explore new places and relax in the fresh air is the best feeling after a busy week of school work. Plus, I wouldn’t be so passionate about protecting and restoring something if I didn’t enjoy it.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey there, I’m Brielle Howell! I’ve been working as a research fellow with the Center for Environmental Medicine and Informatics (CEMI) at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF). 

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I’m a senior at SUNY ESF, majoring in Environmental Studies and concentrating in Environmental Policy, Planning, and Law. I’m also a research fellow with the Center for Environmental Medicine and Informatics (CEMI) at ESF. I collaborate frequently with Engineers Without Borders and I’m also a member of the Syracuse University Outing Club!

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

My major is the study of the political and economic forces complicating environmental issues. My primary research focus at CEMI has been health disparities produced by the disproportionate environmental exposure that people of color and low income people systematically experience. A critical environmental justice concept is the understanding that environmental harm of any kind almost always produces social harm - when professionals address only environmental issues, their solutions are incomplete, don’t work, or at worst reproduce environmental racism and inequality. For example, strategic greening and the creation of ‘eco-cities’ without investment in the residents already living there almost always facilitates gentrification and the displacement of long time urban residents. Environmental professionals who specialize in environmental justice often have to be able to understand the biophysical sciences as well as the social sciences in order to effectively understand socio environmental issues. 

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

‘What is Critical Environmental Justice?’ by David Naguib Pellow is an absolute must read for anyone interested in environmental sustainability. It draws critical connections between environmental and resource issues and social tensions such as the Black Lives Matter movement. Another favorite is ‘Introducing Just Sustainabilities: Policy, Planning, and Practice’ by Julian Agyeman. This is a required reading for the environmental justice course at SUNY ESF, which is where I was first exposed to it, but I continually find myself coming back to it. It has four sections: ‘Introducing Just Sustainabilities’, ‘Food’, ‘Space and Place’, and ‘Culture’. I think it is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in urban sustainability and social justice. Warning though, it can seem abstract and inaccessible, but I benefited a lot from engaging with it in a classroom setting. 

4. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known?

I’ve struggled a lot with burn out - especially as a chronically ill person. I learned that I have finite energy and am a person outside of activism! We’re on the precipice of climate catastrophe and it's so easy to feel like you are never doing enough when there is so much bad happening in the world. I try to take care of myself and do things just for me now. I now consider taking time for myself and allowing myself to be human to be a natural part of activism. I can’t do my part if I’m burnt out. 

5. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

I want to go to grad school for international relations! Hopefully I can work in international human rights and/or sustainability policy. Beyond that, not really sure!

6. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

I absolutely love to go outside! I keep myself from burning out by hiking, biking, and rock/ice climbing. Outdoor activities are what keep me sane!

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey, I’m Paula Rueda Villamil! This summer, I was an undergraduate student researcher through the Urban Water Innovation Network’s Undergraduate Research Program (UWIN-URP)! 

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I’m attending UC Berkeley and studying Environmental Engineering Science. I was a community college transfer student! When I transferred, I got to be a part of the Engineering Scholars as Engaged Scholars program, where I got to learn about the role of engineering in social, political, and environmental justice concerns. 

2. Who were you mentors and what are their affiliated universities? 

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Elie Bou-Zeid and Dr. Maider Llaguno-Munitxa, both from Princeton University. 

3. What were you researching? How does it relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

I researched particulate matter air pollution and how it's related to socioeconomics and the physical characteristics of cities. We focused on particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in size (PM 2.5), investigating how concentrations of this pollutant are correlated to median household income in different cities. As demonstrated by many studies, we found that lower income areas experience higher concentrations of the PM 2.5 pollutant. Seeing the disproportionate impact of pollutants on vulnerable communities, we also investigated how this disparity persists across varying population densities. For the physical analysis, we used the ‘Local Climate Zone Framework’, a previously developed system for characterizing types of environments based on trees, paved surfaces, heights of buildings, and city compactness, to investigate how these particular zones influence PM 2.5 concentrations in the air. I really enjoyed combining a physical analysis with a socioeconomic analysis to study PM 2.5 concentrations, as I am very interested in understanding intersections between science, engineering, and the social sciences in air quality research. 

4. What has been your favorite piece of literature that you’ve reviewed? 

One of my favorite pieces of literature, though not specifically used for my research this summer, is “Activist Engineering: Changing Engineering Practice by Deploying Praxis” by Karwat Darshan. This paper presents ways in which engineers can recognize the political nature of their work, and how many of the current climate change challenges often do not require a solely technical solution implemented by engineers. It emphasizes the importance of ethics, social and socioeconomic perspectives, and non-technical knowledge from communities and other fields. 

5. What was your favorite part of the UWIN-URP to date? 

My favorite part of the UWIN-URP were getting to receive guidance and mentorship from my mentors and being a part of a cohort of other undergraduates engaging in research for the first time. I really enjoyed learning about my peer’s research interests and seeing their dedication, passion, and care towards environmental justice issues! I also loved the transdisciplinary nature of the program, and getting to hear speakers from so many different fields, including some of which I had never even heard of. 

6. What is the value you see in undergraduate research? What is one thing you would recommend to somebody starting research for the first time that you wish you had known? 

Engaging in undergraduate research has been one of the most insightful and valuable experiences I’ve had so far. It gave me the opportunity to develop new skills outside of the typical classroom environment, such as developing my own research ideas, working with a mentor, gathering real environmental data, and writing relevant MATLAB code for investigating my research questions. I also got to step out of my comfort zone, practice perseverance, and discover viable career options in graduate school and other places. Undergraduate research is a great way to explore a particular area of emphasis, understand your research’s connection to other fields, and learn about communicating your findings in an accessible and effective way. For students starting research for the first time, I would recommend lots of background reading to understand varying perspectives on your field of study, and also a willingness to grow, be patient with yourself, and learn by trial and error! 

7. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate? 

Still deciding! I am very interested in continuing with research and pursuing a Masters or PhD. Broadly, I aim to maintain a community focused mindset, collaborating with others and valuing knowledge from a range of experiences and disciplines throughout my career. 

8. What do you like to do for fun apart from your research? 

I enjoy watching nature documentaries, drinking tea, and playing guitar! I’ve also been self-studying speaking and writing in French.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey there, I’m Isabelle Horvath!

1. What universities have you attended and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I attended the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) from August 2015 until December 2018, earning a B.S. in Environmental Resources Engineering and Minor in Mathematics. While at ESF I was a member of the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) and the SUNY ESF Chapter of Engineers Without Borders where I held various leadership roles. My primary student involvement was in the Environmental Resources Engineering Club, in which I was club president for 3 semesters. Currently I’m working on a thesis-based master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at Marquette University under the advisement of Dr. Anthony Parolari.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

I’m studying the availability and mobility of ions in the soils of urban green spaces, focusing on biogeochemical mechanisms that drive the retention and release of nutrients from green stormwater infrastructure. Ecology is the “why” and “how” of my research. Why study nutrient mobility? It is important to study nutrient movement in urban soils because of the potential ecosystem impact nutrients have downstream as stimulants of eutrophication. How can green infrastructure be better designed to retain nutrients? This can be considered through the application of ecological flows like plant uptake and nutrient cycling. Hydrology sets the context for my research - urban runoff is the vector for anthropogenic nutrients to reach water bodies, and stormwater infrastructure is the leading tool applicable to prevent these non-point source pollutants from impacting ecosystems.

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

Twitter! I follow speakers, guest lecturers, and authors of papers I enjoy - these folks often promote work from their labs and papers they’ve read. I also believe it’s extremely important to have diversity in what I read and cite. One of my favorite accounts is @EEB_POC, an account for ecology, evolution & behavior papers by authors of color. There is also a great database of People of Color in Water Research (bit.ly/WaterPOC).

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

Situations where I have been in a mentor or mentee relationship have been my favorite memories. My REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) experience at New Mexico State University was hugely transformative in my academic career, where I had my first experience in a lab, and learned endless social, leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills. I had an equally fantastic experience advising a high school student in a research immersion program as a graduate student, and loved teaching her lab methods, mentoring her academic career, and promoting her scientific curiosity.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to those considering a master’s or doctorate program?

My biggest recommendation for those choosing a grad school program is to consider the lab culture as heavily as the research project and prestige of the universities you’re considering. It’s crucial to talk to the grad students in the labs you’re considering before committing to a lab. As a researcher, a huge part of grad school life is the culture in the lab and relationships between other grad students and with your advisor. It’s normal (and I’d encourage!) asking current grad students things like: is the work environment more competitive or collaborative? How’s your relationship with your advisor? As a grad student, what career are you hoping for? What’s the lab’s social dynamic - does the lab celebrate each others birthdays? Ask anything to help to determine if the lab atmosphere will be one you can thrive in.

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

After graduating I plan on working for a state or federal government agency, or as a stormwater specialist for a private company. My dream job would involve work in nutrient management and urban green space design, specifically, on the Great Lakes.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

Outside of direct academic work, I love to spend my Saturdays volunteering with a local recreation and education program in Milwaukee called the Urban Ecology Center (TW: @urbanecology, IG: @urbanecologycenter). I volunteer as a Saturday educator for the Young Scientists Club, which is an afterschool outdoor education group. When I’m not with the Young Scientists, I’m usually found baking dessert or hanging out in a Milwaukee public park reading, biking, or boating.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hiya, I’m Katie Weeks! This summer, I worked with Nina Sharifi on making buildings more heating-cooling efficient. 

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated? 

I'm an architecture student at Syracuse University. I'm also getting a minor in ‘Geography: Environment & Society’. With this major and minor, I've been taking classes about environmental policy, urban planning, and eco-urban systems. 

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

Architecture, like most design fields, can benefit from concentration in environmental issues. Personally, I've focused on architecture theory and studied project precedents as detriments to environmental justice. Housing, especially, is closely tied with environmental justice and other social issues. 

3. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

To date, my favorite academic experience has been my time working with Nina Sharifi as a research assistant. Professor Sharifi works in the field of Building Systems and is currently working on multiple projects aiming to decrease fossil fuel usage in buildings across the New York State. I had the pleasure of working with her & other Syracuse University architecture students on a project for the New York State Energy Research & Development (NYSERDA) which included cataloging and interpreting data from housing databases. The end goal is to determine which residential building types are most prevalent and can be easily retrofitted to be more heating-cooling efficient. Because of her amazing research on retrofitting solutions, Professor Sharifi received a grant in late June from the American Institute of Architects to continue researching retrofits for Syracuse University's south campus apartments.

4. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? 

Balancing my interests and my mental health has probably been my biggest struggle in college. Architecture, in itself, is a difficult major demanding around 40 hours a week. My first year, I threw myself right into it and found it difficult to do anything outside of Slocum Hall; I ended up in health services because my body wouldn't hold down food and I wasn't sleeping. They tested me for mumps, strep, and a million other things, but at the end of the day I was struck with exhaustion. It was a serious wake up call - the following semesters, I tried to take my architecture classes a little less seriously. I joined marching band and rushed and tried my best to learn a little more about things outside the architecture field and school in general.

5. What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known? 

This is less of a recommendation, but more a word of advice: not everyone will care as much as you do, so if you care, speak up. There are going to be projects you don't feel overly passionate about and that's okay. But when you find one that you really feel for and have ideas, there is no reason to remain quiet! Coming into school, I had the mindset that I would never be the smartest in the room, so when I had ideas I typically stayed quiet. But now I realize that there really are no dumb ideas; if you feel passionately enough to have a thought, you may as well share it.

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate? 

A meaningful one where I can actually make a difference in issues I'm passionate about. I would love to work for a non-profit or with local governments in designing sustainable affordable housing. In my career, I hope to find a reflection of my values, and the opportunity to change larger systems that include housing. The prison-industrial complex and providing stable living to released individuals is of great interest to me, as well as affordable and mixed income housing systems to provide housing and services to the formally homeless & impoverished individuals.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major? 

Outside of my major, I participate in marching band and Greek life; right now, I've been working on some Greek life accountability standards to implement within my chapter. I also LOVE getting Peoples Place Coffee and sitting on the quad with my pals, eating tomato basil bagels!

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey, my name is Ilsa Dohner! This summer, I’ve been recharging for the coming semester with some reading, gaming, and baking.

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated? 

I attend the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) and I major in Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Policy, Planning, and Law. I hope to minor in Environmental Writing and Rhetoric as well as Native Peoples and the Environment. Currently, I am the president of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance, otherwise known as SAGA.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

With my concentration, my biggest focus has been on environmental justice-related topics. When it comes to environmental policy and law, one of the most important factors is considering how proposed action and legislation will impact marginalized communities. Furthermore, what those communities want and need to thrive in the face of environmental justice concerns, systemic racism, and poverty. The most poignant lesson I have learned overall from my time at college is that it is impossible to separate environmental justice from any topic of discussion and study, no matter how far removed it may seem. 

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

In terms of environmental justice, I learn a lot from environmental activists and leaders I follow on social media and their associated writings. I try to source my learning from Black women and Indigenous activists in particular as they are the originators of the environmental justice movement. 

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

My favorite academic experiences by far would come down to the classes which transformed my whole world view: ‘Politics of Climate Change’, ‘Introduction to Native Peoples’, and ‘Environmental Justice’. All of these classes, taught by some of my favorite professors, revealed the extent to which racism and classism is cemented in the systems under which we currently function. I am very grateful to have learned from incredible people. I also acknowledge that I am privileged to learn about these issues rather than experiencing them firsthand.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known? 

My biggest struggle started my freshman year where I was hyper involved on campus and determined to make a positive change for students. Although wanting to be involved is not a bad thing, I took it to the point where I was completely burned out by the end of my first year at college and had to quit most of what I had been involved in. Even now, going into my third year at college, I am still struggling to recover from that level of burnout. The pressure to be involved and participate in extracurriculars can be immense, but ultimately the best path is to take it slow and figure out what is best for you. 

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate? 

Initially coming into college, I had hoped to work heavily in state and federal environmental policy with a potential future in politics. However, my time at college has completely reshaped my vision of my career. Although I am still not entirely certain what my career may be, I hope to pursue some form of urban planning.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major? 

My hobbies include video games, makeup, and reading. In addition, I play a plethora of board and card games with my friends. I also like to bake as often as I can, budget permitting. 

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey there, I’m Kati Burton! This summer, I was an undergraduate research student through the Urban Water Innovation Network (UWIN).

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?  

I go to Virginia Tech and am double majoring in ‘Water: Resources, Policy, and Management’ & ‘Environmental Economics: Management and Policy’. I am also involved in Chi Delta Alpha, a service sorority, and complete volunteer work frequently; my favorite project is visiting nursing home residents weekly and doing their nails. I am also an ambassador for the College of Natural Resources and the Environment and help to recruit admitted students to the program as well as attending welcome events. I am also mentoring a group of five freshman students majoring in Environmental Economics this coming fall. 

2. Who are you mentors and what are their affiliated universities?  

My mentor this summer was Alexander Maas from the University of Idaho - he is in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. 

3. What are you currently researching? How does it relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?  

This summer I researched the potential decrease in home values in counties affected by the Elk River Spill in 2014. This spill took place outside of Charleston, West Virginia at a company called Freedom Industries who stored chemicals for coal processing. 10,000 gallons of these chemicals leaked into the Elk River, a water source supplying water for 300,000 homes. This caused a ‘do not drink’ order to be in place for about two weeks. Our research found that within three miles of the spill, homes experienced roughly a 10% loss of value that has persisted for five years. This is an environmental justice issue because West Virginia is number two in coal production but is not a top five consumer of coal in the US. Therefore, they are receiving all of the cons of coal and very few pros. Some of these cons are obvious, like contaminated water; and others are revealed to be more complex, such as our study where the loss in value is not reflected in their assessed property value so the citizens are paying inaccurately high property taxes. This specific scenario also led to the company responsible to declare bankruptcy and fire all of their employees, further hurting the area. These situations are why some areas of rural Appalachia are referred to as sacrifice zones. My research has shown me that this is something I hope to pursue in the future. 

4. What has been your favorite piece of literature that you’ve reviewed for your research?  

My favorite piece of literature was actually one that I did not include in my final research paper. I read an article from the journal ​‘Social Justice’, ​entitled​: “Do We Really Want to Go Down That Path? Abandoning Appalachia and the Elk River Chemical Spill’, written by Stephen Young. ​This article kept me going when I got overwhelmed and gave me a purpose for my research. The people in this region have been dehumanized by the coal industry and very few see any reparations for the harm done to them. The term “white trash” gets thrown around frequently as well as “backwards” and many other derogatory remarks that allow the majority of people to turn a blind eye when these accidents happen. This is interesting considering the high value and importance placed on the products that this region produces. Pursuing this issue from an economic standpoint feels necessary to me because although this paper was gripping and incites an emotional response it will be (and has been) dismissed as just that - emotional. In order for this region to see a change, we need quantified and measured impacts that give the citizens the power to ask for exactly what it is that they have lost. 

5. What has been your favorite part of the UWIN-URP program to date?  

My favorite part of the UWIN-URP program was the annual meeting. Across two days, we got to hear about the projects of professionals and receive support for our personal and cohort projects. I have never felt that I had a place in science, I have bounced around changing majors quite a bit and until this program I wrote off the idea of pursuing anything science related. However attending this meeting and having career scientists supporting the case study generated by the cohort, as well as our own individual projects, was a surreal feeling. Being told that we were a part of a network full of people who both impressed and inspired me has increased my self confidence and efficacy dramatically.  

6. What is the value you see in undergraduate research? What is one thing you would recommend to somebody starting research for the first time that you wish you had known?  

Participating in undergraduate research has been one of the most valuable decisions I have made thus far. Doing this kind of research has taught me in one summer more than I learn in an average semester length class, and not just technical academic knowledge. This program opened my eyes to other options that I had no idea existed and allowed me to see places where I could make my passions a career. For example, I never thought of a brewery having such an extensive sustainability program or practicing environmental policy advocacy. I also never knew that PhD programs are usually funded or had the chance to ask questions on the ins and outs of grad school. What I wish I knew was that it is okay to not know what you are doing, you will learn and the sooner you can accept that, the sooner you will start learning. I spent about a month consumed with imposter syndrome and it wasn’t until I stopped with the negative self talk that I was able to give all of my effort, and shortly after that that I began to love what I was doing and discover a new passion. It is important to know that there will be a learning curve and it may be uncomfortable at first but that is how you grow and you have to trust the process. 

7. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?  

When I graduate undergrad I want to get my masters in applied economics and potentially also a law degree, possibly with my mentor from the UWIN-URP program. After I complete all of this, I want to do more non-market valuation research and hope to focus on other areas of rural Appalachia. I am also interested in using my potential law degree to practice environmental justice law. I could see both of these things happening in conjunction, similar to my summer project - if a cost was uncovered in economic analysis and a company could be brought to court to recover lost value, I would ideally be a part of the entire process. 

8. What do you like to do for fun apart from your research?  

Apart from research and volunteering through my sorority I love to go on runs, walks, practice yoga, and listen to country radio with the windows down at an absurd volume. I also love to hike and enjoy nature in the mountains, which is my favorite place to be.  

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey there, my name is Sarah Perrino! This summer, I’ve been analyzing Retrofit and the impact infrastructure construction and renovations have on the environment.

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I major in Architecture and minor in Music History at Syracuse University. I’m pretty involved at the school through marching band, pep band, concert band, club hockey, and the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Office.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

Buildings have a huge impact on the environment during and after construction. It takes so much energy to construct and sustain a building. For this reason, I have been studying Retrofit through my job this summer. Retrofit is the practice of renovating an existing building so that it creates as much energy as it needs, coining the term “Net Zero”. It can take form in many different renovations, but the most common include updating the insulation to avoid air leakage, getting new HVAC systems for better air quality and thermal comfort, and installing solar panels to provide energy. It is actually better for the environment to retrofit than it is to build a new “green home”. Through this internship I’ve learned sustainable architecture is the only architecture. I’ve also taken a class called Constructing in the Anthropocene which is about designing architecture that is trying to mitigate the impact of climate change, transportation, and industrialization. A partner and I chose to battle the seaweed issue in Japan. Seaweed is important to Japan because it’s part of their history, culture, diet and economy. But due to climate change, specifically rising sea surface temperatures, seaweed is struggling to grow in Japan. To make matters worse, the government put strict restrictions on agricultural runoff from farms that used to be bad for seaweed, but in recent years has been a source of nutrients for seaweed. Based on our scientific research and cultural research, my partner and I designed a walking trail made of guided growth bamboo that will serve as an aqueduct from a farm to an artificial seaweed farm. This will carry a healthy amount of agriculture runoff to the seaweed so it can grow locally from Japan again. Buildings can be placed anywhere, but architecture is designed for one specific space. Architecture is more than what’s inside the building, it’s also about the environment it exists in at the moment and the environment it’s going to exist in for the next fifty years.There is a famous principle from the Iroquois people that encouraged them to make decisions for the people in seven generations instead of the people alive today. I think it is crucial to design for a better future, whether I get to see it or not.

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

Mirzoeff’s ‘Visualizing the Anthropocene’ where he breaks down the anthropocene, or proposed geological epoch dating, in art. He mentions Monet’s painting ‘Sun Rising 1873′, which is a beautiful painting, but it’s one of the first records where climate change became an aesthetic. The painting depicts a shoreline with a vibrant sunset over factories with clouds of smoke emitting. Although it made for a beautiful image, it aestheticized the unnatural sunset and factory smoke. Simultaneously it made climate change visible and tangible. Usually during the discussion of climate change, people imagine dystopias 200 years from now, but it is already happening. Dr Seuss’ ‘The Lorax’ also aestheticized climate change. If you remember the movie, there was a utopia where everything was fake - even the air was bottled up. But just outside this “utopia” was a dying earth. But the power of one seed proved that nature was the true utopia. Cheesy, but true.

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? This can include classes, research, or internship opportunities.

For my studio class, we had to design a library addition. But in order to get some site data and context, the class visited the library. Our professor strategically assigned this design project while there was a town fair going on. We got to see and speak with the best representation of the community. I had so much fun hearing people’s opinions on places with so much potential, such as libraries.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known?

I think I’ve always struggled finding security in who are my reliable and true friends. Over the past few years I’ve accumulated some great people in my life, but every semester I wonder if class schedules will get in the way and if I’ll find some new people. It can be very exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. Everyone is experiencing self doubt towards where they are, what they’re majoring in, who they surround themselves with, and what classes they take. Take your time exploring and don’t rush deciding. College isn’t one decision followed by four years, it’s four years of deciding.

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

I hope to become a licensed architect. I want to make playful spaces that stimulate the brain positively and make everyday fun - like Google Offices.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

To keep it brief - band, ice hockey, and GrubHub!

[eclecticenvironment]

Hi, my name is Katherine Gannon! This summer, I’ve been working remotely with Penn State University to create an emission inventory. 

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?   

I attend the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF). My major is Environmental Resources Engineering, and I will be minoring in Water Resources. I am the President of the Student Environmental Education Coalition and the Fundraising Chair for Engineers Without Borders on campus.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

Environmental resources engineering encompasses ecology and hydrology through the analysis of the environmental characteristics of an area and understanding how to better improve their quality to reap greater benefits for the ecosystem as well as for humans who depend on these ecosystems. An environmental engineer works to enhance water, soil, and other abiotic factors through the implementation of design projects. Environmental justice is crucial to these design projects because a project can only truly be a success if the entire community impacted by the project feels the project improves their livelihood and aligns with their cultural values rather than just being what an outsider feels is best for the people.  

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice? 

I would say currently that my favorite source of literature related to these environmental topics would be ‘Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming’ by Paul Hawken. A team of 120 professionals from diverse careers and backgrounds advised the material written in this book on solutions aimed to not just slow or stop global warming but reverse it. The solutions are multidisciplinary and span categories from energy to land use to women and girls. Understanding ecology and hydrology is critical to achieving the implementation of renewable energy sources that do not interfere with the health of natural habitats, and the inclusion of solutions that target the education and health of women and girls emphasizes the need for environmental justice when pursuing climate change solutions.

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

My favorite academic experiences thus far have been my ecological engineering and ecological engineering in the tropics courses. These classes helped me realize my interest in shorelines and protecting the wildlife that lives there as well as more generally how nature and technological design coexist in our world.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? 

The biggest struggle I’ve had to overcome while in college has been caring for my mental health while trying to balance my educational and social lives. “Fear of missing out” haunted me, but at the same time, when I would choose to spend time with friends, I constantly felt guilty I wasn’t studying. With time, I grew to accept that the purpose of education is to enhance your life not debilitate it, and studying with friends also acted as a happy medium for my indecisive mind.

6. What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known? 

Grades can only take you so far. I know I focused so much on letters being written on my transcript that when it came time to apply for internships, I felt at a loss on what to discuss on my resume and cover letters. I highly recommend becoming active in extracurricular/volunteer/employment opportunities right from the start of your college career, so you can develop those critical leadership and communication skills employers seek. But even more so than that, these opportunities will help you learn more about yourself and your values, so you can be more confident when applying for internships and research positions.  

7. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate? 

I am interested in working as a coastal/ecological engineer who develops nature-based solutions to increased storm surges from climate change that will preserve habitats.

8. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

Teaching others, especially kids, about the scientific wonders of the natural world has always been a passion of mine. My role in the Student Environmental Education Coalition has given me an outlet for this passion by volunteering in local elementary schools. Activism is also something I value deeply and have wanted to become more involved in. I really enjoyed learning more about the needs of my community by attending Black Lives Matter rallies over this past summer, and the picture I included is from my first rally at the 2017 March for Science in Chicago. On the weekends, I love playing board games and watching movies with my friends as well.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey there, my name is Hannah Doktor! This summer, I’ll be working at Fullers Overlook Farm in Waverly, PA. 

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I attend the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) as a Biotechnology Major. Within this, I am pursuing the Plant Biotechnology route with a Concentration in Forest Health. On campus, I am an orientation leader and Secretary of the Black Student Union.

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

My studies relate to forest ecosystems and making sure that they remain healthy through phytoremediation efforts, identification and treatment of tree pathogens and use of genetic engineering. This helps to keep plant species that are endangered afloat by selecting for resistance.

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

My favorite source of literature would be field guides, in general, as they help me identify key species. Once I am able to identify these members of a specific area, it makes it a lot easier to understand how they may interact with others within their ecosystem.  

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date? 

My favorite academic experience definitely has to be taking a class on mycology, or the study of mushrooms, and constructing a 30-specie collection of preserved and identified mushrooms of different classifications for my final project.

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known?

My biggest college struggle was definitely time management, specifically making time for self care and self check in. I would advise new students to make sure they allot time for themselves in between all the excitement of taking classes, doing research, joining clubs, etc. It's always best to set aside time to take a break yourself instead of your body deciding ‘okay, right now is break time.’

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

After I graduate, I'm hoping to continue my education and pursue a Masters Degree in Plant Biotechnology or Forest Health. I really enjoy learning and would love to maybe even be a professor at a university and continue research.

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

Outside of school, I really enjoy experimenting with new recipes and drawing! Like most ESF students, I'm always down for time outside as well.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey there, my name is Alex Allard! This summer, I’ll be social distancing at my home in New Rochelle, NY and catching up on LOTS of missed television.

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I am a Junior at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) in Syracuse, NY. I’m majoring in Biotechnology with a Minor in Microscopy. I am also involved as Vice President of our Music Society!

2. How do your studies relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

My studies are heavily involved in the relationship of microbial ecology and other life, particularly humans and charismatic megafauna. Lots of work that I have done in past classes have dealt with the interactions of microbial life within their environment and how changing environmental factors like oxygen levels, acidity, and other resources affect their behavior and growth patterns. In some ways, they also tie to environmental justice in the sense that many issues with water contamination, crop destruction, and other issues that can be traced to a certain microbe can be resolved by studying the growth patterns and habits in the environment that they are found in.

3. What is your favorite source of literature related to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

Because my studies are very hands-on and lab based, I haven’t had much exposure to ecological literature. One article I have read that closely relates to research I would hope to be conducting in the future involves the Bacillus anthracis toxicology case in Japan, published in 2001. The article, “Molecular Investigation of the Aum Shinrikyo Anthrax Release in Kameido, Japan”, details the release of the bacteria into the air by a cult that infected many people with anthrax poisoning. Spores were released through rooftop cooling towers and traveled through the air and infected many people. This case required forensic and epidemiologic analysis, along with a police investigation. that made me realize just how interconnected many fields of science and social services are.

4. What has been your favorite academic experience to date?

In the Fall of 2019, I took a class called Introductory Environmental Microbiology. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this has become my favorite class to date. When I was taking the course, I was still very set on becoming a veterinarian, and saw the course as just one that I needed to take to fulfill a degree requirement. The lab associated with that class was what opened my eyes to how interesting and complex microbial life is and how crucial it is to just about everything that we do. We would perform experiments in which we would have to identify the microbe we were given based on the environmental factors we grew them in; it truly kick started my adoration for these little things!

5. What are some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to overcome while in college? What is one thing you would recommend to incoming freshman or transfer students that you wish you had known?

I am the first in my family to go to a college that required me to dorm, as I live five hours from Syracuse. This was a huge adjustment that I had to make very quickly in order to feel comfortable in my new environment. After a year in a new city, I then realize that my “plan” for the future was not exactly what I was really passionate about. Having to make that switch made me feel like sometimes I was making a wrong decision. Allowing myself to make mistakes and wanting to change my mind is still something I struggle with but am glad I am opening myself up to.

6. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

While my exact career is still up for debate, and I have changed my mind many times in the last few months, one thing is for sure: put me in a lab and give me some microbes! I am very passionate about forensic sciences and hope to incorporate that into my future as well. Ideally, I would be working in a forensics lab as either a toxicologist or pathologist, which ever calls me to it first!

7. What do you like to do for fun apart from your major?

Aside from all this academic work, I am very involved in my campus’ tour guide program, where I introduce new and prospective students to campus! I also work at Syracuse University as a Lifeguard Supervisor and am very happy to get to get to work closely with people from the University that I may not have met otherwise.

[eclecticenvironment]

Hey, my name is Vanessa Gomez! This summer, I’m working within the UWIN-Undergraduate Research Program.

1. What university do you attend and what is your major? Do you have any minors, concentrations, and/or clubs affiliated?

I attend Florida International University in Miami, Florida and I am pursuing an Environmental Studies Degree with a focus in Natural Resources and a Minor in Biology. It was difficult to decide what my major would be as I have so many interests, but I am glad to have chosen Environmental Studies as it encompasses a variety of disciplines. I am a part of a political science club on campus as well as the gardening club!

2. Who are your mentors and what are their affiliated universities?

This summer, I have the privilege to work with four mentors across three universities:

- David Hondula, Arizona State University - Environmental scientist, examines the societal impacts of weather and climate with an emphasis on extreme weather and health]

- Sharon Harlan, Northeastern University - Sociologist, explores the societal impacts of climate change with a focus in environmental justice

- Darrel Jenerette, University of California, Riverside - Ecologist, studies societal-biophysical interactions, ecological scaling, couples biogeochemical cycles

- Dustin Herrmann, University of California, Riverside - Ecologist, works extensively on urban ecosystems from biophysical, social, and management perspectives

3. What are you currently researching? How does it relate to ecology, hydrology, and/or environmental justice?

My research partner and I will be collaborating to find out to what extent are non-profit and municipal organizations considering environmental justice within their practice of implementing urban forestry. My focus will be on gentrification and my partners will be in the context of crime. We have found that there is a correlation between inequitable distribution of urban forest cover and race, where racial/ethnic minorities are significantly more likely to live in neighborhoods with low tree canopy cover. The unequal distribution of urban forests throughout communities is recognized to be an environmental justice issue at large. Through readings, I have learned that an increase of trees within neighborhoods can increase the property value that can ultimately lead to residents being displaced. Considering this, I became curious to analyze how the implementation of urban forestry can result in unintended consequences, such as gentrification.

4. What has been your favorite piece of literature that you’ve reviewed for your research?

“A Multi-Methods Approach to Determining Appropriate Locations for Tree Planting in Two of Baltimore's Tree-Poor Neighborhoods” by Michael J. Battalgia. This article acknowledged the ecosystem services and health benefits urban forestry can provide, discussed the tree canopy goals Baltimore has over the upcoming decades, and identified the two criteria for successful tree planting in neighborhoods, which are (1) availability of space for planting and (2) resident support. Bringing attention to the second criteria, Dr. Battalgia performed qualitative research by interviewing the residents which revealed how they perceive tree planting in their communities. I really appreciated this aspect of his research as I find it to be crucial to be inclusive of the communities that are involved in future plans for the city. Overall, this article aligns well with our research this summer. It gave insight as to how residents respond to the implementation of green infrastructure in their neighborhoods and revealed the importance of bringing awareness to the impacts that these green initiatives can have on communities at large.

5. What has been your favorite part of the UWIN-URP program to date?

Before this program, I was feeling stagnant and complacent in my field. This research experience has stretched me in ways I hadn’t been before and for that reason I feel like I am exactly where I need to be. Embracing being uncomfortable has been my favorite part thus far, as corny as it sounds. I have enjoyed reading academic articles and the contributions that social scientists have made to the conversation of environmental justice, while applying their research to ours. I have also appreciated the collaborative nature of this project and connecting with several individuals from different backgrounds, while still maintaining autonomy. Ultimately, as challenging as it has been at times, I know that this will be a memorable and rewarding experience I will carry with me beyond my academic career.

6. What is the value you see in undergraduate research? What is one thing you would recommend to somebody starting research for the first time that you wish you had known?

I have found that research experience has allowed me to understand the process behind published work, find a balance between collaborative and independent work, and has helped me solidify my areas of interest. Additionally, there is no better way to learn how to conduct research than by actually doing it. I would suggest for any undergraduate who has even a slight interest in research to apply to programs that will allow them to explore their interests. I think it’s always best to try new things as it can help the student discover things that they like and don’t like, and might surprise themselves along the way. To someone that is just starting research for the first time, I would advise them to keep their research question as simple as possible, especially if they are participating in a short program such as UWIN. One can spend months trying to develop the perfect research question, so it’s crucial to be able to construct a question that is answerable within the time frame the student is given.

7. What type of career are you hoping for after you graduate?

The ultimate dream is to work for National Geographic as an ‘explorer’ or as a photojournalist. My goal is to combine the arts and sciences, exploring the outdoors and advocating for our environment via text and/or photojournalism. I definitely have a drive to protect people, the planet, and wildlife - it would be incredible to be in a community with like-minded individuals and explorers. This research program has nurtured my sense of curiosity and desire to understand why things are the way they are and how they can be better. As a field scientist, I would gain a deeper first hand understanding of the challenges that face us and the Earth. The next best thing to be would be a photojournalist in an urban context. I see photography as a powerful medium to bring awareness to social issues, influence governments into action, and improve the lives of the deprived. An example of this is documentation of the Black Panther Party. There are several parallels between the Black Panther Party and the current Black Lives Matter Movement. 54 years after the Black Panthers were founded, people are uprising to fight for the same ideals that were stated in their 10-point program. All to say, you can think of  photographs as giving a voice to populations that are mistreated or undeserved, and as vehicles to conscience, which is why I’m so keen on incorporating it into my future job.

8. What do you like to do for fun apart from your research?

When I’m not meeting deadlines, I really enjoy taking film photos and painting with watercolor! I make it a point to document my life through taking pictures and videos so I can have time capsules to look back on and remind me of people, places, feelings and stories. It means I don’t have to rely on my memory alone. I like to capture beauty that is so subtle it can be overlooked. Additionally, I think art is everywhere, the key is to notice it. As for watercolor, I didn’t discover it until later on in life and one of my favorite things about it is its forgiveness and ease. It has truly been a gift to find something that suits me so well. Another favorite activity is hiking. When I lived in California, all I ever did was immerse myself in nature and admire magnificent redwoods. Fun fact: in Japan forest baths are prescribed, which goes to show just how healing nature can be! Lastly, I have grown to really love gardening as there is quite nothing like seeing the blossom of a seed. And not only is it therapeutic, but it creates community which I find to be one of the most important aspects to living a healthy life.