New Sustainability Minor Launches at EC

The new Elmira College sustainability minor, first announced in November, is now available for current and incoming students to add to their degree programs.

The new minor helps students shape their critical thinking about the environment and the role humans play in creating and addressing today's global challenges. It will prepare students to identify the links between environmental, political, and social factors that influence health and development. The mix of interdisciplinary courses provides an opportunity for students across disciplines to expand their knowledge and appreciation on how much every field from business and art to biology, chemistry, and even education affect the world.

"The topics we discuss in the study of sustainability affect everyone, and we all have roles to play in creating a more equitable and viable future," said Doc Billingsley, assistant professor of anthropology at EC. "Students will learn to identify the environmental challenges we face and to start a search for solutions that will continue long after graduation - we are planting the seeds for future generations of sustainability-minded leaders in a myriad of fields."

Students in the program also have the chance to travel during EC's unique Term III as part of their coursework, and to complete research projects with faculty. This gives students first-hand experiences to engage with the environmental issues that will define major challenges and opportunities for the twenty-first century.

"Creating a sustainable society has impacts far beyond our common impressions on consumption and carbon footprints. The courses explore a broad range of topics that will inspire and educate students across majors and contribute to a better understanding of cultures, science, communication, and research," said Daniel Kjar, associate professor of biology and chair of the mathematics and natural sciences division at EC. "Students then have the opportunity to examine first-hand the impact of development, globalization, and ecological change on human societies through Term III travel courses to South America, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe."

"The Obler Summer Research Program provides students an opportunity to work closely with faculty on projects looking at water pollution and invasive introduced species in the Bahamas," added Kjar. "Many faculty also provide research opportunities for students in environmental science, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, sociology, and anthropology throughout the year."

The new sustainability minor was developed in partnership with prominent Elmira-native and world-renowned scientist Dr. Margaret "CanopyMeg" Lowman. Lowman, a pioneer in forest canopy science and founder and executive director of TREE Foundation in Sarasota, Florida, worked with EC faculty to develop the minor, which is part of the College's environmental science program.

To learn more about the new sustainability minor and Lowman's work in forest canopy science, visit the sustainability minor webpage.