To the editor:
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Environmental Studies program at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, a milestone that not only celebrates half a century of academic excellence but also the program’s ongoing commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders in government, industry, and research.
As a professor in the Environmental Studies program, I have had the privilege of working with bright, passionate students who are eager to make a difference in the world, and I have seen firsthand how the education and training they receive equips them to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
The importance of the program’s interdisciplinary approach cannot be overstated. As our nation’s economy continues to grow and evolve, so too do the demands on our natural resources. Ensuring that our air, soil, and water continue to support thriving communities requires a deep understanding of environmental science, coupled with innovative problem-solving skills and a collaborative spirit. It also requires an understanding of the historical relationships between resource management and ecosystem health, as well as innovative solutions, based on science, that can improve our relationship with nature in the future. This is precisely the kind of education that Ohio University provides.
Over the past 50 years, a remarkable array of alumni have gone on to apply the skills they have learned and make significant contributions to work of a range of major organizations. One is Emily Kuzmick, a coastal training program coordinator with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources who works to enhance Ohio’s coastal ecology and educate others about the relationship between land management and valuable coastal resources. Another is Tanner Filyaw, a leader in management of non-timber forest products with United Plant Savers, who is helping establish a global network of botanical sanctuaries that conserve valuable plant-based resources for medicine. Another alumnus, Dr. Toby Adjuik, is a research scientist at Iowa State University and is becoming recognized around the world for his work developing machine learning methods to guide best management practices for agricultural soils.
These are just a few examples of leading thinkers who have taken what they learned in OU’s Environmental Studies program and are making a difference in improving environmental quality and supporting the health and wellbeing of people in Ohio, across the nation and world.
Some alumni are in industry, leading sustainability initiatives that help companies reduce their environmental impact while remaining economically competitive. Some are in research institutions, advancing understanding of complex environmental systems and developing new technologies to address environmental challenges. And others are working in government to put new ideas to work in regulations and policies that preserve and improve our natural resources for future generations.
Still, the success of OU’s Environmental Studies program is not measured solely by the accomplishments of its alumni. It is also reflected in the quality of the research conducted by faculty and students. For instance, ongoing research by some on climate change and ecosystem management is helping to define strategies for adaptation and transformation. Similarly, studies on renewable energy and waste management are contributing to more sustainable energy system designs that can meet the needs of communities without depleting our natural resources.
Throughout the program, a defining feature is how academic research is applied to solve real-world problems and positively impact communities. Several students, both undergraduate and graduate, have worked with me over the past two years to inventory the organic byproducts produced by a local microbrewery, Jackie O’s. We have used our research to design a biogas system that matches the needs of the business, generates renewable energy, and reduces waste loads. This year an Ohio manufacturer is building the digester as a first-of-its-kind example of small-scale biogas that can be custom designed for small business needs.
As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, cutting-edge learning and research on the environment is more critical now than ever before. The environmental challenges we face today are increasingly complex and multifaceted, requiring solutions that are both scientifically sound, economically viable and socially equitable. Being part of that work is just one reason why I am proud to teach and do research a program committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that integrates environmental science with policy, ethics, and communication and prepares leaders who can navigate the complexities of the modern world and drive positive change.
In a time of change and growth, the need for knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate environmental professionals has never been greater. Students interested in science, problem-solving, collaboration, and protecting the environment, biological diversity, and human health have wide-open opportunities. High-quality programs like OU’s and others can help prepare them for a place in a field that is essential to ensuring a sustainable future for all of us.
Sarah Davis, PhD
The author is a professor of environmental studies at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.
