Session Descriptions
ESSYI is the only environmental studies summer program and course in the country that relies on over 20 faculty members from a wide variety of disciplines, departments, and programs. As a result, ESSYI embodies the nature and scope of environmental studies at HWS. We challenge students to consider environmental issues from multiple perspectives and engage in environmental problem-solving in ways that acknowledge the concerns and opportunities for everyone involved.
Below are brief descriptions for many of the academic sessions for ESSYI. The schedule changes a little each year, but this list as a whole captures the essence of the ESSYI experience.
Individual Sessions
Environmental Justice and Ethics
Scott Brophy, Professor of Philosophy
Steven Lee, Professor of Philosophy
Kelsey Ward, Assistant Professor of Philosophy
David Finkelstein, Associate Professor of Geoscience
Students learn about the philosophical implications of their personal environmental worldview and how it influences their own desire to move towards environmentally sustainable solutions.
Geography of Garbage
Darrin Magee, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
Students travel to a local landfill and conduct classroom activities during which they examine environmental issues related to the creation and disposal of waste.
Forest and Soil Ecology
Susan Cushman, Instructor of Biology
Students conduct field research at Cayuga Nature Center collecting forest biodiversity data.
Aquatic Biology of Seneca Lake
Meghan Brown, Associate Professor of Biology
Tara Curtin, Associate Professor of Geoscience
Students spend the morning or afternoon out on Seneca Lake on the W.S. Scandling, a 65 ft research vessel, collecting and analyzing water quality and other ecological data.
Environmental Economics
Tom Drennen, Professor of Economics
Students investigate and analyze a variety of considerations within environmental economics.
Environmental Change in the Indigenous World
K. Whitney Mauer, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
Students explore environmental issues as they relate to indigenous populations in terms of history, culture, society, and the ability to respond to an often rapidly changing environment.
Representing Environmental Sustainability
Paul Kehle, Professor of Education
Students consider the ways in which we can represent and analyze issues of environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Community Development
Craig Talmage, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies
Students explore the evolving field of sustainable community development, specifically concepts such as social capital and natural capital whilst leveraging real-world cases of positive (and negative) community impact on local quality of life.
Protecting Natural Areas: Zurich Bog
Shannon Straub, Associate Professor of Biology
Jamie MaKinster, Professor of Education
Students spend time at Zurich Bog discussing and observing this natural ecosystem, with an emphasis on biodiversity and conservation.
Energy Policy and Sustainability
Tom Drennen, Professor of Economics
Students spend an afternoon examining alternative energies and energy policy.
Climate Change Law and Policy
Beth Kinne, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
Students discuss environmental laws and policies related to climate change in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Science and Consequences of Climate Change
Nick Metz, Associate Professor of Geoscience
Students explore the latest science related to climate change and examine current and future meteorological consequences of this change.
Beyond ESSYI
ESSYI College Student Staff
The ESSYI College Student staff present their own academic experience and engage students in a panel discussion focused on the relevance of what they are learning and how it relates to college-level courses and experiences.
Biodiversity Analysis
Susan Cushman, Instructor of Biology
Students review field ecology techniques that are to be used during the Adirondacks Project and learn the calculations necessary for analysis.
Adirondack Natural History
Susan Cushman, Instructor of Biology
Students learn about the Adirondacks’ natural history through a combination of lecture and discussion.
Adirondacks Project
Susan Cushman, Instructor of Biology
Paul Kehle, Professor of Education
Students are provided with the challenge of proposing an eco-lodge based on a series of opportunities, constraints, and the information they gather during a four day trip to the 8-million acre Adirondack State Park.
Panel Discussion: Development vs. Conservation
Adirondack Interpretive Center Staff
Students participate in a panel discussion involving local citizens and professionals focused on development issues in the Adirondacks.
Arts and the Environment
Heather May, Associate Professor of Theatre
Alaina Olivieri, Instructor of Dance
Kirsten Burrall, Instructor of Art
Employing dance, drawing, or acting, students explore environmental themes and issues.
Prospects for the Future
Paul Kehle, Associate Professor of Education
Students engage in a final reflective discussion that synthesizes the past two weeks and helps students develop personal goals for the future.
