...About...

Looking back on 2007 and looking forward to 2008!

The 2006-2007 academic year has been an exciting year of developments for the Department of Environmental Science and Technology (ENST).  We are evolving into an active and thriving member of the environmental academic community on our campus, as well as beyond College Park.  We are building collaborations with a common goal to promote the understanding and improvement of our environment.  ENST is creating a unique niche through new course offerings at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and by launching innovative research programs.  As human activities continue to alter the environment, increasingly the environment is likely to affect humans.  These affects will be felt not only in terms of food, materials, and energy supplies, but also via impacts on ecologically-driven, socioeconomically important natural systems and processes.  ENST programs are gearing up to help contribute to collective advances in these fields.

In December, 2006, ENST welcomed the addition of Dr. Thomas Simpson to our faculty.  Professor Simpson serves as Coordinator for Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Programs and is Regional Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Water Program (www.mawaterquality.org).  

Another addition to the ENST faculty this past year was Dr. Daniel Fisher.  Dr. Fisher is a Senior Research Scientist with a research laboratory located at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Wye Research & Education Center on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  Dr. Fisher will be teaching an exciting new course on campus during the Fall 2007 semester titled “Ecosystem Health and Protection” (ENST 499A). 

Current ENST faculty members enjoyed a year of outstanding accomplishments.  Dr. David Tilley was promoted with tenure to Associate Professor.  Drs. Needelman, Becker and Tamboli received awards from the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture.  Dr. Becker also received the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Junior Faculty Excellence Award. 

Stay in touch as ENST continues to develop and grow over this coming year.  We are excited about the pending implementation of new courses and programs.  The possibilities for collaboration with other environmentally conscious programs are seemingly limitless.  Our future promises to be exciting.