The Steering Committee for the “Commit to Change” program – which was created through a generous grant from the HSBC in the Community Foundation to the Environmental Studies department - announces its Spring 2010 funding awards. All “Commit to Change” funding programs are open to any Ithaca College undergraduate in good academic standing, irrespective of major.
Research Project:
Sarah Araldi ’11
Major: Environmental Science, concentration in Biology; Minor: Economics
Project: “Mycoremediation Efficacy of Indigenous Fungi”
Description: Independent research project using native mushrooms to remediate areas near campus parking lots where oil runoff has accumulated.
Award: $500 for research materials to conduct propagation of indigenous fungi and soil sampling.
Internships:
Alexandra Bates ‘12
Major: Speech Communication; Minor: Environmental Studies and Legal Studies
Internship: Ithaca College Sustainability program
Description: Alex will work to collect data for the AASHE STARS 1.0 (sustainability tracking assessment and rating system)
Award: $4,000 (on-campus)
Jeffrey Hatzel ‘12
Major: Environmental Science, concentration in Biology; Minor: Economics
Internship: Research project to monitor dispersal movements of muskrats
Description: Jeffrey will tag muskrats and, using GPS, determine their movements and behavioral habits
Award: $3,000 (off-campus)
Douglas Indrick ‘11
Internship: ASI Energy
Major: Environmental Studies, concentration in International Sustainable Development; Minor: Economics
Description: Doug will perform energy audits, install various building energy retrofits and instruct ASI customers on behaviors changes necessary in order to realize energy reductions of 10-40%.
Award: $3,000 (off-campus)
Alexis Ivor ’10 (December graduate)
Major: Sociology; Minor: Politics and Environmental Studies
Internship: Ithaca College Sustainability program
Description: Alexis will work on researching/documenting case studies of campus energy efficiency projects
Award: $4,000 (on-campus)
Benjamin Smith ‘12
Major: Environmental Studies; Minor: Outdoor Recreation
Internship: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Description: Ben will create lesson plans on increasing recycling in the State Parks system.
Award: $3,000 (off-campus)
Margot Spiker ‘11
Major: Health Policy; Minor: Environmental Studies
Internship: BLK ProjeK or Bike New York
Description: Margot plans to work with an organization that fosters alternative transportation in the urban environment.
Award: $3,000 (off-campus)
Fellowships:
Jeff Goodwin ’10
Major: Television/Radio
Project: Campus shuttle project
Description: Jeff developed a business plan for campus shuttle system, which he presented to the campus community, to senior administrators, and to the Presidents Climate Commitment Committee
Award: $500
Taryn Hubbard ‘10
Major: Environmental Studies ; Minor: Writing
Project: On-campus Community Garden Project
Description: Taryn was one of the driving forces behind the creation and development of the on-campus community garden, which is considering expanding to include a CSA program for campus employees.
Award: $2,000
Sofia Johnson ‘12
Major: Environmental Studies
Project: Sustainable Seafood proposal to Dining Services
Description: Sofia researched and prepared a proposal to Ithaca Dining Services to increase its purchase of food products from sustainably-managed fisheries, including a recommendation to pursue Marine Stewardship Council certification.
Award: $1,000
Congratulations to all these funding award winners. Click to learn more about the "Commit to Change" program.
The “Commit to Change” program steering committee is comprised of: Susan Allen-Gil (Environmental Studies); Rob Gearhart (Graduate and Professional Studies); Paula Turkon (Anthropology); Susan Swensen (Biology); Carol Hansen (Environmental Studies); Michael Smith (History); Jason Hamilton (Environmental Studies); and Marian Brown (Office of the Provost; IC Sustainability).
