Two weeks ago, we concluded the Spring semester by celebrating the nearly 200 seniors who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. We were thrilled to welcome back two-time alumna Dr. Rebecca Stanfield McCown as our guest speaker, and I was honored to congratulate each graduate as they crossed the stage.
In addition to celebrating our undergraduate students, we also recognized the 26 Master’s and Doctoral students in the Rubenstein School who successfully defended their theses and dissertations over the past academic year. I am so proud of these remarkable students who are taking on our most complex environmental and social issues.
We had a busy and successful semester. Three esteemed colleagues announced their retirements and became Emeriti faculty – Adrian Ivakhiv, Clare Ginger, and Ellen Marsden. Each has contributed an immeasurable amount to the Rubenstein School over their combined 75 years here. With these retirements and a growing undergraduate student body, we prioritized hiring and conducted five faculty searches over the semester. We are excited to welcome new professors to the School in the next academic year.
The staff, faculty, and students in the School have accomplished so much over the past five months – from conducting research and studies abroad, to engaging in challenging conversations and movements for global change. I am grateful for the respectful and resilient community we’ve built together. Read my complete Dean's Message for more reflections on the past semester and please read through the stories below to learn more about our incredible community.
Sincerely,
Allan Strong, Interim Dean and Professor
Honorary Degree
Philanthropist Beverly Rubenstein received an honorary degree at the UVM Commencement ceremony. Beverly was recognized for her transformative and lasting support to advance UVM’s position as one of the premier environmental schools in the country.
Alumna Dr. Rebecca Stanfield McCown spoke to UVM graduates and their families and friends at the Rubenstein School Graduation Celebration on May 19, 2024. She shared words of encouragement and advised graduates to build diverse support networks.
Rubenstein School's Soham Mehta '24 was awarded the F.T. Kidder Medal at UVM Commencement. A Wildlife and Fisheries Biology major, Soham held many leadership positions at UVM and contributed greatly to the Rubenstein School's DEI efforts.
Are you an alum of the Rubenstein School or the School of Natural Resources at UVM? Please fill out our survey! We're working to update our alumni career data, building a support network for current students, and seeking feedback on your experience at the Rubenstein School.
Amelia (Mia) McReynolds is a third-year PhD student in the Rubenstein School studying fish population dynamics in the Great Lakes. Anna Schmidt is a PhD student in Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Both work in the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory and are advised by Professor Jason Stockwell. Last summer, Mia and Anna conducted first-of-its-kind research at the IGB LakeLab in Germany, which is part of a global network of experimental mesocosm facilities.
New England Study Calls for Dramatic Increase in Sustainable Forestry
The Beyond the “Illusion of Preservation” report highlights the opportunity for New England to dramatically expand forest protections and sustainably meet the region’s wood product needs. Co-authored by Tony D'Amato, Rubenstein School Professor, the report makes three key recommendations to be achieved by 2060 to protect forests and remedy the imbalance between production and consumption in all New England states.
A bold university-wide effort called the UVM Planetary Health Initiative was announced in April 2024. The overall goal of this new effort, led by the provost’s office and numerous campus partners is to position the university to be both a global and rural leader in this rapidly expanding field. On Earth Day, the Rubenstein School's Jon Erickson, led a group in looking for points of connection between planetary systems and social systems.
Trish O’Kane, Senior Lecturer in the Rubenstein School, released a memoir earlier this year that delves into her journey from accidental ornithologist to community organizer and professor. With birds at the center, it weaves together stories of science and social change. With the popularity of birdwatching growing dramatically in the United States, O'Kane sees huge potential in birding to address mental health crises and unify a divided society.
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, 81 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA, 802-656-2675