Fall 2023
Kristine Ellsworth ’15 (ERE)
Kristine Ellsworth '15 works as Assistant Environmental Engineer at NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Organics Reduction & Recycling Section.
ESF Alumni Association Dues-Based Membership Structure
The ESF Alumni Association is eliminating the dues-based membership structure. All alumni are now automatically considered full-fledged members of the Alumni Association!
Graduates of Distinction 2023
These awards are presented each year to recognize the outstanding achievements of our distinguished alumni, and share these accomplishments with our newest graduates.
Legacy of Partnership
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is honored to continue its relationship with the Camp Fire Conservation Fund through the appointment of Dr. Joshua Millspaugh as the next ESF Camp Fire Conservation Fund Professor in Wildlife Conservation.
Engage with ESF from virtually anywhere
Join us for these 2023-24 virtual events
2024 ESF Alumni Trip
Announcing the 2022 ESF Alumni Trip to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park.
2023 ESF Golf Tournament
Thank you to the generous sponsors of the 2023 ESF Golf Tournament
Save the Date: Homecoming 2024
Join us on campus for a full slate of activities, tours, programs, presentations, and most importantly: a chance to catch up with your fellow classmates.
Winter 2023
What’s the Buzz About? Planting Pollinators to Protect the Bees
A new garden planted near Bray Hall with plants native to Central New York as part of ESF's efforts in the Bee Campus USA program
Graduates of Distinction
ESF Alumni Association honored this year's Graduate of Distinction award recipients at December Commencement in Hendricks Chapel. This year we honored three alumni: Karyn Bartow Richards '81/'84 (Lifetime Achievement Award); Eric Murdock '93 (Notable Achievement Award); Meera Jagroop '12 (Incipiens Quercu).
Letter from the President
A message from ESF president Joanie Mahoney.
From Forest Biology to the Courtroom
Lawyer Joe Stanley took his ESF education from the forest to the courtroom, and today helps support ESF students looking to build a solid foundation for whatever career they pursue.
Mercy Borbor-Córdova
Mercy Borbor-Córdova now serves as an associate professor at ESPOL, associate researcher at the Antarctic Institute of Ecuador and, this past fall, joined the board of directors of the Galapagos Conservancy, which focuses on protecting and restoring the ecologically rich Galapagos islands.
ESF Athletics Update
This fall sports season, the Mighty Oaks competed in USCAA National Championships, brought home more hardware, and spent countless hours dedicated to their teams' successes.
Therapeutic Horticulture Takes Root at VA
The Therapeutic Horticulture Rooftop Garden uses the connection between nature and health to benefit veterans. Started by Chemistry Department chair Dr. Lee Newman and graduate student/Interim Associate Director for ESF in the High School Daniel Collins, the program has been impacting the lives of veterans for 10 years and has expanded to other veteran and care facilities in the area.
Lawn to Meadow
Lawns are a staple of the American landscape, currently covering more area in the lower 48 states than National Parks. However, they pose a significant threat to biodiversity, causing habitat loss and fragmentation for native species. Lawns also require extensive time and resources to maintain while supporting little to no ecological benefits. The ESF Restoration Science Center (RSC) is working to address these issues through the Lawn to Meadow Program, a component of the Conservation on Private Lands Initiative.
Summer 2022
Roman Yavich ’13
Roman Yavich '13 founded Learn from Travel, a mission-based enterprise that connects students and faculty from the United States with rural communities throughout the world.
Then & Now
Catching up with alumni throughout the years.
Alumni Memorial Scholars
The Memorial Scholarships are awarded in memory of those alumni who lost their lives while serving our country during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict.
ESF Inspired Giving
The life of a fourth-generation egg farmer doesn’t sound like a national enterprise, but Christina Hudson Kohler’s surely is. She’s one of ESF’s youngest donors and an environmental influencer far beyond her Central New York roots.
Where Are They Now? – Leah Flynn
This feature returns with an update about Dr.Leah Flynn Gallant.
“Come Home to Homecoming 2022”
Join us on campus for a full slate of activities, tours, programs, presentations, and most importantly: a chance to catch up with your fellow classmates.
ESF Celebrates its First Cohort of Sloan Scholar Graduates
The first cohort of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Indigenous Graduate Partnership (SIGP).
Hello & Goodbye
Whether it is welcoming new students and their families during Orientation in the fall, or celebrating with our soon to-be graduates at the Champagne Toast, the ESF Alumni Association is part of the journey.
Winter 2022
Department News
The latest ESF department updates.
ESF Calling & SRC Gift Supports Ph.D Research
Annual Fund calls ring in the new semester and SRC donated $150,000 to support Ph.D students.
Where Are They Now? – Justin Culkowski ’73
This feature returns with an update about Justin Culkowski ’73, director emeritus of alumni relations.
Then & Now
Catching up with alumni throughout the years.
Alumni Spotlight: Michael “Mickey” Sull ’71
Michael “Mickey” Sull ’71 honors the art of penmanship.
Donors’ Passion for St. Lawrence River leads to TIBS Endowed Scholarship
A new scholarship supports learning at the Thousand Islands Biological Station.
Shaping the Future of the Forest
Rite Hite ’01 is incoming president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation.
The World is Waiting
Charity Nyelele ’20 hopes to help chart a path to development for her Tonga people.
Summer 2021
Alumni Association President’s Message
A message from Alumni Association President
Announcing the 2022 ESF Alumni Trip to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park
Announcing the 2022 ESF Alumni Trip to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park.
ESF College Foundation Fundraising Success
The ESF College Foundation is celebrating a successful fundraising year after bring in more than $4.9 million in fiscal 2020-21.
Loyalty Society Honors Long-Term Donors
Loyalty Society membership was granted to over 1,000 supporters.
Alumni Memorial Scholarships 2021
Each year, through the Alumni Memorial Scholarships, we recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our students.
Department News
Catch up on the latest news from the Departments of Environmental Resources Engineering, Environmental Studies and Landscape Architecture.
CNPE Embarks on Transformational Partnership with The Nature Conservancy
A new partnership will serve as a bridge between traditional ecological knowledge and Western scientific approaches.
Building a Dream
Sustainably managed forest gives back to alumni couple.
Winter 2021
Celebrating the Past, Welcoming the Future
Messages from the outgoing and incoming ESF Alumni Association presidents.
2020 Graduates of Distinction
The Graduates of Distinction Awards were established by the ESF Alumni Association to recognize the remarkable achievements of our alumni.
On Behalf of the Environment
After being frustrated with the lack of environmental stewardship at other colleges, Donnie Monk ’21 found her values aligned perfectly at ESF.
The Power of Passions
Over the past 40-plus years, Bruce Shelley ՚70 contributed to the design or production of dozens of games, some selling multi-millions of copies.
Development, College Foundation Announce New On-campus Home
The offices of Development and ESF College Foundation have a new home on campus.
Extraordinary Aid Fund Makes Difference for Students
College students are among those most impacted by the global pandemic. Sam and Carol Nappi aim to make a difference in the lives of students
Braiding Sweetgrass Weaves Indigenous Knowledge With Comfort for Uncertain Times
In a pandemic where people are distancing, a book that speaks of connectivity with nature is resonating with people seven years after it was originally published.
World-renowned Research, Personal Connections
ESF is a tight-knit community, with researchers who undertake projects that extend far beyond our borders.
Summer 2020
LA Students Design Their Global Experience
Landscape Architecture celebrates 50 years of immersive education.
Paper Science Celebrates Centennial
Paper science and engineering plans a three-year celebration to commemorate program’s founding.
Jordan Jessamy Honored for Student Excellence
Alumni Memorial Scholarship recipient Jordan Jessamy made his mark as ESF student.
Lafayette Road Experiment Station Gets New Look
The Lafayette Road Experiment Station gets a makeover to help in American chestnut restoration project.
Pack Scholars Make a Difference
Fellowship enables students to pursue research with an impact.
Dr. Limburg Honored
Dr. Karin Limburg is ESF’s newest Distinguished Professor.
Dr. Liu Named Exemplary Researcher
Dr. Shijie Liu work on sustainable resources and the environment recognized with Exemplary Researcher Award.
Mighty Oaks Coaches Key in COVID-19 Fight
Two ESF coaches traded sports equipment for PPE to help battle the coronavirus.
Winter 2020
ESF Alumnus Carries a Torch for Historic Preservation
ESF alumnus Jeffrey Rainforth ’97 CM is playing a major role in the preservation of the Statue of Liberty.
ESF Pilots Sloan Foundation Program
"My community has already experienced climate change in a rapid way, having been moved in the 1850s from the Great Lakes to Kansas by Federal Indian Removal policy,”
ESF Alumna Founds California-China Climate Institute
Institute Provides Platform for Collaborative Climate Action.
Department News
Department news and updates.
From the President’s Office
It has been a notable six months since the summer edition of ESF Magazine.
Graduates of Distinction
The ESF Alumni Association honored this year’s Graduate of Distinction award recipients during Commencement Dec. 6, 2019.
Senior Truong Ho Receives Statewide EOP Award
Truong Ho '20 completed his biochemistry program with a minor in mathematics in three years.
Days in the Jungle Shape Career Focus for Biology Student
Abigail Glenn '19 interned at the Jaguar Rescue Center in Costa Rica.
Summer 2019
She Uses Her Training – And Grief – to Fight Flu
“I knew this was the platform to honor Joseph, to make something good out of tragedy.” — Serese Marotta
Elm Tree Project Takes Root with Research Gift
Dr. Allison Oakes, ESF’s Orentreich Research Fellow, is searching for the most efficient ways to grow and develop transgenic American elms.
After Four Full Years, New Grad Isn’t Slowing Down
Asking James Lee ’19 to pick a favorite ESF experience is akin to asking a parent to pick a favorite child — it’s seemingly impossible.
Where Does All The Garbage Go? Erin Cuddihy Wanted to Know
Curiosity drew Erin Cuddihy ’19 to ESF.
ESF Career Grant Funds ‘Experience of a Lifetime’
Olivia Pinner and Joanne Pereira-Melo, who spent last summer in Spain, are among nearly 100 students who have benefited from ESF’s career development program.
Water World
ESF’s newest Distinguished Professor studies ocean-atmosphere links.
Dr. Jacqueline Frair named the College’s Exemplary Researcher for 2019-20
Frair is an associate professor in ESF’s Department of Environmental and Forest Biology (EFB).
Imran S. Khalid ’07 His Goal: Avert Crisis at Home
Pakistan-born ESF graduate Imran Khalid returned to his home country to help guide environmental policy.
Fall 2017
Ranger School Students Leave a Legacy on Campus
It’s not all about what you get out of your education, but what you can give back.
Out on the Island
TIBS housing cuts commute for students, researchers.
A Day at the Lake
Welcome to ESF’s summer place — the Cranberry Lake Biological Station (CLBS).
From DEC Campers to ESF Students
Pack Forest summer program sparks an interest in the College.
Nature as a Classroom
AIC and field trip program bring kids and nature together.
Art in the Park
At Newcomb, nature lessons take an artistic turn.
Spring 2017
Ranger School project to renovate physical plant, add security system
The ESF Ranger School is about to undergo the first significant update to its physical facilities since a major renovation 15 years ago.
Weather Tower at Newcomb Collects Data for State Network
A portion of a statewide weather-monitoring system is up and running on ESF’s Newcomb Campus.
Scholarship Eases Financial Burden as ‘Jet’ Lewis Builds a Busy Life
Jet’aime “Jet” Lewis is not one to shy away from an opportunity for involvement.
A message from the ESF College Foundation
News and updates from the ESF College Foundation.
Skills She Learned at ESF Now Benefit SUNY Oneonta
An education at ESF launched a career at another SUNY institution.
$500,000 Gift Funds Initiative on Conserving Private Land
A $500,000 gift from the Fuller Center for Productive Landscapes has established a new initiative at ESF.
To Florida City’s Residents, ESF Grad Is the ‘Green Guru’
ESF education positioned her well to be a one-person sustainability office.
In Louisville, ESF grad and others aim to turn down the urban heat
Andrea Webster decided to leave her job and pursue a graduate degree, her goal was to study sustainability from every angle.
Energy Management Major’s Enrollments Rise Sharply
The U.S. Department of Labor lists wind farm technicians and managers as the nation’s fastest-growing occupations
We’ve Learned Our Lessons Well
ESF’s Sustainability Drive Stays on Track — And the Journey Is Far from Over
ESF Professor Helps ID New Giant Tortoise Species
Discovery named in honor of longtime park ranger.
There’s Still Hope For Snow Leopards
In Siberia, ESF and international partners try to save endangered cats.
New Study Rings Alarm for Sugar Maple in Adirondacks
Research builds on previous study of acid rain impacts.
Mighty American Chestnut Poised for Return to America’s Forests
ESF scientists prepare for nation’s first regulatory review of a transgenic wild tree.
ESF Alumnus Helps Safeguard Children’s Health
Ronald Eby honored with national award.
Summer 2016
A “Model” Alumna in Puerto Rico
A quote from an ESF professor has guided Katia Avilés-Vázquez through her professional and personal life. “Anyone can climb the highest mountain,” Dr. Robin Kimmerer once said, “as long as they do it at their own pace.”
SRC Fellowship Supports Ph.D. Student in Battle Against Mosquitoes as Disease Carriers
A chemical compound — new to science and never before identified — is being investigated by an ESF doctoral student who is working to replicate it so it can be tested as a weapon in the battle against disease-transmitting mosquitoes.
Friends of Moon Shine Light on Archives
The Friends of Moon Library (FOML) is building its future around a project that preserves the past.
Commencement by the Numbers
In May 2016, ESF conferred approximately 384 bachelor's degrees, with about 82 students receiving master's and doctoral degrees.
Students Follow in Famed Prof’s Footsteps As They Blaze a New Trail to Lost Pond
The creation of a nature trail in the forest near Cranberry Lake has given ESF students from the main campus and The Ranger School a chance to retrace the footsteps of a famed ESF professor and help reinvigorate one of his pet projects.
ESF Monitors Waters of Sodus Bay
A crisp, clear spring morning when sunlight sparkles off the water might seem like an odd time to think about toxic algal blooms that coat the water in a thick blue-green film, but it’s precisely when researchers start water monitoring.
36 Cold, Windy Hours = 256 Species
A group of ESF students dispersed across 345 acres of forested hills and wetlands in April, cataloging every species they could find to help plan the future of the Skaneateles Conservation Area (SCA).
Get a Lode of This: Orchids Are Thriving at Former Iron Mine
Millions of native orchids are flourishing on the site of a former iron mine in the Adirondacks.
ESF Education Supplies the Science for the Art of Brewing Beer
Christina Killourhy M.S. ’15 had her sights set on a career in the fisheries and wildlife field until a part-time job in a homebrew shop changed the course of her life.
Climate Change Redistributes Global Water Resources
Rising temperatures worldwide are changing not only weather systems, but — just as importantly — the distribution of water around the globe, according to a study published this spring in the journal, Scientific Reports.
Endangered Fish Lend Their Ear (stones) As Researchers Aim To Save Species
Fish species that are both economically and ecologically important in South America live mysterious lives.
Reducing the Solid Waste Footprint One Material at a Time
A broad range of science courses at ESF led Tyler Harvey ’11 to one focused quest at work: reducing his employer’s solid waste footprint.
When it Comes to Bourbon, He Has Expertise by the Barrel
“You can’t grow up in Kentucky and not hear about three basic things: bluegrass, horses and bourbon.”
Planting the Seeds for a Finger Lakes Winery
For Brian Cadamatre ’05, M.P.S. ’06, owning a winery was a goal before he came to ESF.
Distiller’s Job Includes Bottling, Labeling, Cleaning and, Yes, Taste Tests
An employee who drinks on the job is usually a liability to a business. But in some cases, an employee who drinks on the job, as part of his job, is an asset.
Winemaker Gets Every Last Ounce Out of ESF Degree
A weekend job in the tasting room of Three Brothers Wineries and Estates led Justin Paolicelli ’07 down an unexpected career path.
As Hops Specialist, ESF Grad Fields Calls from All Over
New Yorkers who are thinking about growing a small plot of hops on their property often call Steve Miller EFB ’74 for advice.
Her Recipe for Success: Turn Winemakers’ Waste into Flours with Taste
Winnemaking is an age-old practice, and for as long as people have been producing wine, they’ve produced pomace that has been tossed into the waste pile.