Welcome Back! Greetings from ENSP -
To the ENSP Community:
Welcome back to campus for the 2017-2018 academic year at the University of Maryland! I hope you all had a refreshing summer break filled with new experiences, friends and loved ones. For me, I had the opportunity to travel to San Diego with my husband: we biked along the harbor, hiked Torrey Pines and kayaked along the sea caves in La Jolla next to sun-bathing sea lions (and ate lots of tacos!).
I’d like to first take a moment to welcome the newest members of the ENSP community, starting with our freshmen and transfer students that came through new student orientation this summer! This bright group of students brings a wide variety of ideas, passions, and experiences that will only enhance our program more. Welcome, new Terps!
We are thrilled to welcome our new ENSP Director, Dr. Mark Carroll. Dr. Carroll is an Associate Professor within the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. His research focuses on water quality issues in the management of turfgrasses and the development of low input sustainable turfgrass systems. He examines the fate of pesticides and nutrients in turf systems and investigates the development of innovative approaches that will minimize nutrient fertilization of lawns. Near daily smog alerts, viewing the Santa Barbara oil spill and hiking through the redwood forests of Northern California, (which he did many times), were early life experiences that molded Dr. Carroll’s appreciation of the environment and need to manage it wisely. You can read more about Dr. Carroll on our ENSP Staff Page.
Please join me in sharing our profound gratitude to Dr. Joe Sullivan, who served as ENSP Interim Director for the past 2 years. We appreciate the care and direction he has provided to the ENSP program and students and are thankful for his continued support in his relatively new position within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. As Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Dr. Sullivan still holds an office in Symons Hall, so it’s likely that you may still see him around if you’re stopping by the ENSP offices!
A special “Thank You” also goes out to Dr. Gregory Schnaar and Dr. Jennifer Murrow. Dr. Schnaar has taught with ENSP for a number of years, but recently left his position with the University of Maryland to continue his work as an environmental consultant. Dr. Murrow, our Wildlife instructor, is still on campus; however, she received a well-earned Assistant Professor position within the Environmental Science and Technology department! Don’t worry! She will continue to teach Wildlife courses for ENSP students.
Following a swift search, we are pleased to welcome our newest ENSP Lecturer, Ms. Annette Spivy. Ms. Spivy is no stranger to the ENSP program as she has served as a Graduate Assistant with the program for the last 2 years where she has taught the Freshmen Connection section of ENSP101; she was also a teaching assistant for ENSP102 last Spring. This Fall, Ms. Spivy will be teaching ENSP101 and in the future, plans to teach some of the upper-level Applied Science and Policy courses in ENSP. Currently, Ms. Spivy is in the process of earning her PhD in Geographical Sciences. Her dissertation title? Investigating the Effects of Sea Surface Temperature, Sea Level Rise, and Coastal Development on Marine Turtle Nesting Sites to Guide Management and Prioritize Conservation of Nesting Beaches along the South Atlantic Bight.
Throughout the semester, you will continue to receive messages from me regarding deadlines, job announcements, events and other opportunities to get involved, which I will also post to the ENSP Advising News Blog (make sure you bookmark that webpage as it is updated often!). ENSPire, our ENSP student association, plans to host a number of opportunities for you to attend, such as an ENSP career panel, fundraisers and social outings. You will be receiving numerous emails in the next few weeks from a variety of campus sources, so stay attentive and organized!
We return to College Park at a time of change and challenges, not only as a university, but as a nation. As conversations around social justice, environmental policy and international relations circulate, we are reminded of the importance of the multidisciplinary education that you receive as an Environmental Science and Policy student. The interdisciplinary background gained through your coursework in the natural and social sciences provides you with the skills and tools needed to be active citizens. The ability to engage in debate, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and understand multiple viewpoints are all necessary in understanding the pressing issues facing our world today and to act on them for the common good. We hope that you will feel comfortable approaching any ENSP staff or faculty member with any concerns you may have. Our doors are always open. Remember: we are here to support and encourage you!
Once again, welcome back. I hope you join me in my excitement for the upcoming school year. I look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Angela Mazur Gray
Assistant Director
Environmental Science & Policy Undergraduate Program
University of Maryland, College Park