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Hosting a conference at ��Ӱֱ�� State that marries sustainability and STEM disciplines just makes sense, given that the two are heavily focused on at the college.

That’s why last week, 60 participants from institutions of higher education throughout the state gathered at ��Ӱֱ�� State for just such an event: the “Applying STEM Disciplines to Support Sustainable Communities Symposium.” 

Hosted by ��Ӱֱ�� State in collaboration with New York Campus Compact (NYCC), the conference focused on discovering and sharing best practices related to the interface of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines and sustainability. The NYCC is a membership association of college and university presidents committed to promoting “active citizenship as an aim of higher education,” according to its website, .

The keynote speakers were Dr. Mark Gallo, professor of biology at Niagara University, and Dan McMann, facility planner at Niagara University. Gallo is a member of the American Society for Microbiology Scholars in Residence program, the chair of the K-12 Committee for the American Society for Microbiology, and has been a frequent presenter at the National Association for Biology Teachers and the National Science Teachers Association annual meetings.

Prior to joining Niagara University, McMann, who graduated from ��Ӱֱ�� State in 1994 with an architectural engineering degree, worked as a senior project manager at BHNT Architects, P.C. He has been awarded the “Wall of Fame” and “Best in Category” from VP Buildings, the “Best Green Construction” from Business First Brick by Brick, and was a finalist for the “Best Retail/Restaurant” for his work on the Hamburg Casino.

In addition to the keynote speakers were several breakout sessions on several topics such as specific course assignments that connect STEM and society, incorporating sustainability into the curriculum, and innovative partnerships.

Jonathan Hilsher, director of the Center for Civic Engagement at ��Ӱֱ�� State, said faculty and students in the STEM disciplines develop and contribute a unique skill set that can be applied to identify and address community challenges, including those related to sustainability.

“Some of the most innovative STEM courses and programs connect know-how and innovation to issues of critical local, national, and global importance,” Hilsher said. “By applying these courses and programs to things such as renewable energy, green building, and sustainable agriculture, we can help make the world a better and more environmentally friendly place to live in.”

Dr. Laurie S. Worrall, executive director of New York Campus Compact, said, “New York Campus Compact sponsored this gathering at ��Ӱֱ�� State because it is important to bring faculty, staff, and community partners together to learn from each other. The focus of tailoring STEM education at the college level to help create more sustainable communities is not only timely, it is one of the most important civic issues of our era. Gatherings like this one help innovative strategies and partnerships emerge that connect the considerable resources of higher education to community efforts.”