Program

The Environmental Science major at Siena Heights University transforms its students into environmental professionals. After receiving an in-depth understanding of environmental issues and systems, students can then go out into the world as problem-solvers.

Environmental Science is a field that crosses the boundaries of traditional disciplines, thus allowing a unique look at the relationship between humans and their environment from a variety of perspectives.

The program is grounded in rigorous biological, chemical, and physical sciences with further investigation of economic, political, regulatory, and social systems in their response to environmental challenges of the earth system.

Upper-class students may choose to focus more closely on either the chemical, biological, or environmental management aspects of the program, and must complete a junior and senior research project in environmental science.

At the end of their coursework, students will be able to analyze natural systems in relation to economic, policy, regulatory and social systems, commensurate with a diversity of environmental professional job descriptions.

Siena Heights University was recently awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support qualifying low-income STEM students with scholarships and academic assistance.

Siena Heights University was also recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Oak Foundation to study Ramsdell Nature Park. The 180-acre Lenawee County park with rolling hills, tallgrass prairies, and small ponds is home to a rich variety of insects, amphibians, birds, mammals, and flora.

Upper-level ES students may choose to concentrate on either the chemical, biological or environmental management aspects of the program, and a graduation requirement includes a junior and senior research project.

• Transforming students to environmental professionals in preparing its majors for a broad diversity of career options.
• Delivers a variety of lecture, laboratory, research and field courses to support career options in both the public and private sector.
• Provides courses addressing environmental problem-solving, scientific computing, experimental design, research statistics and instrumentation to address the depth and breath of environmental science.

Siena Heights University is an active community member in leading green initiatives. Some examples of that involvement include:

• Research and attention is given to green building technologies and design
• Siena Heights is a member of the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals, Step-It-Up Lenawee, Focus the Nation, the Earth Charter and Co-Op America groups

The major prepares students for a diverse set of career options. Related career titles for Environmental Science majors (by discipline) are:

Biology

• Agricultural scientist
• Agricultural technician
• Biochemist
• Biologist
• Biomedical engineer
• Biotechnologist
• Forest ranger
• Forester
• Microbiologist
• Natural resource specialist
• Ocean technician
• Range manager
• Wildlife manager
• Zoologist

Chemistry

• Biochemist
• Biologist
• Biomedical engineer
• Biotechnologist
• Chemical technician
• Chemist

Environmental Management

• Air/Water quality manager
• Air pollution analyst
• Alternative energy/technology auditor
• Architect
• City planner
• Civil engineer
• Conservation agent
• Conservation systems analyst
• Consumer safety inspector
• Earth scientist
• Engineering technician
• Environmental analyst
• Environment consultant
• Environmental educator
• Environmental engineer
• Environmental law
• Fund raiser
• Geographer
• Geologist
• Geophysicist
• Hazardous waste manager
• Hydrologist
• Industrial hygienist
• Management consultant
• Meteorologist
• Resource economist
• Seismologist

Majors can be involved in a variety of related events and activities, including:

• Joining the Green Light Environmental Science Club
• Hosting the annual Earth Day event
• Leading the campus-wide recycling program
• Studying natural habitat on site
• Completing a written senior research project that will also be presented orally
• Becoming a member of the tri-campus environmental committee to help design and implement sustainability initiatives
• Cooperating with local environmental and climate change organizations such as Step-It-Up
• Obtaining paid summer internships
• Making campus-wide and community presentations
• Working with the Adrian Dominican Sisters on shared global environmental initiatives

Lydia Lopez recently received her bachelor’s degree in environmental science at Siena Heights University. Outside of school, Lydia holds a position as Water Stewardship Coordinator of the River Raisin Watershed Council (RRWC). For her senior research thesis, Lydia used both her knowledge from schooling and data collection opportunities through her position at RRWC to analyze the effects of temperature and precipitation on eutrophication parameters on Loch Erin, a local inland lake in Onsted, Michigan. Parameters tested for included levels of dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and E. coli. Lydia is excited to continue her employment at RRWC postgraduation and looks forward to continuing to work with local partners on research and remediation projects to help understand and support our Great Lakes freshwater systems.