Georgia Southern University, a public research institution in Statesboro, Georgia, has announced the launch of a new doctoral program in environmental science. The program, which is the first of its kind in the state, aims to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, government, and non-governmental organizations that address environmental issues and challenges.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Environmental Studies
The new Ph.D. program in environmental science is housed in the College of Science and Mathematics and is offered in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Computing and the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. The program integrates natural and physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, and social sciences to provide a comprehensive and holistic understanding of environmental systems and processes.
The program director, Dr. Subhrajit Saha, said that the program is designed to meet the growing demand for environmental scientists who can tackle complex and interdisciplinary problems. He said that the program will offer students a unique opportunity to work with faculty members from different disciplines and backgrounds, as well as with external partners from local, regional, national, and international organizations.
“The program will provide students with the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on topics such as climate change, water quality and quantity, coastal and marine ecosystems, renewable energy, environmental health, and environmental justice,” Dr. Saha said. “The program will also equip students with the skills and competencies to communicate their research findings effectively to diverse audiences and stakeholders.”
A Diverse and Inclusive Cohort of Students
The program admitted its first cohort of six students in fall 2023. The students come from different academic backgrounds, such as biology, chemistry, geology, engineering, and sociology. They also represent different ethnicities, genders, and nationalities.
One of the students, Lindsey Crumley, said that she chose the program because of its interdisciplinary nature and its focus on social justice. She said that she is interested in exploring how environmental issues affect marginalized communities and how they can be empowered to participate in decision-making processes.
“I want to study how environmental racism and classism affect people’s access to clean water, air, and land,” Crumley said. “I also want to learn how to use participatory action research methods to engage with communities and co-create solutions that are culturally appropriate and sustainable.”
Another student, Tiffany Howell, said that she is passionate about teaching environmental science to future generations. She said that she hopes to become a professor at a minority-serving institution and inspire more students from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in environmental fields.
“I want to be a role model for young people who are interested in environmental science but may not see themselves represented in this field,” Howell said. “I want to show them that they can make a difference in the world by using their knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges.”
A Positive Impact on the State and Beyond
The new Ph.D. program in environmental science is expected to have a positive impact on the state of Georgia and beyond by producing highly qualified graduates who can contribute to the advancement of environmental science and policy. The program is also expected to enhance the research capacity and reputation of Georgia Southern University as a leader in environmental studies.
Dr. Saha said that he is proud of the program’s achievements so far and looks forward to seeing its future growth and development.
“We are very excited about this new program and the opportunities it will create for our students, faculty, partners, and community,” Dr. Saha said. “We believe that this program will make a significant contribution to the field of environmental science and to the well-being of our society and planet.”
