Sandy Geffner
We asked Sandy Geffner, UB adjunct professor of environmental studies, social sciences interdisciplinary, to tell us about their work and thoughts on sustainability.
Sandy Geffner, UB adjunct professor of environmental studies, social sciences interdisciplinary, with a catch-and-release lake trout from the Lower Niagara River.
Q: What are you doing to help UB become more sustainable?
A: I teach. My entire professional career has been spent sharing with others an understanding of and an appreciation for the environment. As students experience the environment in a direct manner through a range of field studies, the potential exists to connect to this world in a special way.
With this foundation, students tend to care more about the environment and in so doing, participate more in UB’s sustainability concerns and priorities.
Q: What kinds of sustainability related research or projects do you pursue at UB?
A: As the coordinator of the Environmental Studies Program at UB, my involvements in the areas of environmental sustainability have focused upon curriculum development, coursework and various special projects.
In this regard, I have recently assisted with the development of a new course entitled Practicing Sustainability that was created and taught by UB Sustainability staff. Within the context of coursework, I share the principles of green living, organic farming and foraging skills through my Field Ecology class and offer a variety of sustainability-based experiences through our Environmental Internship course. Efforts with special projects have included involvements with the solar array and various recycling related projects on campus.
Q: How are students involved in your sustainability work?
A: My sustainability work at UB is entirely student focused. Whether I am involved with developing new courses, evolving new topics or themes in my classes or participating in special projects, it is the students that assist with the research, participate in the lessons and implement new and important sustainability related projects.
Q: What is the one thing you would like people to know that you do in your personal life to further sustainability?
A: I try to live simply and gently. I choose to live to work, not work to live.
Q: How could UB improve its sustainability efforts?
A: UB is doing an excellent job in its sustainability efforts. Clearly, this is a priority at this University and through the efforts of the UB Sustainability Office and a variety of student environmental organizations on campus much is being done to make UB a prominent leader in the field of environmental sustainability.