Help Make The Susquehanna River Cleaner
Many of our students are involved with the Freshwater Research Institute, which includes a dedicated laboratory and state-of-the-art equipment for river research.
Our Ecology Major
Study in an Ecological Epicenter
The Susquehanna River Valley is one of the best places to study the natural world. At the confluence of its major river, we're surrounded by abundant waterways, forests and farms. We have a state-of-the-art freshwater research laboratory and an 87-acre environmental field station right on campus.
In our ecology program, you’ll study everything from streams, lakes and wetlands to nutrient cycling and land ecosystems. Learn how air, water, soil and organisms coexist and how wildlife functions within their native habitats.
Research opportunities abound. Work for our Freshwater Research Institute or the Susquehanna Research Partners Program, and spend the summer getting paid to conduct research. Study vertebrate natural history on a spring break trip to Costa Rica. Collaborate with other universities, the Fish and Boat Commission, or the Chesapeake Conservancy.
Research what most interests you, guided by expert faculty specializing in aquatic ecology, soil science, behavioral ecology, paleoecology, vertebrate ecology, plant ecology, wetlands ecology, and population and community ecology.
Then, present your paper at a national or regional conference — an opportunity we make available to you.
Be ready to begin master’s or doctoral degree programs in the sciences or to jump right into a career in wildlife, fisheries or environmental consulting; zoology; wildlife conservation; and much more.
A Susquehanna education provides students with flexibility in coursework so they can conduct research, intern and study abroad. When it comes to your major, you’ll begin taking classes in your chosen program of study in your first year.
Here are some of the courses that ecology majors take in their first few semesters at Susquehanna.
- Introduction to the Science of Ecology
- Biogeodiversity
- Community and Ecosystems Ecology
- Biostatistics
Download the current course catalog on this page to see the full list of classes and course descriptions for Susquehanna’s majors.
Recent graduates have gone to graduate school at:
Auburn
Columbia University
Clemson University
Memorial University
Oregon State University
University of British Columbia
University of Florida
University of Maine
Recent graduates are employed at:
Agnes Irwin School
Auburn Water District
Cincinnati Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo
ERM: Environmental Resources Management
Glacier Institute, Glacier National Park
Huntington Learning Center
Memphis Zoo
National Ecological Observatory Network
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Kathy Straub, Ph.D.
Department: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Professor Earth & Environmental Science
straubk@susqu.edu
570-372-4318
Jennifer Mary Elick, Ph.D.
Department: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Associate Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences
elick@susqu.edu
570-372-4214
Carlos Alberto Iudica, Ph.D.
Department: Biology
Associate Professor of Biology
casaiud@susqu.edu
570-372-4208
Ahmed Lachhab, Ph.D.
Department: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Associate Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences
lachhab@susqu.edu
570-372-4215
David Matlaga, Ph.D.
Department: Biology
Associate Professor of Biology
matlaga@susqu.edu
570-372-4347
Alissa A. Packer, Ph.D.
Department: Biology
Associate Professor of Biology
packer@susqu.edu
570-372-4217
Dan Ressler, Ph.D.
Department: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Associate Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences
resslerd@susqu.edu
570-372-4216
Jonathan M. Niles, Ph.D.
Department: School of Arts and Sciences
Freshwater Research Initiative Program Director
niles@susqu.edu
570-372-4707
Matt Wilson
Department: School of Arts and Sciences
Freshwater Research Initiative Research Scientist
wilsonmatt@susqu.edu
570-372-4722
Which Environmental Science Is Right for Me?
Earth and environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology ... they sound remarkably similar. How do you decide which one is right for you? Here's your cheat sheet on these three fields.
- Earth and environmental sciences studies the nonliving components of our environment and how they impact living things. Think of it as the study of water, rocks, air and soil.
- Ecology examines the intersections between all living things and the nonliving environment. Unlike earth and environmental sciences, the primary focus is living organisms.
- Environmental studies is the major for you if you want to advocate for the environment or work for a nonprofit or non-governmental organization (NGO). This program incorporates science, law and policy to look at pressing environmental issues.
Center for Environmental Education and Research
Contact Us
Phone & Email
Matt Persons
570-372-4526
persons@susqu.edu