Ask Catherine Buchalski, and she’ll tell you that TIDES is helping her develop skills to integrate science with decisions about local environmental policies.
"Although I’ve always been drawn to field based research and traditional environmental science careers, I chose the TIDES program because of the enormous gap between on the ground researchers, and the political decision making authorities and public funders who need accessible and comprehendible scientific information. Through the TIDES program, I am learning to identify these structural and organizational gaps, while building skills to better integrate science into the public process for more sustainable and resilient communities."
Why UNH?
"I chose UNH for the top notch academic resources, the renowned faculty, and the supportive student body. This is evidenced through the dialogue based learning in the classroom, and constant faculty encouragement to move beyond the classroom at every opportunity. I’m especially appreciative of the support and encouragement from my colleagues; it makes UNH such a unique and engaging place to learn and explore new ideas and opportunities."
What’s next?
"The great thing about the TIDES degree is its versatility. TIDES students will leave this program with a diverse educational and experiential background that will be useful for a variety of career fields and future opportunities. There is certainly a growing appreciation for the type of communication and facilitation skills TIDES students are trained in, and I’m particularly interested in bringing those services to typically underserved communities as they engage in critical collaborative decision making processes about their local environment."
For more information, email Catherine Buchalski.
Why TIDES?Ask Meg Gardner, and she'lll tell you that TIDES is helping her learn how to help communities adapt to environmental challenges.
"I have always been interested in how science can be translated and used in meaningful, practical ways that encourage people's engagement with the natural world. Through TIDES I am learning not just about ecology, research techniques, and statistics, but also conflict resolution, policy and governance, and communication. The internship with the NERRS will provide invaluable hands-on experience in community policy building."
Why UNH?
"The faculty has tremendous experience in this field and is constantly evolving to make the program better. I also like the discussion-style of learning, where students are part of the learning process, and the classes are small to ensure participation from everyone. The community here is supportive and collaborative."
What’s next?
"After graduating, I would like to utilize the skills and experiences I have gained through my TIDES education in communicating coastal science in an effective and understandable way, as well as in helping communtiies work together to begin solving the most pressing coastal management issues."
For more information, email Meg Gardner.
Why TIDES?Ask Emily Troisi-Rauschenberger, and she'll tell you that TIDES is preparing her to be an agent of change in coastal communities.
"TIDES has a strong focus on group learning and a practical, hands-on approach to teaching. I have always been interested in communicating science to the public, and in engaging citizens and stakeholders in the investigation of environmental problems. Through TIDES, I am learning about the human and natural systems involved in sustainability issues, and I'm furthering the skills I need to be an effective communicator and to encourage collaboration across disciplines."
Why UNH?
"UNH and TIDES provide wonderful communities in which to live and learn! There is a wide realm of expertise and support readily available to students. The graduate student community is welcoming. The faculty support fosters learning, challenges me, and reaches out to me with opportunities for research."
What's next?
"My goal is to help foster collaboration in coastal communities addressing environmental issues. I am really interested in how to get people involved in the process of changing the system in a way that enhances our ability to adapt to environmental challenges."
For more information, email Emily Troisi-Rauschenberger.
