Villanova Department of Geography and the Environment

Happy Master's Student Monday, GEV! Today’s featured student is Emelia Pettit.

Emelia is a graduate student pursuing the Master of Science in Environmental Science (thesis track). They’re originally from Southington, Connecticut, and earned their undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from Wheaton College in Massachusetts.

Their favorite course so far is Intro to GIS, and they’re especially excited to explore the world of data. Emelia anticipates graduating in 2027, and after completing their master’s, they plan to pursue a PhD.

Outside of academics, Emelia enjoys caring for their pet rats!

Happy Faculty Focus Friday! Today, we’re highlighting Dr. Stephen Strader.

Dr. Strader is an Associate Professor and GEV’s Graduate Program Director. His research interests include natural hazard impacts on society, atmospheric science, and geographic information systems. He teaches GEV 3550-Natural Hazards, GEV 3760-Geospatial Applications in Environmental Science, and GEV 1004-Climate Change.

Dr. Strader was inspired to pursue his field by a deep fascination with hazards, disasters, severe weather, and maps, as well as a desire to help those less fortunate better withstand the impacts of hazards and disasters. He finds the most rewarding part of working with students to be watching them grow as individuals and succeed through their hard work. Outside of his professional life, he has played guitar for 20 years, enjoys painting landscapes in the style of Bob Ross, and raced dirt go-karts from the ages of 7 to 12.

On Sunday, students in GEV 4322, Ocean Environments, visited Cape May, NJ to continue collecting data for semester projects. It was a beautiful day at the beach: we saw a pod of resident dolphins, collected data, visited a shellfish hatchery at Rutgers' Cape Shore Laboratory, and hung out on the beach together!

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Exciting news! GEV now has a Professional Development Committee! 🎉

Their goal is to help you get ready for what comes after graduation—whether that’s a job in the public or private sector or continuing your education. Keep an eye out for upcoming events you won’t want to miss!

This week, students in GEV 4322 (Ocean Environments) continued our investigation of litter and marine debris from campus to the Atlantic Ocean. We surveyed and cleaned two beaches along the Delaware River in New Jersey and removed more than 600 items, mostly single use plastics. It was a win-win-win: data collection for student projects, cleaner coastlines, and a beautiful day outdoors!

Happy Master's Student Monday, GEV! Today's featured student is Leo Faust.

Leo is a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Science (portfolio track). They’re originally from Lancaster, PA, and earned a Bachelor’s in Geography with a concentration in Environmental Studies and a minor in Biology from Millersville University.

Their favorite class in the MSES program so far is Intro to GIS, and after graduation, they hope to intern at wildlife sanctuaries or find a job working with GIS.

An avid reader, Leo currently works in a bookstore. They have a pet leopard gecko named Pesto and love spending time outdoors.

Happy Faculty Focus Friday! Today, we're highlighting Dr. Nat Weston.

Dr. Weston is an Associate Professor and Chair of GEV. He has a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the University of Georgia, and his research focuses on understanding the response of coastal ecosystems to climate change and human activities in the watersheds that drain to the coast. Recently, Dr. Weston has taught MSE 2501 - Our Warming Planet, GEV 1050 - Environmental Science I, and GEV 4329/8329 - Global Change Research.

When asked what inspired him to pursue his field, Nat states, “I participated in a summer internship during my undergraduate studies doing research in coastal ecosystems, and that experience inspired me to pursue a career in marine science. I still work at the site I conducted research in as an undergrad and collaborate with the folks I interned with almost 30 years ago!” Nat also says that he loves both research and teaching, and the most rewarding part of his job is when he can put them together and work with students on independent research projects.

What’s a fun fact about Nat? “I was born in Hawaii and grew up mostly in Chicago. I don't really have a high school education (different priorities at that age). I've nevertheless managed to find a job that allows me to keep playing in the mud!”

This summer, GEV successfully hosted its second Villanova Geochemistry Summer Institute (VEGSI) in partnership with Walter B. Saul High School in Philadelphia. VEGSI is a 12-day research experience for rising high school seniors with an interest in Environmental Science and Environmental Justice. We also had a visit from program alumni who are now pursuing environmental degrees or are employed with the Philadelphia Water Department!

A big thank you to our three GEV peer mentors Camila Silva, Annie Kinsella, and Sofia Rodriguez-Morrell, as well as former MS student Hannah Feldman who assisted on map day. We look forward to seeing what our VEGSI grads accomplish in the future!

Artwork made by our recent graduates in the Environmental Issues Seminar (GEV 4310) is now on display in the Free Store! Check out the Free Store (and the environmental art) in the basement of Falvey Library.

On Saturday, GEV undergrads and grad students participated in United By Blue’s clean-up of the Manayunk Canal. We had a great time!

As the weather warms up, we're still reminiscing about our wonderful graduates! Enjoy a few more shots of end-of-semester activities.🎓🎉🌞

A study by GEV alum Rebecca McDonough ('23) and Dr. Kabin Shakya was published in the journal Environments. "Trace Metal Contamination in Community Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania" can be found at the link below or in our bio!

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3298/12/5/159