Welcome to the Anthropocene

We are approaching a state-shift in Earth’s biosphere Where human activities will impact >50% of the physical & biological processes of Earth’s ecosystems Barnosky et al Nature

We need a state shift in how we train students for this new future Science: Human activities fundamentally alter ecological and evolutionary relationships Quantitative skills: Improve biological forecasting by detecting early warning signs and feedbacks Human Dimensions: Address root causes of how humans are forcing biological changes Experiential: Internships, work with practitioners

We can do this by hybridizing CONS with MEES Environmental Science => Conservation Science Allows for CONS-like Thesis MS & PhD degrees thru MEES program – Biology, Economics, Policy, Internships, Problem-solving Addresses recommendations of both external reviews Solves administrative, curricular, advising, & financial needs of CONS Incorporating Sustainability &/or Environmental Science into all disciplines is a general trend on campus and across universities.

Goals for MEES Expand & Revise existing MEES Program – Increase faculty participation, Curricular revision Promote excellence in Research & Education – Increase collaboration, Training grants Service & outreach to Stakeholders (Land Grant Mission) – Internships, projects with practitioners

MEES Curriculum Restructuring Revise curriculum across and within 6 Areas – Ecology – Environmental Chemistry – Environmental Molecular Biology/Biotechnology – Environmental Science (CONS) – Fisheries Science – Oceanography

MEES is a bridge within UM System

MEES can enhance graduate education & research in Biology MEES expands our faculty – can provide expertise in areas not represented in the department (e.g. Systems Scientists) – From across UM System, NASA, SI, etc MEES can strengthen graduate curriculum – Increase course availability to all students (IVN) R, Quantitative Methods, Microbial Genomics – Reduce redundancy = we can teach more specialized courses

New Office Space & Classrooms Suite 1213 HJ Patterson 2 State-of-the-Art distance learning (IVN) classrooms 4, 52” monitors 25 seats Dedicated staff, training

Other Progress Administration: CONS hired Debbie Morrin for part-time administrative assistance – Phasing out student office workers, converting to classroom TAs – Better tracking of student progress, alumni Curricular: PCC paperwork in the works Future plans: explore PSM options, using traditional CONS curriculum, to generate $$

Opportunities Committee on Institutional Cooperation – Exchanges, collaborations (e.g. MI, MN) DC Location – Especially for policy & economics – Internships, collaborations with agencies, NGOs, industry Sesync Center Diverse resources across UMd System – IGERT & training grants

Thank you Questions?

Institutional challenges Unstable & unpredictable state funding – Inadequate stipends Hiring & Staffing – Inadequate resources – Dependent on other units to offer courses, mentor students Competition with high volume, program & course offerings – PSM’s (Professional Science Masters Programs) – MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)