Environment and sustainability

Expertise 

Background Facts 

Contact 

Dr. Greg Hoch, Assistant Professor, Biology and Environmental Studies, Concordia College

Hoch specializes in plant ecology in tallgrass prairie specifically the use of satellite remote sensing in biology and environmental studies in the study of landscape processes, pattern, and scale. He also examines the role of climate, fire, and grazers in grassland ecosystems and spatial and temporal dynamics of grazers and fire in grasslands and the role of prairie plant diversity in structuring animal communities.

Hoch graduated with a B.S. from Wabash College, Crawfordsville Ind., and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan Kan.

Rob Lamppa, Director of Energy Management and Senior Project Manager, Carleton College

Lamppa recently added director of energy management to his title. He is a sought-after expert in LEED/Green initiatives within his field.

Lamppa has led conferences sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and is Carleton’s point person in leading the Carleton effort to live up to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, recently signed by Carleton President Robert A. Oden Jr.

Eric Sieger, 507-646-4183, esieger@carleton.edu

Paul Jackson, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Studies, St. Olaf College, 507-786-3404 (o), 507-645-5591 (h), jackson@stolaf.edu

Jackson teaches and conducts research in areas spanning analytical chemistry (especially environmentally friendly "green" chemistry), environmental science and sustainable practices.

Jackson's application of "green" chemistry principles in the classroom is leading efforts to reduce the environmental impact of college campuses and science building design. His classrooms focus on chemical analysis of surface waters, environmental science and the chemistry of building materials. Jackson conducts much of his research on the Cannon River, one of Minnesota's "Wild and Scenic Rivers."

David Gonnerman, Director of Media Relations, 507-646-3315 (w), 507-301-8769 (c), gonnermd@stolaf.edu

Ken Peterson, Ph.D., Director of Environmental Studies, Bethel University

Peterson can speak about the Christian response to global warming

Peterson received an M.A. in wildlife biology and a Ph.D. in animal ecology at Iowa State University. He came to Bethel in 2003 after teaching at Viterbo College, LaCrosse, Wis.; Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill.; and Dordt College, Sioux Center, Ia.

Amanda Wanke, Director of Media and Internal Communications, 651-638-6266 (w), 651-245-0604 (c)

Derek Larson, Associate Professor of History and Environmental Studies program director, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Larson is an environmental historian by training and also broadly trained in environmental studies. Larson is helping coordinate CSB/SJU’s participation in February’s “Campus Wars,” a Minnesota private college event encouraging community members to become aware of their energy use and reduce overall consumption from historic averages.

Larson received a B.A. from Lewis and Clark College, a M.A.R. from Yale Divinity School, and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Indiana University

Michael Hemmesch, Director of Media Relations, phone: 320-363-2595, Fax: 320-363-2016, mhemmesch@csbsju.edu www.csbsju.edu/news/

Professor Jim Farrell, History (professor) and American Studies (department chair), 507-646-3143 or farrellj@stolaf.edu, St. Olaf College

The "environmental catalyst" at St. Olaf, Farrell and a student co-created the class Campus Ecology. At a time when St. Olaf is generating one-third of its electricity through a wind turbine and composting all of its food waste, the class aims to generate more ideas for making the college "green."

A professor of history, American studies and environmental studies, Jim Farrell also serves on the sustainability task force at St. Olaf. He holds a Ph.D. in American culture from the University of Illinois. His books include One Nation Under Goods, a look at shopping and behavioral patterns in shopping malls.

David Gonnerman, Director of Media Relations, 507-646-3315 (w), 507-301-8769 (c), gonnermd@stolaf.edu