Fall, 2007 marked the fourth year of our Master of Science program in Regenerative Studies. This unique program prepares students to solve environmental problems facing our global society in the 21st century. Eight new students entered the program this fall. This group brings a broad range of backgrounds and interest. This group includes the following:
Rael Berkowitz gained an appreciation for the interrelatedness of sustainable systems through working with the University's Organic Farm Enterprise while earning a Bachelors degree in Agribusiness at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. That appreciation strengthened and materialized into a specialization for the built environment. His interests include indoor natural daylighting, resource-efficient mechanical systems and building-integrated photovoltaics.
Nikki Cavazos has a B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies, and a Certificate in Urban Planning from Cal State San Bernardino. Her areas of interest include building "Green" communities and studying human behavior. She is currently considering a thesis about setting up a sustainable waste management program on the Cal Poly campus that would examine the best ways of changing human behavior.
Henry Esqueda has always been fascinated with physical geography through grade school which motivated him to obtain a BA from California State University, Fullerton. His interests are geared toward sustainable planning and incorporating regenerative technologies in the social, cultural, and physical realms.
Cristina Halstead has degrees in public policy and environmental education. Her areas of interest include green roofs, campus sustainability, biodiesel, and international development.
Amelia Herndon has a BS in Landscape Architecture from UCDavis. She is currently researching the aesthetics and function of vegetation within biofiltration swales throughout the Santa Ana River Watershed.
Michelle McFadden holds a BA in Political Science from Arizona State University. She has worked with non-profit organizations as well as in the private sector for environmental awareness. Michelle's areas of research are renewable energy systems and environmental policy.
Anne Snyder Pandey has a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is currently researching the embodied energy of synthetic lawns. Her areas of interest include sustainable schools, lawn cover alternatives and the idea of “going green” as it relates to regenerative studies.
