In the final episode of season 8, President Mahoney dives into the interdisciplinary work shaping the future of sustainable energy with Dr. Mariela Cavo and Dr. Tim Volk from SUNY ESF’s Bioeconomy Cluster. Together, they explore how integrating economics into environmental research helps us better understand the true costs and benefits of renewable energy solutions like biomass. Mariela, an environmental economist, emphasizes the need to address market failures and account for hidden social costs. At the same time, Tim, a biomass expert, underscores the importance of making renewable systems economically viable. From Onondaga Lake to sustainable aviation fuel, this dynamic conversation reveals how collaboration across disciplines is essential to building an equitable, efficient, and sustainable future.

In this episode, President Mahoney sits down with Eden Gardner and Bailey Cunha-Bustamante, the President and Vice President of MOSA (Mighty Oak Student Assembly), to explore what sets the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) apart. Eden and Bailey share how ESF fosters a deeply engaged student community, where hands-on involvement and leadership opportunities are woven into the academic experience.

They dive into their journey of revitalizing MOSA post-COVID, breathing new life into student government and reconnecting the campus community. The conversation also looks to the future, as both leaders reflect on how their experiences at ESF are shaping their ambitions to influence policy and governance — particularly by bringing scientists and scientific perspectives into the decision-making process.

This episode is a testament to the power of student leadership, resilience, and the importance of scientific voices in shaping our world.

Welcome to Season 8 of the Campus Conversations Podcast! In this episode, President Joanie Mahoney sits down with Dr. Jamie Shinn, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies, and DR. Nathan Young, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sustainable Resource Management. In this conversation they discuss the delicate dance around terminology related to climate change, the importance of being able to communicate with people who are affected by extreme weather, and the potential for getting involved politically to help make informed change.