As this is the first note I’m writing as the Interim Director, I thought I would provide a brief introduction. While I’m new to the Interim Director role, I started as an Assistant Professor in the School in Autumn 2008. I’m a social scientist trained in interdisciplinary programs (with degrees from the College of Natural Resources at Utah State University and College of Forestry at Oregon State University). My research has focused on questions at the interface of environment and society often examining management challenges that cross ownership boundaries and involve diverse audiences grappling with decisions about how to adapt to changing environmental and social conditions.
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During my time in SENR I’ve grown substantially professionally and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to provide whatever service I can to support the continued success of our community. These last few years have really helped me appreciate the importance of our community. SENR draws people from a variety of backgrounds to do work that matters. From our current students to our faculty and staff, to you, our alumni, our community consists of passionate and engaged people who are having an impact. Thank you for all you do professionally and for your contributions to strengthening our community.
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I have appreciated getting to know some of you over the years and meeting those of you since starting my new role and look forward to meeting more of you in the future. While I know many of you engage regularly with our Environmental Professionals Network (EPN), I want to make sure it is on your radar. We have had two great events already this academic year with great turnout both in person and online. Both of these events included a high-level of student involvement in program planning and offered additional engagement beyond our traditional breakfast program. I invite you to join us for a future EPN event if your schedule allows. Our next event is scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 9 and will consider “What is Wild?!” by engaging with experts working in wildlife conservation in Africa and here in Ohio with speakers from The Wilds and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. You are also welcome to view any of our events through the EPN YouTube channel.
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Lastly, I want to recognize the Environment and Natural Resources Alumni Society (ENRAS). Over homecoming weekend, ENRAS organized an induction ceremony for the Honorary 100 and we were able to belatedly recognize those awarded in 2020. I really appreciate the great effort of Neal Sargent, Mark Giese, Lori Monska, Mary Ann Webster and David Poole, and so many others in planning and leading that program. We had a wonderful time connecting with one another and recognizing our great honorees. I look forward to more opportunities to connect with you all through future activities together.
Wishing you all a great Autumn,
Eric Toman
Professor and Interim Director
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