Building a sustainable future: The vital role of environmental studies and STEM

Situated on 180 secluded acres, including a 120-acre nature preserve, Seminole State College of Florida's Robert and Jane Lee Campus at Oviedo offers a traditional collegiate atmosphere and beautiful Old Florida views. 

The Oviedo campus is home to wetlands, freshwater ponds, open fields, hammocks, and groomed nature trails, providing a refuge for many protected species. Wildlife is often safely spotted on campus including gopher tortoises, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, bobcats, deer and an occasional black bear. The campus is also home to a wide variety of native Florida plant species. 

Whether through formal curriculum, service experiences with the Environmental Club, or simply by walking the miles of nature trails, students have the unique opportunity to interact with faculty who have specific expertise and academic interests in the natural environment. 

Seamlessly blended among the lush greenery, purposeful architecture and serene learning setting is a powerhouse higher education hub of state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, small class sizes and hands-on instruction from award-winning faculty.

A multiple purpose environmental lab funded by several grants from Duke Energy, is designed to give students an interdisciplinary lab experience incorporating faculty from various academic disciplines including, biology, earth science, chemistry, and engineering technology. Faculty from these disciplines collaborate to provide experiences for the students that would not be otherwise available.

The campus is located just a few miles from the University of Central Florida, making it an ideal choice for students in the College's DirectConnect to UCF® Program.

A Deeper Look into Environmental Studies

“Environmental studies give students skills and knowledge to understand and address pressing environmental challenges such as water quality and quantity, climate change impacts, pollution, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. This also allows students to become informed citizens, advocates for sustainable practices, and professionals working toward environmental solutions across various sectors,” said Patricia Smith, an adjunct professor in the Biology and Environmental Science department. Smith is a Central Florida native and lifelong environmental scientist, volunteer and educator bringing invaluable expertise and insight to students.

Hands-on learning experiences are well-proven strategies to connect environmental issues to the local community and personal health and well-being; encourage student-led projects; promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills; utilize technology to research and share information; foster a sense of personal responsibility and agency of environmental stewardship and cultivate a learning environment of engaging and relevant topics. 

“We provide students with a wide variety of programming options for career interests,” added Jeff Gibbs, campus dean and academic affairs liaison for high school dual enrollment. “Part of this preparation includes an appreciation for the sciences, including environmental science, for  students to obtain fundamental knowledge of the various aspects of the natural world we live. We assist students to leverage this knowledge and experience into rewarding careers as well-rounded employees capable of thinking critically.” 

As part of the College’s driving force to serve as your learning partner for career success, programs and special events are designed to engage current students, prospective students and the community for a continuum and holistic approach to understanding and solving environmental issues and understanding the economic value of environmental stewardship.

Florida Envirothon

The Florida Envirothon is an outdoor natural resource education program for high school students grades 9-12. In the field, students are challenged to work as a team to answer written questions and conduct hands-on projects focusing on environmental issues. Students from across the State of Florida gather to explore the environment and compete in five disciplines: forestry, wildlife, aquatics, soils and the designated current environmental issue of sustainable forestry in a changing climate.

The Lee Campus at Oviedo recently hosted the regional Florida Envirothon, with 70 high school students participating in interactive activities in the required disciplines. State and local agency representatives, faculty and staff members, and Seminole State student volunteers lent a hand for a full day of discovery and competition. 

Florida Envirothon aims is to develop knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated citizens who understand natural resources and are willing and prepared to work toward achieving and maintaining a balance between a high quality of life and a healthy environment. This is accomplished by developing in young people an understanding of the principles and practices of natural resource management and ecology and through practice dealing with complex resource management decisions.

“High school student interaction with College faculty and programs provides valuable exposure to the higher education process, guidance on academic pathways, and positive interactions with faculty intended to increase their likelihood of pursuing further education by exposure to potential majors and career options,” continued Smith.

In addition to her role to as regional Envirothon coordinator, Smith serves as co-advisor for the Environmental Initiative Club and teaches Biology I and II and environmental studies courses at Seminole State. As a passionate practitioner in this field, she provides mentorship and community engagement opportunities for students and looks forward to furthering the learning process in all facets of environmental studies and STEM.

Sustainability in the Workforce

Environmental studies and science are crucial to today’s workforce as they equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address sustainability challenges, climate change, and resource management. These fields are essential in industries such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and urban planning, where environmental impact and regulations play a significant role.

Additionally, with the rise of green jobs, businesses increasingly seek experts in renewable energy, conservation and environmental policy. STEM skills in data analysis, engineering and technology also contribute to innovations in pollution control, waste reduction and sustainable development. 

Ultimately, environmental science and STEM drive economic growth while ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.