Emily abides by Mary Oliver’s instructions for living (from the poem “Sometimes”):
“Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
Emily’s insatiable curiosity about the natural world results in daily astonishment, and her passion is to share that with students. Before coming to Sterling, Emily spent many years developing and teaching experiential education programs relating to ecology and natural history. Her professional background also includes assessing and mapping natural resources on conserved lands as a consulting ecologist, and participating in wildlife monitoring and field research. Emily is interested in the application of ecological knowledge, from both western scientific and traditional perspectives, to natural resources conservation and management. She teaches courses including Foundations of Ecology, Wetland Ecology, Winter Ecology, and Vertebrate Natural History, and co-teaches Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Environmental Education.
Emily spends most of her free time tinkering on projects around her yurt in Craftsbury, following wildlife tracks and birds, and otherwise exploring the wilds of Vermont.
Profile
| Award | Institution |
|---|---|
| MS in Natural Resources | University of Vermont |
| BS in Environmental Education | Unity College |
Wetlands are often called “keystone natural communities” because of the important role many wetlands play in biogeochemical cycling, the control of flooding, the support of extensive and rich food chains,…
Organisms that inhabit northern climes face the incessant challenges of dramatic seasonal changes, intense cold, limited energy resources, reduced light levels, long-term snow and ice cover, and an ever-increasing amount…
With approximately 10,000 species worldwide, birds are all around us. With their vibrant colors, lively songs, astonishing long-distance migrations, and envied, awe-inspiring ability of flight, birds have intrigued and inspired…
This course is an introductory survey of concepts in ecology with emphasis on ecosystem processes, community dynamics and biodiversity. Topics include ecosystem energetics, nutrient cycling, global weather and climate, biomes…
Wildlife Conservation and Management
The Wildlife Conservation and Management course is built upon the concept of a land ethic, recognizing that the definition of ‘community’ encompasses all living things. How we interact with the…
Natural History of the North Woods
This course is a field-based exploration of the flora and vegetation of the North Woods, with an emphasis on the ecological interplay between temperate deciduous and boreal forest biomes. Students…
Finding Meaning in Physical Work: Internship Presentation
What does the Sterling College motto “Working Hands Working Minds” mean to you? I want to share with you about some work experiences I had gardening and farming a few years…
View moreNew Director of Advancement & Alumni Relations
Christopher W. Bordeau is the new Director of Advancement & Alumni Relations at Sterling College. With eight years in higher education development, Bordeau will lead the recently announced $9 million…
View moreAlumni Spotlight: Vanessa Petro ’06
Name: Vanessa Petro Graduation Year: 2006 Education: 2013 MS Forest Science, Oregon State University; 2006 BA Conservation Ecology, Sterling College 2004; AA Natural Resource Management, Sterling College Current Hometown: Corvallis,…
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