SEEDS Scholars

The purpose of the Sustainability, Environment, and Engaged Design Scholars Program is to cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders.  As SEED Scholars, Hiram students have unique opportunities to:

• Critically examine the relationships between human social and natural systems
• Develop and communicate ideas and information that integrate diverse perspectives on the environment
• Foster sustainability at all levels—from the planetary to the Northeast Ohio region
• Develop professional skills through peer-networking, conference attendance, and mentored learning experiences

Each year SEED Scholars collaborate as a cohort to explore a specific set of environmental themes and real-world challenges—investigating natural and human social systems, analyzing problems and identifying solutions, and creatively communicating their findings via the SEEDS Discovery Blog and a number of other ways. 

Meet the 2012-13 SEED Scholars

Shova Ale Magar '14

From: Kathmandu, Nepal
Studies: Environmental Studies and Sociology double major
I want to know: "More about the paths towards sustainable energy and food production."
My Hiram education will help me: "Learn about different ways to educate society about the value of our planet earth. We humans have been taking our natural resources for granted; we should change in our behaviors to make earth a better place for living."

Nate Frances '14

From: Shalersville, OH
Studies: Environmental Studies and Religious Studies double major
I want to know: "What it will take for our world to recognize that the intrinsic value of the environment is worth saving.
My Hiram education will help me: "Understand the intersection of ecology and religion ... and develop an awareness of religion’s role and potential in the solutions to our environmental predicaments."

Amy Morton '13

From: Minneapolis, MN
Studies: Self-Designed Education and Advocacy Through Narrative major; Religious Studies minor
I want to know: "How we can move forward without moving towards the end."
My Hiram education will help me: "Get the opportunity to organize or take physical steps towards changing a culture of passivity to one of active involvement and criticism."

Bryan Nemire '13

From: Berlin Heights, OH
Studies: Environmental Studies and Biology double major
I want to know: "How the United States, along with the rest of the developed world, can help the undeveloped and developing world grow economically but without all the damaging effects of fossil fuels which have traditionally fueled the industrial revolutions in developed countries."
My Hiram education will help me: "Develop my knowledge of sustainable actions and more importantly which route is the best to take to make the greatest impact. For example, is integrating a system of decreased carbon emissions in industry best done through the laws and regulations of the government or through the sheer economic incentives present in the private industry, or a combination of the two?"

Hannah Kay Shaefer '16

From: Kent, OH
Studies: Environmental Studies major, Biology minor
I want to know: "How to encourage others to make decisions that are going to benefit the environment."
My Hiram education will help me: "To better understand climate change."

Owen Schoeniger '15

From: Cleveland, OH
Studies: Self-designed Environmental Studies and Sociology major
I want to know: "How the majority of the world's people can catalyze a collective will in order to turn cultural instincts of self-gratifying consumption into mindful giving, procreation into adoption and separation into unity."
My Hiram education will help me: "Answer the question of how the public policies of industrialized/developed nations and the minds of their populations can be molded in order to spark a global movement toward sustainable living."

Susanna Wong '13

From: Hong Kong and Thailand
Studies: Psychology major
I want to know: "How to  increase individual sustainability efforts compared to what we are doing now… (and) to promote an even ‘greener’ society."
My Hiram education will help me: "Understand what is the right balance between environmental and economic priorities."

Debbie Kasper

SEED Scholars Faculty Mentor