Recent Headlines
Katherina Searing was appointed Assistant Dean of the ESF's Graduate School.
Katherina Searing Named Assistant Dean of ESF’s Graduate School
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Jan. 17, 2024 - The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), one of the nation’s premier colleges focused exclusively on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future, appointed Katherina Searing Assistant Dean of the College’s Graduate School.
“As Assistant Dean, Katherina will serve as a compass for our graduate students ensuring they not only navigate challenges but flourish as scholars poised to make a profound impact on the world,” said Dr. Samuel Mukasa, ESF Executive Vice President and Provost. “Having worked in the Open Academy previously, she will be a tremendous bridge between her new and old offices as ESF grows a bigger online presence for certificates, microcredentials, and the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree.”
Searing joined ESF in 2005 as a National Science Foundation K-12 Fellow. Since then, she has served in several positions including a research project assistant, Associate Director for Professional Education and Non-credit Programs; Assistant Dean of Online, Professional and Public Education Associate Director of ESF’s Open Academy; and adjunct instructor in the Department of Environmental Biology.
Searing is an active member of the ESF community serving on various College committees. She volunteers with Girl Scouts and served on the board of directors of the Baltimore Woods Nature Center. She enjoys hikes with her family, reading and spending time in the Finger Lakes region.
“As our society increasingly prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in environmental science,” said Searing. “I’m excited to work with my colleagues to give ESF graduate students a strong start through clear communications, support from faculty, and professional development opportunities as they pursue their advanced degrees.”
Searing holds a Master of Science in biological sciences from Binghamton University and a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from the University at Buffalo.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study, and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.