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OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT
Tim Phelps

Inspired by Nature to Pursue a Sustainable Path

Tim Phelps smiling

One of Tim Phelps’ (Construction Management, Class of 2025) most definitive moments was his first trip to the Adirondacks as a kid. He can still summon the majesty of the landscape’s beauty and feeling a pull that it is something we must preserve. Secondary school technical classes sparked an interest in construction and how we can sustainably build without compromising the forest.  

“I was fascinated by the sheer amount of coordination and different components that go into building,” he said. “We spend more than 80% of our time in buildings. I think we often underestimate the impact of how and what we build on people everywhere.” 

Tim chose ESF for its distinctive Sustainable Construction Management program. He’s pursuing a career that will enable him to be an active community member and make the world a better place. And he’s getting a great start at ESF.

ESF's research in wood products and mass timber construction has helped Tim translate classroom principles into impactful real-world applications. Thanks to collaborations with the Syracuse School of Architecture and industry partners, he has been able to explore opportunities in the HVAC industry and secure internships with the NYS Department of Transportation. 

Then there are the community opportunities – Tim attends the NYS Green Building Conference. He is involved in extracurriculars such as the Solar Decathlon, Mighty Oak Student Assembly, Food Recovery Network, and the Bob Marshall Club. “Contributing to community initiatives focused on food security, combating food waste, promoting environmental conservation through trail work with the Bob Marshall Club, and making outdoor recreation more accessible to the ESF community has been particularly meaningful and impactful.”

Tim’s experiences at ESF are supported by the scholarship he received, “[It] has enabled me to pursue involvement because I’m not as tied down with work as I would be otherwise,” he said. “Thanks to the generosity of donors, the ESF experience is possible for me. I truly appreciate their donations, and all that it makes possible here at ESF.”