The Rubenstein Graduate Student Association (RGSA) is an association of and for graduate students of the Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. Its purpose is to represent the needs, interests, and perspectives of graduate students of RSENR. In April of 2012, the Rubenstein graduate student body established the RGSA to replace the previous RSENR Graduate Student Advisory Board (GSAB). All graduate students enrolled in RSENR are members of the RGSA; no dues are charged to students. The RGSA is a graduate student organization that is recognized by the UVM Graduate Student Senate (GSS). Incoming students will receive information provided by RGSA in their acceptance package and will learn about the RGSA during orientation.
The goals of the RGSA are: to promote the interests and welfare of RSENR graduate students; to serve as a commons for all RSENR graduate students to provide input on RSENR policy, curriculum, and operation; to serve as a conduit of information relevant to graduate education in RSENR and UVM; to promote an intellectual and social community of graduate education; and to sponsor opportunities for academic and professional development among its members.
From the RSNER graduate student body, five officers will be elected each spring to serve on the Executive Committee for the following academic year (see below for this year's officers). The Executive Committee shall hold graduate student body-wide meetings at least once per semester, and regular meetings of the Executive Committee are open to Rubenstein graduate students as well. The RGSA Executive Committee manages a mini-grant program each semester to support RSENR graduate student research and organizes the RSENR Graduate Seminar Series each fall semester. Other duties of the Executive Committee include maintaining the graduate student facilities in the Aiken Center including computers and printers, as well as facilitating a mentoring program to connect graduate and undergraduate students.
Every month, the RGSA hosts a get-together at a local Burlington establishment. Generally this entails free food and catching up with RSENR graduate students and professors. Keep a lookout for emails about upcoming locations!
The RGSA Executive Committee for the 2012-2013 Academic Year:
Nathan Reigner, RGSA President
PhD Natural Resources
313 Aiken, Park Studies Lab
nreigner@uvm.edu
My research is in the human dimensions of natural resources, particularly recreational and non-utilitarian uses of parks and public lands. I am interested in both quantitative and qualitative research with a focus on mapping and modeling. I am looking forward to making RGSA an inclusive group for relevant service to the Rubinstein School's graduate students.
Rebecca Pincus, Aiken Chair
PhD Natural Resources
Rebecca.Pincus@uvm.edu
I research the response of US military institutions to energy-related security threats of the 21st century, including climate change and the rise of global terrorism. Current projects include US Arctic strategy and DoD operational energy policy. I look forward to building RGSA and strengthening the RSENR community!
Kate Ostroot, Treasurer
MS Natural Resources: Environmental Though & Culture
312 Aiken Center
kostroot@uvm.edu
My research focuses on the effectiveness of education during and after the green building process, and its influence on students. I am interested in student perceptions of sustainability and commitment to sustainable living. I am looking forward to supporting the RSENR students academically, while also creating a fun social community.
Ryan Morra, Communications Chair
MS Natural Resources: Field Naturalist & Ecological Planning Program
308 Aiken Center
ryan.morra@uvm.edu
I am helping develop a place-based education program with a community in central Puerto Rico modeled after that of the PLACE Program at UVM. I am creating a suite of maps and narratives to be housed in a web-based tool for use by schools and community members in educational initiatives. This year, I look forward to building a strong, fun, and supportive RSENR graduate student community.
Ellen Rovelstad, Social Chair
MS Natural Resources: Environment, Society, & Public Affairs
313 Aiken, Park Studies Lab
erovelst@uvm.edu
My research concerns nighttime recreation and lighting preferences in national parks. Through this research, I hope to understand the social perceptions and values visitors have toward natural resources and recreation activities in parks after dark. I look forward to strengthening the community on which the Rubenstein School prides itself.
