Sophomores are accepted into the program at the end of the fall semester after an intensive application process. They commence the program by taking ES 110 Environmental Studies as a Natural Science, or ES 111 as a Social Science.

During their first semester in the program, sophomores take ES 290, a four-credit course with two components: a service-learning project and seminar. By incorporating a service-learning component, the Center fosters inquiry and skill-building through application of scholarship in a community context. Through affiliation with the Groton Conservation Commission, the students are exposed to real world conservation through a municpal planning lense.

The ES 290 seminar is designed to help prepare students for their internships and senior integrative projects. It also offers in-depth discussion of current environmental issues with invited speakers, and the opportunity to share information among students with diverse backgrounds, including juniors and seniors in the Certificate Program. Sophomores also participate in many special events sponsored by the Center.

Sadie AbuHaidar
Enviornmental Interest: Exploring cattle industry and water use affecting rivers and fish through research and art exhibits


Sabilah Alibhai
Environmental Interest: Role of soil arthropod communities in nitrogen cycling in nitrogen cycling and nutrient availability 


Ana Bermudez
Environmental Interest: Urban orchid conservation and education


Riley Flannery
Environmental Interest: Environmental impacts of tourism on coastal Maine and surrounding waters


Rowan Galanis
Environmental Interest: Sunscreen and PCP chemical impacts on coral and suggested policies


Hannah Guay
Environmental Interest: Effects of grass fed vs factory raised beef on the environment


Skyler Kardell
Environmental Interest: Beach Vol population and status: the ethics of collection on a sensitive endemic population


Katerina Mann
Environmental Interest: Horseshoe crab conservation in Long Island Sound


Mia McKersie
Environmental Interest: Framing veganism and vegetarianism to reduce animal product consumption 


Sophie Moniz
Environmental Interest: Assessing local kelp farming for nutrient and carbon sequestration


Rebecca Teall
Environmental Interest: Literature’s unintended impact on our behavior and the resulting environmental impacts


Noah Vernick
Environmental Interest: Climate and community impacts of Western US water shortages on marginalized towns and cities