Classroom and community blend seamlessly, as Rockers turn academic interests into social action in the Berkshires and beyond.
Simon’s Rock students will present their research at the Berkshire Earth Expo, a local event focused on energy efficiency, climate resilience, and the protection of nature and health. The Expo takes place April 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 pm. at the Boys and Girls Club of the Berkshires, 16 Melville street, Pittsfield, MA.
As part of the Expo’s “Cooler Communities Challenge” the students will offer inspiration and concrete means for the community to lower its carbon footprint.
Longh Pham ’17 and Vivian Shi ’17 will share an exhibit on the Simon’s Rock pollinator garden and the need to create pollinator habitat in the Berkshires. This important topic is also the subject of the 2019 ThinkFOOD conference at Simon’s Rock. The students created their project with guidance from Donald McClelland, assistant professor of environmental science, and in partnership with Helia Land Design.
Tate Coleman A’18 will present independent research in support of proposals to reimagine the area’s public transportation. Tate has been active in building support for expanded service and decreased travel times in the southern part of Berkshire County.
Remy Bahr ’19, Estella Quinones ’19, and Grayson Ball ’19 will share an exhibit on the basic science of climate change, the result of a class with Michael Bergman, professor of physics.
Sophia Zah-Greenspan ’17, student in Jennifer Browdy's Leadership and Public Speaking class, will read her essay on climate change: “There is No Chairlift to Mars.”
The Expo will include additional presentations on climate change, composting, recycling, and other topics, along with a marketplace of local “green” vendors and organizations.
“It’s exciting to see our students embrace the community and contribute to improving the local environment,” says Anne Legêne, an Expo organizer and adjunct music instructor. “The Berkshires are home to Simon’s Rock, and our students take seriously the idea that local action is global action”