Meet the Office
Our staff and graduate assistants are committed to making the Graduate Program in Environmental and Sustainability Studies the best it can be! We would like to introduce those who work behind the scenes with the Masters of Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program and Sustainable Agriculture.
Program Director: Adam Ali
Hello! My name is Dr Adam Ali, I am an Associate Professor and the new Director of the Masters of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies (EVSS) Program at the University of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina. My research focuses on ocean optics and water quality studies using satellite remote sensing. I have directed several large grants and projects funded by NASA, SC Sace grant, SC and OH Sea grants, and National Geography. Currently, I have ongoing NASA funded projects in the low country, US Virgin Islands, the US Great Lakes, and in South Africa.
I have been involved in the EVSS program for more than a decade through teaching (EVSS 638, Hydrogeology and lab; EVSS 649, GIS with lab) and advising many students on research, internship and independent study projects (EVSS 691, 690 and EVSS 693). Coupled with our emphasis in most comprehensive interdisciplinary training, the EVSS program will uniquely prepare students to deal with the complex nature of environmental issues by capitalizing on our diverse faculty and research strengths of the University. I am extremely committed to the EVSS program, and as the Director, I am happy to help guide students to successfully navigate through the EVSS program.
Program Coordinator: Lucy Davis
My name is Lucy Davis and I am the Program Coordinator for the Masters of Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, which means I am here to help you determine your class schedules, navigate your research projects, apply for funding, and help you make the best out of your graduate experience here at the College! I am also the Coordinator for the Masters of Environmental and Sustainability Studies Student Gardens. I help manage our planting rotations, our education and outreach events, and our collaborations with other Charleston, South Carolina community organizations. I have been affiliated with the Masters of Environmental and Sustainability Studies since 2015 and have been Program Coordinator since February of 2018. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions! My door is always open.
EVSS Office Graduate Assistants:
Cheyenne Cunningham
Cheyenne graduated from Coastal Carolina University in December 2018. She majored in Ocean Policy and Legal Studies, with a minor in Pre-Law. Throughout undergraduate studies, Cheyenne deployed acoustic tags on lemon sharks at the Bimini Biological Field Station in the Bahamas, sat through hearings to protect North Atlantic right whales as an ambitious United States Congressional intern, and explored the critical environment of the Galapagos Islands as a teacher assistant to other undergraduate students. These opportunities, among others, ignited a passion within Cheyenne to improve the coordination between knowledge-holders and decision-makers with respect to the environment. Enrolled into the EVSS/MPA Concurrent Program in 2021 to pursue a career in ocean management, she will channel her research around the ocean science and ocean policy interface.
Sarah Haslinger
Sarah graduated from Florida Southern College in May 2021. She double majored in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies, and has a minor in Communications. She previously worked as a Biology Teaching Assistant at Florida Southern where she helped students in biology labs. Sarah is from Buffalo, NY and worked as a Boat Steward for the SUNY Research Foundation in 2020 where she educated boaters on Lake Erie about aquatic invasive species in New York State. Sarah is interested in conservation, organizational sustainability, and public outreach. In her free time, Sarah enjoys watching the Buffalo Bills, exercising, and going to the beach.
Maeve Gimbert
Maeve graduated from La Salle University in May 2023. She double majored in Environmental Science and Political Science. Throughout undergraduate studies, Maeve participated in research that looked at the biomineralization of Calcium Carbonate in fungi to better understand how fungi captures carbon from the environment. Maeve has a strong passion for environmental conservation and protection which grew when she worked as a summer intern for Natural Lands where she assisted with land management projects and visitor education. Maeve is interested in environmental conservation, protection, policy, and the ecological health effects that result from protected land. Maeve is also a member of the College of Charleston Women's Cross Country and Track and Field team.