Amanda Stone

Name: Amanda Stone
Age: 27
SNRE degree sought: M.S. in Behavior, Education and Communication (and possibly double major with Environmental Policy and Planning)
Projected semester/year of graduation: Winter 2010
Undergraduate degree: B.S. in Radio/Television/Film (minor in Business Institutions), Northwestern University

Why did you pick this field of study? Why were you drawn to this field?  
SNRE is one of the only schools in the country with a focus on the critical social science aspects of environmentalism. My background is in film and communication with absolutely no hard science or policy experience.  However, there is so much miscommunication between the scientists, policy makers and the public about the severity of environmental issues that there is obviously a need to bridge that gap. I wanted to get as much environmental vocabulary and understanding of as many facets of the field as possible so I can help them all communicate more effectively and understand what needs to be accomplished together to create social change in caring for the planet. SNRE's multidisciplinary approach makes that possible.

So far, what do you like best about your program?
The people are inspirational and supportive.  It's the first time I've had a close relationship with faculty, and they make topics I know nothing about come alive. The students come from an incredibly diverse set of backgrounds and are both fun to be with and learn from. It's a community.

Describe your research interests and experiences at SNRE.
My research interests are pretty broad, they sort of run the gamut: I have done some research for my adviser on environmental psychology and designing environments that bring out the best in people, and also on communication strategies. For my master's project, I am working on sustainable development in an area of Detroit, particularly in relation to community development, participation and engagement, and the impacts of nature and built environment on public mental and physiological health.  I've also done work on education and behavior change models, sustainable urban agriculture and endangered species policy.

What do you plan to do after graduation? Great question.

What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?  
If you don't have a science background, consider doing some review before you get here, you'll thank yourself later. Read everything you can get your hands on. Come in with an open mind and take courses you are scared of. There are a million speakers that come to SNRE and U-M. Go to as many as you can or want, sometimes...a lot of the time, learning happens outside the classroom and when you least expect it. Go for walks. Also, sleep while you still can.

What is your favorite environment-themed Web site and why?
freerangestudios.com (creativity with a conscience), Goodguide.com (what to buy or not to buy and why), grist.org (keeps me up to date on greeny news, but not in a doom and gloom kinda way, with a hopeful spin and action steps), planetgreen.discovery.com

How do you relax when not studying?
Lots of yoga. Baking for potlucks with friends, being outside, reading, watching movies!