SyracuseCoE Staff

Ana Arache
Project Coordinator
Environmental Finance Center /
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions (Puerto Rico office)

avarache@syr.edu

Education
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Hato Rey
Masters in Environmental Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus (In Progress)

Special Interests
My research interests are focused on human ecology regarding food and water systems. The optimization of human-environment relationships, trough public outreach, research, education, and technology transfer, within school and communities is one of the main goals of my work.

Quirky Sustainable Solution
Grow food everywhere I can, compost everywhere I can, and collect all recyclable residual materials from my dally consumption in front of my desk to remind myself that a lot of things have to change.

You wouldn't know It, but...
Compost happens and love is possible :o)

Tara Baron
Project Assistant
Environmental Finance Center /
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

tcbaron@syr.edu

Education
BS Graphic Design, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University

Special Interests
Syracuse sports, dancing, traveling, the outdoors and food

Quirky Sustainable Solution
I love scrapbooking, so I'll use every last piece of paper around my house to create my scrapbooks.

You wouldn't know it but...
I have performed at Disney World, I have over 500 beanie babies and I would consider myself an ice cream connoisseur.

Tim Benson
Facilities & Information Systems Manager
SyracuseCoE

tbenson@syracusecoe.org
315.443.8756

Education
BS Computer Science, Quinnipiac University 


AS Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, Norwalk State Technical College


Special Interests

Golfing, kayaking, wood working, boating, computing, wine making, dinner club
 


Quirky Sustainable Solution

Reduced home energy consumption by installing energy efficient boiler and hot water heater, replaced electric baseboard heaters as well as gradually implementing of CFLs. Implementing Zigbee/Z-wave solutions to monitor and control electricity consumption.
 


You wouldn't know it but...

I've been to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Japan, Australia, England, France and Scotland.

Edward Bogucz
Executive Director
SyracuseCoE

ebogucz@syracusecoe.org
315.443.4815

Expertise
Computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer, multidisciplinary analysis and design, engineering education, regional innovation clusters
 
Education
PhD Mechanical Engineering, Lehigh University
MSc Heat Transfer Engineering, Imperial College, University of London
BS Mechanical Engineering, Lehigh University

Special Interests
History of science and technology, Erie Canal, and Haudenosaunee
 
Quirky Sustainability Solution
Embrace opportunities to combine art, education, technology, history and diverse cultures to revitalize urban neighborhoods. Reopen the Erie Canal through downtown Syracuse.
 
You wouldn't know it, but...
At Sparkytown on Burnet Street in Syracuse, "Wild Ed's Green Salad" is named for me!

Stacy Bunce
Administrative Assistant
SyracuseCoE

315.443.8803
sbunce@syracusecoe.org

Education
BA Biology (Environmental Emphasis), Houghton College
 
Special Interests
Climbing the Adirondack 46, American Sign Language, making & eating chocolate chip cookies
 
Quirky Sustainable Solution
At home I keep lights off in all unoccupied rooms.  I also have a tendency to turn off lights in other peoples’ houses, if I notice the room is unoccupied.
 
You wouldn't know it but...
I've traveled to Australia and across North Africa.

Laura Cardoso
Project Assistant
Environmental Finance Center /
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

lcardoso@syr.edu

Education
BA Geography and Spanish, SUNY Geneseo
Master in Bilingual and Multicultural Education, University of Alcalá de Henares
Portuguese Language Studies, University of Coimbra

Special Interests
Traveling, learning new languages, meeting people of any culture, family, listening to podcasts and TED talks, learning about local urban development, cooking new kinds of food, exploring natural parks here or around the world

Quirky Sustainable Solution
Wash and reuse lunch bags, compost, investigate at the grocery store: talk to the grocers, read labels and find out where my produce and everyday groceries are coming from!

You wouldn't know it but...
I teach Spanish/English and help orient locally-placed foreign exchange students.  It's a great way to learn about other cultures, and gain an international perspective on history and current events.

Aimee Clinkhammer
Project Scientist
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

315.443.3741
aclinkhammer@syracusecoe.org

Research/Interests
Climate change science and impacts, water pollution
 
Education
BA Environmental Studies and Anthropology, St. Lawrence University
 
Quirky Sustainability Solution
Read Ishmael by David Quinn
 
You wouldn’t know it, but…
I love to travel. I’ve been to some pretty cool places like hiking Machu Picchu in Peru and studying environment and development issues in rural South African communities (where I came within 15 feet of lions!).

Brad DeFrees
Project Assistant
Environmental Finance Center/
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

315.443.8488
bdefrees@syracusecoe.org

Education
BS Environmental Science - Renewable Energy, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Special Interests
Trout fishing, hiking/camping in the Adirondacks, hunting, playing guitar, taking long road trips, meeting interesting people, and engaging myself in local communities.

Quirky Sustainable Solution
I try to eat as much local food as possible, whether it be from my garden, the farmer's market, the stream, or the woods. I hope to someday achieve a truly sustainable, off-the-grid, simple lifestyle.

You wouldn't know it but...
I spent a summer in the badlands of South Dakota as a backcountry trail volunteer. The town I lived near had a population of 67.

Khris Dodson
Senior Program Manager
Environmental Finance Center/
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

315.443.8818
kdodson@syracusecoe.org

Expertise
Green Infrastructure, water and wastewater, agricultural BMPs, smart growth, planning public engagement in decision-making, strategic communications

Education
MA Magazine Journalism, Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
MPS Environmental Communications, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
BA Environmental Studies and English/Rhetoric, Binghamton University

Quirky Sustainable Solution
Hold contests with myself to see how low I can get my energy bill to be. I'm having a hard time winning because I am on the budget plan. Also, I compost in my backyard in the city, strategically open and close windows and curtains to maintain a comfortable indoor climate and often wear a jacket at home in the winter.

You wouldn't know It, but...
I've slept outside in the Alaskan Backcountry, climbed the peaks of tall mountains in foreign lands, drank local wine in Hungary, but I've never been to the Thousand Islands ... yet.

Ana Fernandez
Associate Director of Administration/Project Manager
SyracuseCoE

315.443.9994
afernandez@syracusecoe.org

Expertise and/or Research
Rain gardens & barrels, community & technology demonstration, indoor air quality & asthma, watershed management, and lately...project & budget management

Education
MS Forest Resource Management, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
BA Anthropology, University of Washington

Special Interests
Water resources, learning new things, doing what I can to improve my corner in the world

Quirky Sustainable Solution
I hang my clothes to dry in the attic during warm months... that way I don't have to worry if it rains. I have installed a small rain garden and 4 rain barrels in my house.

You wouldn't know It, but...
I've taken 6 years of ballroom dancing lessons, I’m a CTM (Competent Toastmaster), spent a month in Majorca, went white water rafting in Costa Rica, and studied Russian in Moscow, Idaho.

Rafael Fernandez
Project Assistant
Environmental Finance Center /
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions (Puerto Rico office)

Kathleen Forrest
Budget Administrator
SyracuseCoE
Environmental Finance Center

315.443.1131
kforrest@syracusecoe.org

Expertise
Assisting with budget, organizing events
 
Education
BA Liberal Arts, Psychology, SUNY Albany
AA Data Processing, Harrisburg Area Community College
 
Special Interests
Gardening, sewing
 
Quirky Sustainable Solution
I try to use as little fuel for heating as possible. Our family tries to be content with 62 degrees indoor temperature in the winter. My garden has consisted with as little weeding as possible, using grass clippings to cut down on weeds. I collect water from the roof top for watering indoor and outdoor plants.
 
You wouldn't know it, but....
I have a 55 gallon aquarium that I keep stocked with various tropical fish. It’s been a hobby of mine for many years.

Brenda Griffin
Director
NYS C&D Resource Center
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

315.443.9747
bgriffin@syracusecoe.org

Expertise
Construction waste management (CWM), solid and hazardous waste management and planning, training, coaching, community engagement, awareness campaigns, environmental health and safety management systems

Education
BS Biology, SUNY Cortland
MS Environmental Science, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Certified Trainer in Construction and Demolition Recycling (In progress)

Special Interests
Sharing what I’ve learned with others in life, career and business through writing, speaking, training, and coaching; reading great books, spending time with trees, skiing, and traveling.

Quirky Sustainable Solution
After my dryer died, I became friends with my clothesline and now enjoy using it regularly. I carpool to work with my neighbor and I’m also a fan of reading books on Kindle.

You wouldn’t know it but…
I was inspired to collect household items from the community after Hurricane Katrina – you know, the stuff you have and never use – and arrange for delivery to the Gulf. I recalled seeing a similar truck full of necessities pull up in front of our flooded-out house when I was 10 after Hurricane Agnes caused historic flooding in 1972.  It was scary for me as a kid to be trapped by the flood water with my family and neighbors, wondering if we would die. Following that 70’s summer, I took my first Red Cross jr. life saving class and went on to become a life-guard, saving 13 lives over the years. It’s funny how traumatic events shape our lives.

Mark Lichtenstein
LEED™ Green Associate
Executive Director
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

315.443.5678
mlichtenstein@syracusecoe.org

Expertise and/or Research

Collaborative governance and leadership, volunteer service/community and civic engagement, sustainable materials management (solid waste and recycling), environmental finance, international relations and security, conflict management, organizational development, construction/deconstruction, green infrastructure, citizen participation in decision-making, resilient/regenerative thinking

Education

MPA (Public Administration), The Maxwell School of Syracuse University 

Certificates of Advanced Studies in Conflict Resolution and Public Administration, The Maxwell School

Graduate Studies in Environmental Science, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)

BS Environmental Studies, SUNY ESF



Special Interests

Working for the seventh generation yet to come, devotion toward building regenerative communities and a sustainable materials-based economy, progressive rock and eclectic music, Alhambra by Jon Mark, ecotourism, World War II history, teaching, learning from indigenous people, nature



Quirky Sustainable Solution

I try to heed Albert Einstein’s advice by looking deep into nature so that I will gain a better understanding of the actions I need to continue to take to leave as small a footprint as possible—to “be the change I want to see in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi). This includes working with my wife to design our garden to take advantage of natural “pesticides”, to providing opportunities to youth and young professionals—those saddled with righting our wrongs. However, my attention is where I may dwell in hypocrisy, trying to do better every day.



You wouldn't know It, but...

I wanted to be a spy. I’m also an entertainer at heart, particularly for children. See photos: Me as Disney's Pluto and Oswego County’s (NY) ORC the Trashasaurus (which I helped design).

Timothy LaBreche
Associate Director - Innovation Programs
SyracuseCoE

315.443.8779
tlabreche@syracusecoe.org

Education
BS Civil Engineering, Purdue University
MS Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech

Special Interests
Mountain biking, kayaking, building pump tracks and bike trails

Quirky Sustainable Solution
Make vehicle hybridization broadly accessible by developing simple aftermarket hybridization technology for the existing gas powered fleet of cars.  If we can market it as an affordable performance add-on (that also happens to improve efficiency), car culture will green much of the existing fleet on the road.

You wouldn't know it but...
I piloted the first (ever) flight of a hand launched solid oxide fuel cell powered remote controlled aircraft.

James Luckett
Director of Innovation Programs
SyracuseCoE

315.443.9741
jluckett@syracusecoe.org

Expertise
Business planning and management, sponsored funds development, served in executive capacities for a business (from start up to IPO) and a not-for-profit 501c3 corporation.

Education
MS Higher Education Administration, SUNY Brockport
BA History, SUNY Plattsburgh

Special interests
Golf, skiing, music, radioparadise.com, reading history

Quirky Sustainable Solution
We look for every way to more than offset the carbon our motor vehicles represent. We are making impacts through ride sharing, thermostat settings, unplugging “snoozing” appliances, recycling, and insulating. 

You wouldn’t know it, but…
In high school, my Latin teacher gave me a passing final grade only after making  me promise I would never take a foreign language class in college. By my 19th birthday, I had become reasonably fluent in German for reasons involving a German girl.  Motivation is everything.

Carissa Matthews
Project Assistant
Environmental Finance Center/
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

clmatthe@syr.edu

Expertise
Environmental education and outreach with a focus on sustainable materials management and green infrastructure, public administration, meeting facilitation, strategic communications, public relations, project management, public engagement, web-based tools and social media

Education
BS Public Relations, Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
MPA (Public Administration), The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University (In Progress)

Special Interests
Exploring the outdoors, playing guitar, hanging out with refugees on the Northside of Syracuse, reading the Bible, Lord of the Rings, and learning archery.

Community Roles
ESL Tutor, Hopeprint
Member, GreeningUSA (and past chair of education committee)

Quirky Sustainable Solution
I am that person who never buys any new gift-wrapping material. Every time I get a gift, I save all the ribbons, tissue paper, gift bags, etc. and reuse them. You know this when you get a gift from me, because the tissue paper is always wrinkly. Better than wasting new materials!

You wouldn't know It, but...
I've run a marathon, traveled to China, helped set-up a pig farm in Malawi, and wish I could have a sea otter as a pet.
 

Geoff Millard
Electronics Technician
SyracuseCoE

315.443.7415
gmillard@syr.edu

Expertise

Education
BS Chemistry, St. Lawrence University

Special Interests
Preserving the natural beauty of the world and spending time outside, running, hiking and travelling with a tent.  Watching Hockey Night in Canada.

Quirky Sustainable Solution
I try to unplug everything!  I think we should put solar panels on residential roofs and gardens on top of commercial buildings.

You wouldn’t know it, but...
I have driven coast to coast and visited every Canadian Province except Newfoundland and Labrador.  Snow is always better than a cold rain.

Carmela Peters
Project Assistant
SyracuseCoE

clpete01@syr.edu

Expertise
Educational focus is on residential energy efficiency and sustainability

Education
Sustainable Construction Management, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
AA Liberal Arts, Cazenovia College
Certificate in Advertising Design, Cazenovia College

Special Interests
Making art (pen and watercolor, linocuts, photography, anodized aluminum, pastel, recycled materials), travel, cooking, gardening, home improvement projects great and small

Quirky Sustainable Solution
Treat my 845 sf house as my "science project." Make do with heating DHW 1-1 1/2 hours a day or less, track monthly energy use and constantly try to lower it, use a Kill a Watt meter to better understand how much energy each appliance or electronic device uses, program the thermostat down as far as it will go a few hours before bedtime during winter months (so far the inside temp has never dipped below 58 and usually settles in the low 60s—great sleeping!) 

You wouldn't know it, but...
See candid photo to the left.

Tamara Rosanio
Assistant Director for Partner Alliances
SyracuseCoE

315.443.3433
trosanio@syracusecoe.org

Expertise
Strategic alliances and other collaborations, special events, and a few other things.

Education
EMPA, The Maxwell School, Syracuse University (in progress)
BA Political Science, William Smith College

Special Interests
Collaborative governance and networks, politics, history, baseball

Quirky Sustainable Solution
We appointed our youngest son as the family’s “Energy Manager”, resulting in lights being turned off while we were reading, thermostats being turned down to zero and other very effective conservation measures...!

You wouldn't know It, but...
I’ve climbed Adirondack High Peaks and low peaks, and cycled from Springfield, MA, to Cape Cod and back.  Also, my cousin George Mulhauser designed the wonderful Coconut Chair for Herman Miller in 1955 while working for George Nelson—come see the re-issued Coconut Chair up on the 5th floor of the  SyracuseCoE HQ!

Lisa Ruggero
Project Assistant
Environmental Finance Center/
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

lruggero@syracusecoe.org

Expertise and Research
Environmental communication, recycling and sustainable materials, composting, state and national recycling organizations
     
Education
BS Environmental Studies (Communication and Culture), SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Special Interests
Nature, camping, hiking, dancing, meditation, singing, cooking delicious meals
 
Quirky Sustainable Solution
I pick bottles and cans out of the garbage and put them in the recycling bin. I am also a vegetarian.
     
You wouldn’t know it, but…
I am an alumni of the Syracuse University Dance Team and I choreographed a piece that was performed in front of 30,000+ people in the Carrier Dome!
 

Mónica Salazar Ortiz
Project Assistant
Environmental Finance Center /
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions (Puerto Rico office)

Education
Studying Environmental Sciences in the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. I am currently working with a small group of former interns, Ana Arache and Rafael Fernandez, with the Vieques Recycling Partnership.

Suresh Santanam
Deputy Executive Director, SyracuseCoE
Director, Industrial Assessment Center

315.443.9863
ssantanam@syracusecoe.org

Chris Straile
Home Energy Technical Advisor
SyracuseCoE

cjstrail@syr.edu

Education
BS Biology, SUNY Cortland
RESNET - Certified HERS Rater

Special Interests
Advanced Building Practices, Biomimicry, Music, Outdoors anything, Food, Syracuse basketball, Disk, Biking, Playing basketball and lots more...

Quirky Sustainable Solution
Build buildings to the highest energy efficiency standards possible and ride a moped.

You wouldn't know it but...

I have my scuba diving certification, traveled to Europe 6 times, and I've gone skydiving over the Finger Lakes.

Tracy Verrier
Project Coordinator, SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions
Asst. to the VP of Sustainability Initiatives, Syracuse University
 

315.443.5506
tnverrie@syr.edu

Education
MA Economics, Maxwell School, Syracuse University
MA International Relations, Maxwell School, Syracuse University
BA Economics, Drew University

Special Interests
Ultimate Frisbee, swimming, traveling, mac & cheese


Quirky Sustainable Solution
I have most of my electrical devices and appliances plugged into power strips that I turn off when I’m not using them. I’m a fiend about putting plastic on windows to save heating energy in the winter. Air conditioners make me uncomfortable, fresh air makes me happy.

You wouldn't know it but...

I have an irrational fear of crustaceans. As a kid I called the lobsters in the grocery store “the monsters”, and hermit crabs still make me hyperventilate.

Melissa Young
Program Manager
Eastern New York Office
Environmental Finance Center/
SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

315.748.0190
myoung@syracusecoe.org

Expertise
Public management and finance program, local leadership development, water and wastewater infrastructure, agriculture, local food systems, sustainable materials management, composting, perceptions of sustainability

Education
MS Natural Resource Management, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
BA Environmental Studies/Philosophy, SUNY Binghamton

You wouldn't know It, but...
My dream is to open up a small local café where I could serve my moms filipino fried spring rolls.

 

Zach Zeliff
Administrative Intern
Syracuse COE

ztzeliff@syr.edu 

Education
Junior at Syracuse Univeristiy, studying Policy Studies, Political Science and Economics

Special Interests
Ultimate Frisbee, cooking, music, Middle-Eastern politics, tutoring, outdoor trips with friends

You wouldn't know It, but...
I have dislocated my kneecap 5 times!