CREST and the Earth Systems & Environmental Engineering degree program at the City College of New York (CCNY) co-hosted the Earth Systems Science & Environmental Engineering External Advisory Board (EEAB) Inaugural Meeting at the CCNY on June 12, 2024 at the Grove School of Engineering. New board members and CREST & ESE members attended the meeting. 

The Board membership is composed of representatives from various organizations, including federal and regional governmental agencies, private, public and academia, who employ Earth system professionals and environmental engineering graduates and/or are involved in engineering education and research. Its role entails providing inputs and guidance to the ESE Executive Team in order for them to fulfill the mission of the ESE program, which is to educate undergraduate and graduate students to become professionals and leaders in the field of Earth systems and environmental engineering as well as provide solutions to address the ever changing societal challenges. 

Board members Equisha Glenn, Phil Ardanuy, Santosh Mahat, Maurice Roberts, Shaleen Jain, Omar Hammad, Masoud Ghandehari, Farshid Vahedifard were in attendance at the meeting. 

The meeting opened with a presentation on the ESE program by the Program Director, Dr. Reza Khanbilvardi. It provided insights to the attendees on important elements of the degree program such as its goals, research, facilities etc. Further, the board elected Equisha Glen to serve as the Chair of EEAB and Phil Ardanuy to serve as Co-Chair of EEAB. The board also had the opportunity to meet with the students from the ESE program to learn about their thoughts, experiences and feedback about the program. Post the discussion, the board provided suggestions to better the program incorporating students’ perspectives. 

The board plans to meet monthly to discuss important topics that will contribute towards the below, but not limited to: 

  • Providing feedback on the ESE programs and activities.
  • Strategizing to promote and enhance the stature of the program.
  • Reviewing undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
  • Assisting with job placement and summer internships.
  • Reviewing if the program meets the quality standards of the profession per ABET recommendations.
  • Participating in strategic planning and development of new initiatives.
  • Improving alumni relations and participation in department activities.
  • Assisting with fundraising and development efforts.
  • Participating in teaching activities (e.g., capstone design, visiting lectures, new courses).

The inaugural meeting was engaging and productive. The next board meeting is scheduled for August 9th, 2024.

This new development is an important step forward to fulfill the mission of the ESE degree program.