Dr. Agan and her rescue dog, Sakari, at her home in Georgia. Image courtesy of author.
To continue our celebration of Women’s History Month in March, I’d like to highlight Dr. Suzanne Agan. Suzanne is my colleague and faculty co-advisor for the student chapters of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (wSTEM) and the Association of Women in Science (AWIS).
Suzanne has been an educator in wildlife, conservation and environmental sciences for almost 20 years after working in the field as a wildlife biologist. She is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Environmental Science.
Also, Suzanne holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a M.S. in wildlife science from Texas A&M University. In addition, she has an M.S. in interdisciplinary environmental studies from Antioch University and a Ph.D. in environmental sciences from Antioch University.
Suzanne has published research on red wolves, including articles in the Biological Conservation, PLoS ONE and Royal Society of Open Space journals.
A Commitment to Science, Sustainability and Service
Suzanne recognizes the diverse backgrounds and strengths of her students. She has developed creative approaches in class to create more meaningful and inclusive learning experiences.
Suzanne cares deeply about how we inspire the next generation about sustainability and the environment. She also cares deeply about service to others.
Suzanne says, “I love that through higher education, I can still pursue my passion for future generations while getting to experience the research and fieldwork I love. I am currently working on a research proposal for a red wolf project in collaboration with the University of Montana. I also have an ongoing sustainable agriculture project in Kenya.”
A recent Medium article highlighted Suzanne’s interest in wildlife, her commitment to environmental sustainability through red wolf research and service to others. For the past 30 years, Suzanne has partnered with an orphanage in Kenya to sustain an all-organic agriculture program on a couple of acres, which supplies food for the entire orphanage and reduces local poverty. According to the Medium article, Suzanne notes, “In the future, we will look at the changes taking place due to climate change and how the farm can continue to stay healthy and fertile.”
Suzanne’s Biggest Influence in STEM
I asked Suzanne, “Who has been your biggest influence or inspiration in STEM? Is there a woman whose accomplishments have been particularly impactful to you in your STEM path?”
Suzanne says, “My MS advisor at Texas A&M University was a stand-out influence. Dr. Jane Packard was a bold, courageous and kind woman who made me feel anything was possible.
Suzanne observes, “We must be good stewards of our natural environment; we have a major responsibility to care for our world.” She adds, “I am driven by my desire to be a part of those solutions.”
Serving the University as a Student Organization Co-Advisor
Suzanne enjoys her work as a co-advisor for both wSTEM and AWIS. Suzanne says, “I knew it was the right thing for me [to be a part of wSTEM and AWIS]. I thrive and am more excited when I am together with other like-minded people in the same community.”
“My hope is always to inspire others to achieve their greatest potential through being excellent in everything they pursue. My goal is to do this through leading by example,” Suzanne adds. “Always believe in yourself and go for it!”
Getting Involved for Women in Science and STEM at the University
Are you interested in science or other science-related fields? Faculty members, current students, alumni and staff members are welcome to join the University chapters of wSTEM and AWIS.
About the Author
Dr. Kristin Drexler is a full-time faculty member in the Space Studies and Earth Sciences Department. She teaches geography, environmental science, conservation of natural resources, earth and planetary sciences, and sustainability for the School of STEM. Dr. Drexler holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from New Mexico State University and a master’s degree in Latin American studies with an emphasis in natural resources management from Ohio University. She earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership at New Mexico State University with research in socioecological systems, sustainable agroecology and community education.
Dr. Drexler earned the Undergraduate Excellence in Teaching Award for the School of STEM (2020) and the Dr. Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award (2021). Dr. Drexler has conducted numerous community surveys in Belize and Guatemala regarding sustainable agriculture and COVID-19 impacts and is a co-investigator for the multi-year research study, “A Case Study Comparison of Pandemic Experience of Indigenous Groups in the Americas.” In the late 1990s, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Belize; she co-founded Full Basket Belize, a 501(c)(3) and has served on its Board of Directors since 2005. Dr. Drexler produced the award-winning short film Yochi; she also founded “Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends” to assist teachers during the pandemic. Dr. Drexler also co-directs the Gila Film School and has produced seven documentary films sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service to celebrate the centennial of the Gila Wilderness in 2024. She also serves as a faculty advisor for the University’s wSTEM, AWIS and SACNAS chapters.
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