An environmental toxicologist, Susan Allen-Gil investigates endocrine disruption and reproductive success in freshwater fish and pollutant exposure in Arctic subsistence communities, particularly the Inupiat.
She is also an internationally recognized leader in sustainability pedagogy in higher education and was instrumental in establishing the college’s newly created Environmental Studies and Science department. Her numerous curriculum innovations include coursework in Belize to examine tropical ecosystems and an environmental policy studies course where students attend annual international climate treaties as permanent observers. In addition, she was pivotal in establishing an NSF grant-funded partnership between the college and a local residential community modeled on ecological and social sustainability. Her forward-looking efforts have received many honors, including the HSBC Foundation North America Award and the Chronicle of Higher Education’s showcase of Best Practices.
Research Focus
- Inupiat communities
- Environmental toxicology
- Degradation of aquatic ecosystems
- Effects of pollutants on freshwater systems in the Arctic
- Environmental security in transition countries
- Educating for sustainability
- Sustainability and environmental security
- Sustainability in the higher education curriculum
Education
Ph.D., Oregon State University, 1995
M.E.M., Duke University, 1989
B.Sc., St. Lawrence University, 1984