Pursuing knowledge and solutions in environmental studies has never been more critical. This field holds immense promise and potential for high school students who desire to make a positive impact on our planet.
Meet Dr. Daniel Huber
In this blog post, we explore the Environmental Studies program at the University of Tampa with Dr. Daniel Huber, marine biologist, professor, and departmental chair. Through his invaluable insights and experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the path that led him to this point, his transformative work with students, and the exceptional offerings that the University of Tampa offers to Environmental Studies students.
From A Shark Bite to A Thirst for Knowledge
Dr. Huber’s story is a testament to the power of personal connection and early encounters with the natural world. Dr. Huber explains that he has “been chasing sharks since he was eight years old” after a shark bit his cousin. While many might respond to this traumatizing event by developing a phobia or dislike of sharks, Dr. Huber had the opposite reaction. He was captivated and embarked on a lifelong quest to learn everything he could about sharks.
This obsession with sharks continued to grow throughout Dr. Huber’s youth, eventually leading him to pursue a degree in biology at Duke University. Initially, he anticipated his biology degree would lead him toward veterinary school. However, along the way, through influential mentors and unique research opportunities, he realized that his true passion was academic research and understanding the connection between animal behavior and ecology. He earned his Ph.D. in Biology and Biomechanics at the University of South Florida, where he combined his research passion with a side interest in architecture and began to investigate the “architecture of organisms,” which he describes as “connecting the dots” between his interests. Since joining the University of Tampa faculty sixteen years ago, Dr. Huber has continued to connect dots in his work with students, encouraging them to see the connections between organisms and ecology and between the environment and humans.
Learn more about Dr. Huber’s research
Environmental Studies at the University of Tampa
Dr. Huber is a professor and chair of the Environmental Studies department at the University of Tampa. The interdisciplinary Environmental Studies department capitalizes on the expertise of faculty across campus. Courses are taught by dedicated Environmental Studies faculty and those from departments ranging from Economics to Political Science. The Environmental Studies major offers two pathways for students – one leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the other to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The primary differences between the B.S. and B.A. degrees are that the B.S. degree has slightly more credit hours (i.e., classes you need to take) and a more focused curriculum. All Environmental Studies students complete core coursework in environmental studies, precalculus, Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.), and microeconomics. For upper-level coursework, students choose from one of four concentrations: Natural Sciences, Public Policy, Communication, and Humanity & Geography. One of Dr. Huber’s favorite courses is the Global Sustainability course, where students learn about natural resource use in the local Tampa Bay community and then travel abroad to Fiji or Iceland to investigate resource usage in these unique, remote locations. Another favorite is the second course in the popular “Intro to Environmental Studies” series, where students investigate human impacts on ecosystems and explore potential solutions. These courses inspire many “aha moments” for students as they better understand the planet and its relationship to the humans who call it home. Finally, students also have the opportunity to complete a senior capstone project that requires students to work in teams to propose solutions to real environmental challenges faced by local community partners. The capstone’s connections with local community partners create excellent career exposure and opportunities to develop real-world problem-solving skills. Students pursuing other majors at UT who want to expand their knowledge in this field can also opt to pursue an Environmental Studies or Sustainability minor.
What kind of students thrive in UT’s Environmental Studies program?
When searching for “best match” colleges, students should seek out campus communities where they will thrive academically and feel inspired and connected. I asked Dr. Huber to describe the characteristics of a student who would thrive in his program; he provided this thoughtful response.
“The students who will feel “at home” in this program are those who don’t exist in silos. They see the world with big eyes rather than through blinders. Our students seek an environment that is more collaborative than competitive. Ethically, our students think about the world in terms of “we” as opposed to “I” and are interested in caring for the environment to improve the quality of life for all of humanity and all life on this planet. At the end of the day, we are a big group of “dot connectors” who want to understand the connections in complex systems.”
When asked to consider what kind of student would not be as happy in this program, Dr. Huber, after some reflection, responded that students who are “die-hard about a particular discipline” would likely be less satisfied than those who appreciate a more interdisciplinary approach. Likewise, people who “aren’t into solving really big, challenging problems” may not thrive in this department.
Is UT’s Environmental Studies major a good match for you?
Learn more about UT academics and campus culture
Advice for Aspiring Students
Dr. Huber encourages all high school students with a passion for marine science or environmental studies to engage in this thought exercise.
Pick any environmental system that interests you [It can be as broad or specific as you like (water, the ocean, a specific national park,…] and think about:
- What types of resources exist in this environment?
- What are the things that impact those resources? (natural, social, cultural)
- Why is this important to you?
- What can you do to help maintain the integrity of this system?
This exercise will help you develop a mindset for understanding complex problems and finding solutions while discovering which puzzle pieces are most important to you.
Once you arrive on campus, Dr. Huber encourages first-year students to “try as many things you possibly can” to discover what you care about. He also recommends “investing in your campus community” by seeking opportunities to connect with other students, faculty, staff, and the local community. Students can accomplish this in many ways, such as participating in student clubs and organizations, investing in internships and campus research opportunities, and taking advantage of events designed to help first-year students connect with the larger campus community.
Ecollegy’s Thoughts
The University of Tampa’s Environmental Studies program, under Dr. Huber’s leadership, offers students a solutions-focused, interdisciplinary approach to learning. By connecting the dots between organisms, ecology, environment, and humans, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex systems that govern our planet. The program’s diverse course offerings, community connections, and collaborative nature empower students to become adept problem solvers and stewards of the environment.
Is this the right community for you?
Learn more about the University of Tampa from our recent blog post and connect with the school on their admissions website.
