About Us

Catherine Cardelús, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies, began a three-year term as the Upstate Institute Faculty Director on July 1, 2021. Cardelús earned her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Connecticut. At Colgate, she teaches courses on biodiversity, evolution and ecology, tropical ecology with extended study to Costa Rica, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology and practice.  Cardelús's research has focused primarily on tropical forest canopies, asking the essential questions: What are the patterns of biodiversity, and how will biodiversity respond to a changing environment? She has conducted research in the rainforest of Costa Rica, where she studies the factors that control species richness and distribution. Most recently (June and October 2020), she has researched and published widely on the vulnerabilities and conservation of the sacred church forests of Ethiopia. Cardelús has also focused significant research on the Upstate region, examining the effects of acid rain in the Adirondacks, climate change in our region, and, through quantifying the local deer population annually and working with local officials, she has evaluated ways to address deer overpopulation. Cardelús has a longstanding commitment to having students explore areas of Madison County to study the complexities of our local ecosystem, understand the biological impacts and governmental policy in place, and work with them to provide data and ideas for the benefit of the local community, supporting the mutually beneficial goals of the Upstate Institute.

Julie oversees our Field School and facilitates research by faculty and students on community-related projects. She also handles the institute's communications and online presence. In addition to her work with the Upstate Institute, Julie is an active participant in many local and county-wide initiatives, such as the Village of Hamilton Planning Board, the Southern Madison County Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SOMAC), the Hamilton Community Chest, and the Literacy Coalition of Madison County. She has a BA from Depauw University, an MFA in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame, and has previously worked for the Partnership for Community Development.

Rachel works with students who are engaged in semester-long field school projects and oversees the Foreign Language Program. She also administers Colgate's Lifelong Learning Program. She has a B.S. degree in Natural Resource Management from Cornell University, and has worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in Anchorage, Alaska.

Susan M. Conn, Esq. is a project consultant with the Upstate Law Project. She supervises the Consumer Bankruptcy Law Project and teaches SOSC 405: Social Security Benefits for Disabled Children. A member of the Colgate class of 1979, she joined the Upstate Institute in 2005 after 22 years as a staff and managing attorney at the Utica office of the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc.

Bruce Moseley is a project consultant with the Finding Money for Social Change project.  After working at Colgate for many years as the Director of Corporate, Foundation & Government Relations, he brings his grantwriting experience to students who are researching and writing grants in partnership with local nonprofit organizations. Bruce is well connected to the nonprofit and arts community in Central New York as well, having worked with Syracuse Stage and the Oneida Community Mansion House in the past.

The Upstate Institute Executive Board includes representation from each division of the university. Board members evaluate research projects, promote the resources available through the Upstate Institute, and participate in the institute's long-term strategic planning efforts.

Members:

• Stephanie DeVries, Communications
• Margaretha Haughwout, Art 
• Tim McCay, Biology and Environmental Studies
• Monica Mercado, History
• Andy Pattison, Environmental Studies
• William Peck, Geology 
• John Pumilio, Sustainability
• Bineyam Taye, Biology
• Jeremy Wattles, Max Shacnkai COVE
• Martin Wong, Geology

The Community Board of the Upstate Institute is shared with the Max Shacknai Center for Outreach Volunteerism and Education (COVE). The members of the Community Board are from area non-profit organizations, local government, economic development organizations, and school districts. Community Board members offer input into new project development and help bring about community conversations that can be facilitated and supported by the Upstate Institute.

Members:

John Bailey, Hamilton Area Antiracism Coalition

Maureen Campanie, BRiDGES

Suzanne Collins, Hamilton Food Cupboard

Michelle Connelly, Earlville Opera House

Theresa Davis, Liberty Resources

Mary Dinski, Fiver Foundation

William Dowsland, Hamilton Central School

Eric Faisst, Madison County Department of Health

Wyatt Galusky, Morrisville State College

Mark Golden, Golden Artist Colors

Harvey Kliman, Southern Madison Heritage Trust

Jamie Kowalczk, Madison County Planning

Brian Latella, Madison Central School

RuthAnn Loveless, Village of Hamilton

Samanthi Martinez, Mid York Senior Homes

Jeff McArn, Hamilton College

EveAnn Shwartz, Town of Hamilton

Simon Solomon, Rogers Environmental Education Center

Margaret Wehrer, Hamilton Area Antiracism Coalition

Dot Willsey, National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum

Leigh Yardley, visual artist and educator