This content was published: September 10, 2020. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Last Faculty Spotlight of 2019/2020
Posted by raquel.salazar
Sustainability is practiced all throughout PCC, from innovative waste management and learning gardens to solar energy and active transportation. But do you know about the faculty who include sustainability in their classes? Every week on our Sustainability blog and social media accounts we will share a faculty member who integrates sustainability into their course curriculum. PCC faculty have the ability to educate and extend sustainability efforts to students, creating positive change in our communities. Follow our Sustainability Blog and PCC_Sustain on Instagram and Twitter to learn about these inspiring faculty members! If you are a faculty member or know of one practicing sustainability efforts, please email sustainability@pcc.edu to be featured!
Peter Ritson is in this week’s sustainability spotlight! Peter is a chemistry professor at Sylvania and teaches Everyday Chemistry with Lab (CH100). This course is taught be numerous professors across the district and has been revised by Peter and Stacey Fiddler along with the help of other professors to focus on environmental and sustainable topics within chemistry. All instructors use an environmental approach to link chemistry, lifestyle choices and social relevance in effort to implement sustainability in various areas. At Sylvania, Peter and his students use 2 different streams near the parking lot to measure water quality on campus throughout the quarter. Students have enjoyed learning in a more hands on manner and are able to connect chemistry to environmental and societal issues. Peter shares that he wanted to focus the course within an equity lens. Students can use their own connections and social relevance to advance their thinking not only as chemistry students but as community members. It is important to understand chemistry within a societal framework for advancement towards sustainable lifestyle choices and social justice.
In addition to teaching, Peter also runs the Sylvania Environmental Center. This center serves as a community hub for Sylvania Campus and District sustainability initiatives including the beautiful Sylvania Learning Garden. The E-Center is an active meeting place for committees organized around sustainability issues and student-led organizations. It offers updated resources on climate change, alternative transportation, energy conservation, and campus sustainability. The center also offers counseling for students interested in environmental careers. Sign up for the Environmental Center’s Newsletter to learn more about what is happening on campus and in our community.
Thanks for all you do Peter!