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Roman M. Kichorowsky "As a young boy, I realized that if others were unhappy, so was I....Originally, it manifested itself as saving the environment from destruction. [Now] my interests have shifted more toward the human side of environmental issues. I see agriculture as the most critical interaction between humans and the earth."
Roman Kichorowsky during his SEA Semester in the Caribbean aboard the 134-foot sailing vessel "Corwith Cramer." Roman Kichorowsky is in excellent company. Like eight other Henry David Thoreau Scholars and Scholar graduates, he has opted to attend Cornell University. It's a strong choice for those striving for environmental careers. As he approaches the start of his sophomore year, he is mulling over the choice of his future concentration. He is leaning toward Biology and Society, "in order to focus on the psychological and cultural issues that lie at the root of environmental degradation." Over the summer months, Roman showed his true kinship with Henry David Thoreau by living in a woodland dwelling--in his case, a tent--and building his own composting outhouse. He and his parents make their home in Andover, where he graduated from Andover High School. His Cornell freshman year gave him a variety of experiences. Besides completing such courses as Introduction to Natural Resources and Botany, Roman worked part time as a Cornell Dining employee. It gave him a chance to learn more about the American food industry. Another assignment was serving as a laboratory assistant for a Natural Resources graduate student who was studying nitrogen fixation by riparian soil bacteria. Roman also headed to the woods for recreational activities. "I enjoyed learning about nature first hand through caving, rock climbing, working at Cornell's rock climbing wall, and backpacking near the campus." Then, shifting gears midyear, he traveled to Woods Hole for a six-week SEA (Sea Education Association) semester. After studying nautical science, oceanography, and marine history, he spent six weeks aboard the 134-foot sailing school vessel "Corwith Cramer." He, 22 student shipmates, and 11 professional crew members headed for the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. The students helped operate the vessel together, took maritime courses, designed individual oceanographic research projects and presented papers.
Roman Kichorowsky building his own composting outhouse. This summer, Roman combined maintenance work at home with an internship at the Daloz Mill and Farm in Hancock, New Hampshire. He grew organic vegetable crops, did general farm work, and assisted in educational outreach. In the process, he learned about and enhanced the farm's sustainable energy, forestry, and aquaculture initiatives. Roman is fond of saying: "Foster an open, loving heart, and let that be your guide." He is most thankful to his parents, "who took me on endless outdoor adventures," plus his teachers and employers. As a sophomore this fall, he will serve as a residential advisor for Ecology House, a Cornell dormitory focused on environmental awareness and education. "I look forward to being a leader in such a nourishing environment," he concludes. |
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