Jess Gerrior, B.S., M.S.
Sustainability Coordinator
Lecturer, Sustainability
B.S., University of New Hampshire
M.S., Antioch University New England
Courses Taught:
Sustainability Certificate program, Sustainability Seminar and Sustainability Project courses
Research Interests & Areas of Expertise
Sustainability & Ecoliteracy
Integrating ecology, economy, and equity
Sustainability leadership in higher education
Service:
Collaborative Leadership Team for the New Hampshire Children in Nature Coalition (NHCiNC)
Children & Nature Network (C&NN) Grassroots Gathering
Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
Advisor to the Franklin Pierce University Eco Club
As the Sustainability Coordinator, Jess is responsible for helping the University to realize a range of sustainability goals to address issues of ecology, economy, and equity. Working within the Monadnock Institute's new Sustainability Center, Jess connects the work of various constituents and groups on campus and beyond, to weave sustainability into the community. She coordinates conservation initiatives that reduce utility and material costs and pollution, initiates behavioral changes to reduce energy usage and waste, and offers guidance and support to make sustainability part of our campus culture. Building on the excellent work of the Sustainability Council, Jess’s position strengthens the University’s commitment to climate neutrality.
Jess manages the Sustainability Certificate program, including teaching Sustainability Seminar and Sustainability Project courses and coordinating with various departments and organizations to support student projects. She works with faculty to offer opportunities for students in any major to integrate sustainability and curriculum. She serves with the Sustainability Council to develop and implement projects, such as the Climate Action Plan, that reduce environmental impacts of campus operations; offers assistance with grant-writing and development to support sustainability initiatives; and oversees Sustainability Center programs such as Eco Rangers, sustainable food and dining, speakers and recycling. Jess also advises the Eco Club, which hosts Earth Week and other activities. Jess coordinates with Residential Life to offer sustainability lifestyle housing, offers training and orientations for students, staff and faculty on issues related to sustainability, and serves in an advisory role on campus boards, committees and councils whose operations have an effect on sustainability. Jess engages in outreach by representing Franklin Pierce University at professional conferences and events, relaying current research and resources, and involvement with the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
In addition to her work at Franklin Pierce, Jess serves on the Collaborative Leadership Team for the New Hampshire Children in Nature Coalition (NHCiNC), which encourages children and families to explore the natural world. Jess traveled to the national Children & Nature Network (C&NN) Grassroots Gathering, and wrote a professional white paper to support a statewide movement enabling all children and families to enjoy the physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits of free outdoor play. Before coming to Franklin Pierce, Jess was the Project Manager for the Monadnock Community Market Co-op and coordinated membership, marketing, facilities, farmer outreach and public relations. In partnership with local organizations, she organized a public forum to engage community constituents on issues of food security, food justice and food celebration. Jess continues to support the Co-op as a member and volunteer.
Jess is a graduate of the Environmental Studies program at Antioch University New England, where she earned a Master of Science degree with a concentration in Environmental Education in five semesters. She received the Ginsberg-Wessels Award for Leadership, President’s Merit Scholarship, and Cap & Gown Book Award. Special areas of interest during her studies included school-community partnerships, place-based education, ecological literacy, intentional communities, and leadership. As an intern, she wrote a successful proposal for a $20,000 Community Impact Grant for The Cornucopia Project to build a greenhouse at a reclaimed community center. Jess earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (magna cum laude) at the University of New Hampshire with a minor in Microbiology, and taught science classes for seven years before returning to graduate school.
