Dr. Andrew M. Shedlock, Ph.D., is a visionary leader and a driving force behind the College of Charleston’s Concurrent Program for Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies (EVSS) and Master of Public Administration (MPA). His interdisciplinary approach, blending STEM with the humanities and social sciences, has made this program uniquely positioned to address complex environmental challenges of the 21st century. By prioritizing hands-on experiential learning, Dr. Shedlock prepares students to emerge as future leaders equipped to tackle sustainability issues on both local and global scales.
A Program Built on Diversity and Integration
Dr. Shedlock describes the EVSS-MPA program as an eclectic and integrative experience that attracts students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. This program, taught by a range of faculty with expertise across fields, offers an innovative and holistic educational experience. It blends science with public policy to ensure graduates are prepared to lead and innovate in environmental management.
One of the key strengths of this program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students engage in project-based learning, collaborating with stakeholders to provide tangible, impactful solutions. Dr. Shedlock emphasizes that this real-world focus sets the EVSS-MPA program apart from traditional programs that often specialize in just one area. Here, students are exposed to the multidisciplinary nature of biodiversity management, giving them a competitive edge in today’s evolving job market.
Teaching Biodiversity Management: A Hands-On Approach
Dr. Shedlock currently teaches EVSS 671/L: Biodiversity Management, a 4-credit lecture and laboratory series that combines fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, and in-depth peer-reviewed literature discussions. The course invites students to interact with the SC Lowcountry’s rich biodiversity and collaborate with local professionals to gain hands-on experience managing ecosystems under pressure from economic development and climate change.
Through immersive field trips, students learn how to incorporate indigenous knowledge, community engagement, and equitable policy development into biodiversity conservation efforts. Dr. Shedlock guides students to understand that biodiversity management goes beyond just ecological science—it’s about embracing the human dimension, which involves collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders and balancing competing interests.
Connecting Research with Course Content
Dr. Shedlock’s academic background in ecology, evolutionary biology, and genomics informs both his teaching and his research. He stresses that managing biodiversity requires an understanding of life’s evolutionary complexity over the past 3 billion years. In his lab, Dr. Shedlock integrates genome annotation, transcriptomics, and population-wide genetic variation to investigate the mechanisms that drive biodiversity in nature, particularly in marine vertebrates.
His research is closely tied to the topics covered in his courses, allowing students to explore the genetic and ecological dynamics of species while learning how to apply their knowledge to practical, real-world challenges. The emphasis on genomics and biodiversity in both classroom and field settings provides students with the tools to make meaningful contributions to environmental sustainability.
A Collaborative and Supportive Learning Environment
Dr. Shedlock fosters an inclusive, interactive learning environment that encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and explore unfamiliar academic territories. He views learning as a shared experience, where students and faculty learn from each other. His approach values peer-to-peer support, where students’ diverse backgrounds and perspectives enrich classroom discussions and foster collaboration.
Rather than adhering to a traditional lecture format, Dr. Shedlock focuses on interactive group work, allowing students to think critically and creatively. In a world saturated with information—and misinformation—he believes it is vital to equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate today’s complex environmental and social challenges.
Engaging with Industry Professionals and Alumni
A major strength of the EVSS-MPA program is the opportunity for students to engage with a wide network of professionals in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and industry. These professionals not only host field trips but also serve as mentors and role models for students, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the environmental science and policy sectors.
Dr. Shedlock also highlights the contributions of EVSS alumni, many of whom remain involved with the program and are eager to give back by offering guidance to current students. These connections allow students to develop professional networks that can help them succeed both during and after their time in the program.
Preparing Students for a Changing Job Market
The job market in environmental science is shifting, with increasing demand for skills in areas like GIS analysis, genome diagnostics, and computational modeling. Dr. Shedlock emphasizes that the project-driven focus of the EVSS-MPA program equips students with practical skills that are highly sought after by employers. Furthermore, the program’s integration of the humanities and social sciences ensures that students are prepared to address the human dimension of conservation, making them uniquely qualified to tackle environmental justice issues.
The program’s evolving curriculum reflects these growing demands, providing students with the expertise they need to excel in a gig economy that requires new ways of thinking about and solving environmental problems.
Success Stories: Building Careers in Environmental Stewardship
Dr. Shedlock is particularly proud of the many students who have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields. One such success story is Lucy Davis, who began her journey in the MES program in Sustainable Agriculture. Her enthusiasm and dedication to marine mammal conservation during her time as a student inspired a group of peers to form the “Pod Squad,” an informal collective that focused on field-based learning and conservation biology. Lucy’s leadership and vision helped her secure the role of EVSS Program Coordinator, where she now works to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
Dr. Shedlock continues to be inspired by the success of his former students, many of whom have gone on to careers in government, biotechnology, environmental education, and conservation. For him, the greatest reward is seeing students take what they’ve learned and apply it to make a positive impact on the world.
Advice for Prospective Students
Dr. Shedlock offers this advice to prospective graduate students: “Nothing valuable ever comes quickly or easily. If you keep your eyes on the prize and never give up, you’ll eventually find yourself doing meaningful, impactful work that you love. That’s how you make the world a better place.”
With its integrative approach, hands-on learning opportunities, and commitment to environmental justice, the EVSS-MPA program is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about making a difference. Under the mentorship of faculty like Dr. Andrew Shedlock, students will gain the skills and knowledge they need to become leaders in environmental and sustainability studies.
Are you ready to join the next generation of environmental stewards? Explore the College of Charleston’s EVSS-MPA program and see how you can make a meaningful impact in a rapidly changing world.
