There's a student organization for every interest at the College of Engineering. From academic major to identity to career goals, students are often involved in multiple student organizations that bring them life-long connections and professional experience before they ever leave campus.
SEES, short for Society of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, is no different.
The organization is a chapter of AAEES (American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists) and is currently led by co-presidents Katie Gibson and Zach Silverglade with Assistant Professor Gangadhar Andaluri serving as the faculty advisor.
SEES is open to any individual interested in educating themselves on and participating in the continuous improvement of environmental engineering practice. The organization hosts discussions about environmental topics, career workshops, alumni panels as well as social events for its members.
Former members of the organization have gone on to work at places such as the Philadelphia Water Department, Environmental Protection Agency, and other roles in environmental consulting.
In addition to education events, a core tenant of SEES is giving back to the local community.
Throughout the semester, SEES members participate in and coordinate a variety of local cleanup days. The group aims for a block clean-up in the North Philadelphia area around campus once a month and regularly volunteers with Temple Community Garden.
Around the city they have participated in Love Your Park Day, a Philadelphia-wide event spent cleaning up Philadelphia’s parks, and coordinated volunteer events with Urban Creators, aiming to provide fresh food and green spaces to the local community. The group also wrote an op-ed for the Inquirer in 2022.
SEES prides itself on fostering a welcoming community. “Having a community of people who are like-minded and knowing other people who are interested in the same things as you career-wise, it’s really nice,” says Silverglade. Gibson seconds his sentiments sharing, “[SEES] was a good way for me to make connections with people who had the same interests early on in my college career.” The co-presidents are looking forwarding the upholding the same standards of inclusivity and community service during their tenure on e-board.
Students interested in joining are welcome to attend a general body meeting and can get more information on the club by following their Instagram @tu.sees.