By: Brian Correia/Staff Writer
“Five to 10 years from now, I see FIU as a national leader for solving environmental problems, both locally and around the world,” said Dr. Michael Heithaus, School of Environment and Society Director.
Central Ohio born and raised, Heithaus was the son of two Biology Professors at smaller local Universities. He longed to be a Biologist all his life and never imaged his career going in any other direction.
“I never wanted to be anything other than a Biologist, but never imagined I would be a Director of an entire School,” Heithaus said.
Heithaus did his Undergraduate studies at Oberlin College in Central Ohio and then went on to attain his PHD at Simon Fraser University in British Colombia, Canada.
“I choose SFU because it was the school that would allow me to further research why dolphins chose certain habitats,” Heithaus said. “I also got to learn more about the effects of tiger sharks in their ecosystem.”
After completing his education, Heithaus got recruited to start a show on National Geographic called “Critter Cam.”
Working on ‘Critter Cam’ gave him the opportunity to travel around the world, specifically to Western Australia, where he got to further his research endeavors in the hands-on approach directly in the ecosystem.
While he was working for National Geographic, the position at FIU was brought to his attention. Heithaus originally applied for the position of Assistant Marine Biology Professor.
“I learned a lot working for National Geographic, but I wanted an Academic position where I could bring students into the ecosystem for a more hands-on learning and understanding of environmental issues,” Heithaus said.
In 2009, Heithaus was asked to be the Director for the School of Environment, Arts and Society at FIU by Kenneth Furton, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
One of the short-term goals Heithaus envisions for SEAS is to create more degree programs within the school. The additional degree programs will be based on the three core disciplines of Natural Science, Humanities and Social Sciences.
“Students need all three pillars in order to solve the environmental issues of today,” Heithaus said. “They also need to understand all issues surrounding the ecosystem and help other people to understand and care about the problems before resolutions can be thought of.”
Two of the long-term goals that Heithaus envisions for SEAS are to create innovative educational programs and to maximize the positive impact of research.
Maximizing the impact of research consists of three main components: provide the tools necessary for research, create links to decision makers and the public to maximize the impact and to teach younger students and community members to become more engaged in their environmental issues.
“I feel that SEAS is completely aligned with University President Mark Rosenberg’s strategy plan,” Heithaus said. “The environment is one of the major pillars of the plan.”
In order to remain aligned with Rosenberg’s strategy plan, Heithaus has a few things in mind for SEAS in the near future: Develop FIU’s first PHD program in the Environment and Society, help every student to have an understanding of all environmental issues, expand the Biscayne Bay Campus more by adding an additional building and provide excellent course work and additional hands-on training for students.
“We definitely will need a new building at BBC, if we are going to grow SEAS any further,” Heithaus said.
Even with a new building needed by SEAS, Heithaus does not want to split up the Arts and Sciences program at FIU.
“I am a firm believer of collaboration between all programs and SEAS,” Heithaus said. “I don’t want to put up barriers between any of the schools, but would rather build a strong group to provide only the best services to all students and facility.”
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