Steve Haines '02 Finds His Niche in the Solar Industry
Steve Haines first became interested in solar electricity while studying at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies in Israel, where he was intrigued by solar electric panels and deep cycle batteries providing power for a tropical fish hatchery. After graduating from Allegheny with a BA in Environmental Studies, Steve pursued CoSEIA certification in photovoltaics. He now lives in Carbondale, Colorado where he works as a consultant with Sunsense Solar. In this role, Steve conducts educational seminars and designs and installs high quality solar electric systems.
Allegheny College incorporates environmental principles and ethics into disciplines as diverse as art, geology, writing, political science, economics, history, philosophy, and communication arts. Students may focus on sustainability through established majors and minors or by self-designing a concentration of study.
Academic Programs
Senior Comprehensive Project
Allegheny seniors must
independently design and complete a comprehensive project. In
many instances, this student work has challenged Allegheny to
further sustainability efforts while also providing the research and
recommendations to aid implementation. Examples include:
Experiential Learning
The Allegheny College Center for Experiential Learning (ACCEL) offers a wide
variety of service learning opportunities as well as off campus study.
Students may also pursue internships through College departments,
CEED, and other avenues. Options range from studying the
relationship between peace and environmental protection on an
Israeli kibbutz to working with Meadville's local tool and die
manufacturers to develop in a sustainable manner.
Life Paths
With an interdisciplinary foundation in the liberal arts
and an emphasis on experiential learning, Allegheny prepares
students for a multitude of life paths and careers. Allegheny
graduates have found success in urban planning, land use and
resource management, sustainable farming, watershed management,
renewable energy, community gardens, conservation,
macroeconomics and environmental law, journalism, education,
regulation, research and art.
