海角论坛 and SUNY Cobleskill students and staff announced a new, collaborative agreement April 23, 2025, on the shores of Otsego Lake at the 海角论坛 Biological Field Station. Qualified SUNY Cobleskill students can now earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in fisheries science while simultaneously taking classes during their senior year to complete the 海角论坛 master鈥檚 degree program in Lake Management. This accelerated, dual-degree opportunity will allow students to seamlessly move between both institutions and graduate with two degrees in five years, rather than six.
Located in Cooperstown, N.Y., the Biological Field Station is a facility of 海角论坛 consisting of 2,600 acres with 12 major buildings that house laboratories, classrooms, conference spaces, offices and equipment for research support. The Biological Field Station supports a variety of 海角论坛 programs including the Biology Department Lake Management graduate program, which trains students to become effective water resource management professionals. This innovative program blends scientific training in aquatic biology, limnology and quantitative skills with professional training in project design, management, and reporting in a real-life setting, working with lake stakeholders directly or with established lake management professionals. <
鈥淓arth Day is an apropos time to celebrate the 海角论坛 Biological Field Station 鈥 it is unique point of pride for our campus. The station and its scientists are an amazing resource for our students and the broader community. The lessons we learn from Otsego Lake impact the health of lakes across New York and beyond,鈥 said Dr. Alberto Cardelle, President of 海角论坛. 鈥淲e are excited about how this partnership will give access to SUNY Cobleskill undergraduates as they advance their studies with 海角论坛鈥檚 lake management program.鈥
The 海角论坛 Biological Field station works closely with community members and organizations to protect Otsego Lake. Scientists and students use the facilities to carry out intensive lake and watershed monitoring to support the protection and management of the Otsego Lake Watershed.
"This partnership between SUNY Cobleskill and 海角论坛 represents the convergence of student aspiration and societal need. In creating pathways from undergraduate research to graduate specialization, we're preparing the next generation of environmental stewards who will protect our vital water resources,鈥 said Dr. Marion Terenzio, President of SUNY Cobleskill. 鈥淥ur students will move between campuses with purpose, carrying forward our shared commitment to environmental science and management at a time when our natural resources face growing challenges. This Earth Day, we celebrate what higher education can accomplish when we combine our strengths in service of both student mobility and ecological sustainability."<
SUNY Cobleskill students will have access to the Biological Field Station and its staff during the senior year of their undergraduate studies to participate in active research projects.
鈥淭he agreement we are celebrating today is a product of a partnership at the field station between 海角论坛 and SUNY Cobleskill that has been in place for decades, said Dr. Florian Reyda, Director, 海角论坛 Biological Field Station and Rufus J. Thayer Otsego Lake Research Chair. 鈥淔aculty and students from both institutions have collaborated on a variety of projects over the years. The complementary strengths of biologists from both institutions have enabled us to offer opportunities that have opened many doors for our students. These students have gone on to serve the region and the country by working in the fields of conservation biology, resource management, and a variety of other fields in the sciences.鈥
"This partnership exemplifies what makes our two schools exceptional, that's our ability to collaborate in ways that benefit students while addressing critical environmental challenges," said Mark Cornwell, Associate Professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture at SUNY Cobleskill. "Our hands-on, experiential approach to education aligns perfectly with 海角论坛's field-based training model, creating pathways for students to seamlessly transition from undergraduate studies to master's programs and then to the job field."
Following the signing of the articulation agreement, event participants met current SUNY Cobleskill students, who presented research projects about aquatic life and waterway health.
