Faculty Profiles

Jessica Cardinal

Academic Advisor

Environmental Sciences

What do you see as the advantages of taking classes online?

Increased flexibility for when and where students can complete courses. I have students from across the U.S. and internationally who love online learning due to its flexibility. It allows students to pursue academic, professional and life goals while maintaining a "life in progress."

Why do you feel it is important to support online learning by being the academic advisor for Environmental Sciences?

Online learning is a unique approach to post-secondary education. It is fast becoming a very accepted and common way for students to complete their degrees. As advisor for the Environmental Sciences program, I feel that is important to embrace online learning and make our program accessible to everyone, not just for those students who can attend the on-campus program. As the Environmental Sciences is considered an interdisciplinary program, so should the way in which the program is available to students.

What has been the biggest surprise to you about online learning?

That many online students have experienced more interaction with professors and fellow students via the discussion boards than then they would have in an on-campus environment.

What's one thing about yourself you'd like distance students to know?

My educational background is in the environmental sciences and humanities fields. I hold an MS in Marine Resource Management with a minor in Anthropology from OSU and my graduate research was on how Traditional Ecological Knowledge can provide evidence for climate change at the local level.

What do you enjoy about advising Environmental Sciences majors?

I find that Environmental Sciences majors are very passionate about the world around them and want to make a difference. It is important for me to know that there are people are as concerned about environmental issues as I am and who want to improve our quality of life.

Get more info about our online Environmental Sciences degree.

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