Amy Tuininga Named Institute Director

Amy Tuininga, an ecosystems ecologist, has been appointed director of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies at Montclair State University effective September 8, 2015. She joins the University from Fordham University, where she was most recently chief research officer. She concurrently served as co-director of the Bronx Science Consortium.

Prior to that, Tuininga served Fordham in various capacities, including associate dean for strategic initiatives, partnerships and assessment for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; and associate chair of graduate studies for the Department of Biological Sciences. Among her many accomplishments at Fordham were the development of successful science outreach programs for high school students and various multi-institutional collaborations.

Her research portfolio includes a $2.6 million National Science Foundation Collaborative Research grant with the Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo in support of Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology), as well as awards from the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement, the National Institutes of Health, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of the Interior for her research and program initiatives. Her funded research has focused on such topics as the ecology of pathogenic fungi; changes in forest health and nutrient cycling; and invasive earthworms.

“Dr. Tuininga brings both deep experience and passion to our PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies,” said Robert Prezant, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University. “Her years of accumulated research and administrative experience align perfectly with the role of director. Her understanding of sustainability issues and her enthusiasm will undoubtedly drive the Institute to new levels of success and renown.”

The PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies (ISS) at Montclair State University was founded in 2009 to play a transformative role in trans-disciplinary research, education and outreach that address the relevant sustainability issues of our time.

“I am excited to embark on a journey to lead efforts to grow the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies and am thrilled to have the opportunity to make resources available for Montclair State students and faculty to work together in innovative ways, leading the field of sustainability studies,” said Tuininga. “I expect the University’s new Center for Environmental and Life Sciences will provide an excellent foundation for new and trans-disciplinary pedagogies, research and communications. I look forward to helping to support the work of faculty, staff and students, as well as refine, build and realize the vision of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies.”

Tuininga received her PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers University. She earned her MS in Botany and Plant Pathology from Oregon State University and her BS in Botany from the University of Washington.