seneca

HWS News

4 November 2025 Protecting Seneca Lake

Collaboration with Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association strengthens research, education and community engagement to protect the Finger Lakes’ largest lake.

A shared commitment to environmental stewardship continues to unite Hobart and William Smith and the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, a nonprofit organization founded in 1991 dedicated to preserving and protecting Seneca Lake through monitoring, research, education and advocacy.

From board service and collaborative research to student internships and employment, the partnership reflects HWS’ longstanding investment in the health of the Finger Lakes region.

The relationship began with Professor Emeritus of Environmental Studies John Halfman, whose board leadership established a foundation for joint work in lake monitoring and education. Today, Associate Director of Community Engagement and Service Learning Peter Budmen ’15, MAT ’16, and community member John Kirk continue that legacy as active Pure Waters board members, aligning the organization’s mission with HWS’ community engagement goals.

Through HWS’ Finger Lakes Institute, faculty, staff and students conduct research that directly supports Pure Waters’ efforts, including studies on invasive species, nutrient dynamics, harmful algal blooms and stream health. FLI Director Lisa Cleckner and Associate Professor of Practice of Biology Susan Cushman have been key collaborators, translating data into practical conservation strategies.

While interning with Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, Jackson Abreu ‘26 reads to children at the Geneva Public Library to teach them about the importance of water.

Each summer, student involvement deepens the partnership. Most recently, through the FLX Summer Internship Program, Jackson Abreu ’26 contributed to Pure Waters’ education and outreach initiatives, while students Andrew Hanna ’28, Mia Nixon ’28 and Elvis Njomo ’25 remain actively involved in advancing the organization’s citizen science and community programs, contributing across areas such as membership engagement, communications and media development, and database management.

“This collaboration demonstrates what can happen when science, education and civic engagement come together,” says Budmen. “Our students gain valuable experience while contributing to the protection of one of the region’s most important natural resources.”