Leading, Enrepeneurship, and Composting

What’s Up, Doc? Meeting SGPS Interim Associate Dean Wharton

SGPS would like to proudly introduce our new Interim Associate Dean, Dr Jonathan Wharton Dr Wharton is an associate professor and internship coordinator for the SCSU political science department and has worn a multitude of hats over the past 25 years of his career, including: teaching at a variety of institutions, dealing with curricula initiatives at Stevens College, working admissions at Howard University, and serving as an academic advisor for a community college Dr Wharton was attracted to this position for its ability to help improve the graduate school, and upon accepting, he knew he wished to focus on advisement, curriculum, and community involvement He hopes to develop more 4+1 programs at our university and with community colleges, certificate programs through partnerships with local New Haven businesses, and a pathway for easier communication between faculty and SGPS to ensure the programs get off the ground well rounded and supported Dr Wharton is very open-minded to any and everyone’s ideas, and says his door is always open for brainstorming sessions We are excited to have Dr Wharton as our SGPS Interim Associate Dean We can’t wait to see the amazing things he will accomplish this semester and we thank him for being such a warm and joyful presence in our office.

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Leading, Entrepreneurship, and Composting MBA Student Haroon Chaudhry on His Time at SCSU and Life During Covid

“Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

What influenced your decision to pursue your Graduate Education at Southern?

The pursuit of a better education was my motivation for leaving my birth country, Pakistan, to travel to the United States of America My parent’s wish was to see their children earn recognition and success here in their academic and professional pursuits My undergraduate time at Southern was an extraordinary experience and I wanted to come back to further my education and continue to offer my dedication, enthusiasm, and work ethic to the University community While my path hasn’t been always easy, I feel I have grown into a confident, considerate, and respectful leader in every aspect of my life

What has your life been like over the past seven months? How has quarantine affected your education?

Initially, COVID-19 negatively affected my learning As classes transitioned online, it was very difficult for me to remain focused and motivated There have been times when I wanted to give up, but thinking about my purpose of coming to the United States keeps me motivated Due to COVID-19, I saw millions of people had been laid off or had internships canceled; I decided I wanted to give back to my community by trying to help as many people get back on their feet as I possibly could I never imagined that this sentiment would turn into me founding a consulting company

Are there any important social movements, projects, or organizations you have been a part of or would like to bring attention to?

Black Lives Matter I have taken part in assemblies and advocating for the BLM movement I believe in standing for and with my brothers and sisters and continuing to hold conversations in my community and workplace Black Lives Matter I partook in a Summer Fellowship program with Dr Wang Zheni We worked with STEM students to create a business plan for Quantum Biopower, an organic waste company located in Southington, CT It was through this collaboration that SCSU’s sustainability department launched composting at Connect Hall (Student Center). According to Dr. Suzanne Huminski (Sustainability Coordinator at SCSU) and her research team, SCSU diverted 45 tons of food scrap from the waste stream during the compost project’s pilot year, and more than 50 tons the following year