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WISER Center

The WISER Center comprises three greenhouse zones (including the Stowell Biodiversity Classroom), a "link" to Stowell where the public can enter from outdoors and a classroom space with computing stations for students. The WISER Center is utilized by a host of our current classes including sustainable agriculture, general biology, genetics, ecology, plant physiology and botany. New courses in horticulture urban farming, hydroponics and aquaculture will be offered through the WISER Center in the near future.

As directed by SUNY Potsdam's Department of Biology, the Wagner Institute for Sustainability and Ecological Research (WISER), provides applied research and educational programming in sustainability and ecology. The WISER activities and outreach begin on campus and extend to our local and global communities.

WISER Center Goals:
  • Increase applied learning opportunities in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, focused on sustainability and ecology
  • Enhance awareness of sustainability and ecological conservation issues
  • Provide technical support and educational collaboration around food and nutrition curricula
  • Promote sustainability initiatives on campus and in our region by teaming with local community groups and institutions

Contact Email: wiser@potsdam.edu

Looking for the Varroa Mite in Beehives

Experiential learning is the at the heart of a SUNY Potsdam education and that is no more clearly expressed than when four students ventured out to inspect local honey bee hives as they were looking for the presence of the Varroa Mite.

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New Tower Gardens Constructed at the WISER Greenhouse

Five Tower Gardens were recently constructed in SUNY Potsdam's WISER Greenhouse, giving our biology students the opportunity to utilize a unique aeroponic growing system. The Watertown Daily Times recently wrote about the project.

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This fantastic new space was made available through a generous gift from Robert (Bob) E. Wagner (75') and his wife Wendy. Because of their thoughtful gift, students at SUNY Potsdam and members of the community will have an opportunity to learn about the importance of social, economical and ecological sustainability.

"The WISER Center has done more for me than I could have ever expected from a greenhouse. It has allowed me to explore a field that I can now consider my passion. It has created a space for us to collaborate together on projects with fellow students, staff, and the community." 

-Sydney LaPan '19