Thriving in UAlbany’s Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Program
Syed Muhammad Arsh Hussain and Wyne Ziocha are master’s students in UAlbany’s Environmental and Sustainable Engineering (ESE) program. Below, Wyne shares more about her application process and decision to choose UAlbany, and Arsh sheds light on what it’s like being a current student in this program.
Why did you choose UAlbany’s ESE program?
Wyne: Before joining UAlbany, I studied Polymer Technology and Engineering and later worked as a Quality Assurance Officer and SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) specialist in the manufacturing industry. These experiences gave me first-hand insight into how industrial processes can impact both product quality and the environment. While ensuring compliance and safety standards, I became increasingly aware of the urgent need for more sustainable practices in industry. This realization fueled my interest in Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, a field where I could combine my technical expertise and environmental responsibility.
When I began exploring graduate programs, I knew I wanted something that aligned with both my values and my long-term goals. Environmental and Sustainable Engineering (ESE) stood out because it blends technical innovation with ethical responsibility addressing real world challenges like water scarcity, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. It’s not just about solving problems but creating solutions that protect communities and ecosystems for generations to come.
UAlbany’s ESE program immediately caught my attention. It’s one of the few programs that embeds sustainability into the heart of its engineering curriculum. The faculty’s research spans hydrology, environmental modeling, and green design areas I am deeply passionate about. The curriculum integrates engineering with public policy, data science, and environmental justice giving students broader perspectives.
Do you have any tips for future applicants?
Wyne: Here are a few:
- Start early. Give yourself time to tailor your personal statement to the program’s mission.
- Highlight your passion. Connect your academic and professional background to the program’s focus areas.
- Reach out to the faculty members whose research aligns with your interests - this shows initiative and helps clarify fit.
- Double-check requirements. Small details matter, and it saves stress later.
- Attend a virtual info session beforehand, for clarity on what the admissions team is looking for and what helps strengthen your application.
What do you learn about in this program? What do classes cover?
Arsh: Academically, the ESE program opened my eyes to how engineering shapes the world. In my Sustainable Air Pollution class, I learned that tailgating on the highway can pull exhaust into your car through the AC, creating indoor air pollution. Another sobering lesson: a running car in a garage can leak deadly carbon monoxide into nearby rooms. These real-world examples made air pollution feel personal, not abstract.
My Green Design & Sustainability course showed me how engineering ties to health and innovation. I was surprised to learn that excessive red meat consumption is linked to cancer risks, and I loved exploring how industrial waste can be transformed into energy or how solar power and advanced batteries drive sustainable solutions. Working with SWAT-CUP modeling was another highlight simulating watershed management which gave me hands-on skills to predict how land use impacts water systems, blending tech with real-world impact.
What would you say to someone considering this program?
Arsh: “The ESE program isn’t just about theory, it’s about seeing the world differently. From practical skills to eye-opening lessons, it’s preparing me to tackle environmental challenges with creativity and purpose.”
Wyne: “Choosing ESE at UAlbany has been one of the most intentional decisions I’ve made. This program isn’t just preparing me for a career, it’s preparing me to make a difference.”