Immerse yourself in a campus culture that's as eclectic as you are.
Into the Swarm
Deep in the woods of St. Lawrence County, two SUNY Potsdam students have been hunting mosquitoes in search of data on vector-borne diseases. Aaron Barragan '29 and mentor Ellie Barbolt '27 have been spending their summer collecting samples across four North Country research sites—generating data on West Nile Virus, EEE, and more. Their work is part of an EOP and PIP-funded internship program supporting the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department.
From ice climbing in the Adirondacks to covering the Yankees, Maria Aldrich '22followed one of the most untraditional paths into sports writing. She didn't study journalism—she studied exercise science and wilderness education. But a liberal arts education was never about one narrow track; it's about building the adaptability to go wherever life takes you next. For Maria, that meant turning a passion for storytelling into a career covering pro sports for national outlets.
Thembi Duncan '24 found the perfect fit in SUNY Potsdam's fully online Instructional Design and Educational Technology program—completing her degree from Buffalo while building a career at the crossroads of theater, technology, and education.
Shortly after Alex Hartmann ’26 arrived at SUNY Potsdam, he was preparing to transfer. Instead, one conversation helped him discover a passion for exercise science, nutrition and helping others live healthier lives. From studying abroad in Australia to completing a nutrition-focused internship, Hartmann's journey transformed both his career goals and his sense of purpose.
Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Kelly Smith ’20 turned her greatest challenge into a lifelong mission to help others succeed. Now, the SUNY Potsdam M.S. in Literacy graduate is leading innovative professional development opportunities focused on dyslexia and the Science of Reading, empowering educators and strengthening literacy instruction across the North Country.
Sara Cantwell '14 & '17 discovered her passion for storytelling right here at SUNY Potsdam. Today, she's helping students find their own creative voices as a lecturer in the Department of English. From her role as coordinator of the Creative Writing program to editor-in-Chief of “Blueline” magazine, Cantwell provides her students with mentorship and applied learning experiences while emphasizing a sense of community.
After a life-changing cancer diagnosis at 19, Megan Mills ’26 returned to SUNY Potsdam determined to keep going—on the ice, in the classroom, and beyond. Now in remission, she’s channeling her experience into helping others through fitness, proving the power of resilience, community and purpose.
It starts with a single word—but it’s part of a larger transformation in literacy education. Through the Reading Ready program, SUNY Potsdam students are working one-on-one with local children to build foundational reading skills and confidence.
From the training room to the weight room, SUNY Potsdam exercise science students are turning classroom knowledge into real-world impact. Through hands-on internships across Northern New York, they’re building skills, confidence and connections that will power their careers.
From the classroom to the national stage, Jaidan Kertenis ’26 turned preparation into performance—earning top honors in a business ethics competition with a standout 90-second pitch. Drawing on her confidence as both a musician and student-athlete, she delivered a powerful, polished presentation under pressure.
Through immersive field experiences—from the Bears Literacy Program to full-time student teaching—Emily Jordan ’26 is gaining the skills, confidence and compassion to help young learners grow, one lesson at a time as she prepares for a career in early childhood education.
SUNY Potsdam alumnus Fire Captain William F. Burke Jr. ’77 is remembered not only for his heroism on Sept. 11, 2001, but for a life rooted in compassion, learning, and community. From the friendships he formed at Potsdam to the scholarship created in his name, Billy’s impact continues to shape lives.
From classroom to career, SUNY Potsdam geology grads hit the ground running. Ty Paddock ’25 and Jesse Bullock ’25 used the hands-on training and mentorship of Dr. Mike Rygel to pass the NY State Fundamentals of Geology exam—and landed jobs right out of school in the North Country.
