STORY BY GRACE MAEDA
ILLUSTRATION BY NICOLE CARLYLE
Gazing out onto the Hudson River every day, Ellie Petraccione is reminded of her home in Niskayuna, New York, which rests along the Mohawk River. “The walk in front of the library from Champ as a freshman was one of my favorite things,” Ellie said.
The water, which flows from the Mohawk River into the Hudson River, connected Ellie to her home everyday, “It made me realize — that’s my river.” It was this appreciation that sparked Ellie’s dedication to protecting the environment.
Most of Ellie’s childhood was spent outside, either hiking, walking, or playing in the woods behind her house. “I was always the child that my mom would have to go outside to call in for dinner.” Ellie recalled. She was also surrounded by animals, volunteering at a birds of prey sanctuary, which strengthened her interest in nature.
If not running wild in the woods, Ellie was playing and traveling with her lacrosse team. Eventually, Ellie was recruited to play for the Marist College Women’s lacrosse team, where she played all four years. Ellie’s teammate, Emma LeMay said, “Ellie plays a tremendous role on the team. Her positivity, unconditional support for her teammates, and work ethic — both on and off the field, make her an exceptional role model for every person on the team. She sets a high standard for all student athletes and encourages others to pursue their passions outside of their sport.”
Although she has always had a deep love for nature, it was not always clear she should pursue environmental science academically. Initially, Ellie came to Marist College to become a physician assistant, believing that would be a safer option. Ellie started taking action to protect the environment and became a vegan her freshman year to live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
Ellie soon realized her river needed help. “I learned in my Environmental Issues class, that the river I walk past everyday is filled with toxins.” She said, “My mom used to say, ‘If you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem.’” Ellie lives by these words, which have contributed to her passion of environmental conservation and protection as a Environmental Science and Policy major. She wanted to contribute her knowledge to the solution and not be a bystander to climate change.
Professor Zion Klos, Ellie’s academic advisor, was excited to describe Ellie’s remarkable qualities and her research. “Ellie’s abilities in scientific research are exceptional, but they are equally matched with her amazing drive and determination to communicate her findings with those who it matters most here in the Hudson Valley,” he said.
As an Honors Student, Ellie was required to create an Honors thesis. Her project was an extension of summer research, which consisted of analyzing the background levels of cyanobacteria in high-risk locations in the Hudson River.
From Saugerties to Beacon, Ellie examined the risks cyanobacteria posed to the Hudson River in relation to the European water chestnut, an invasive species in the Hudson Valley. “Water chestnuts create big thick beds on the surface of the water, depleting the environment of oxygen. This limits other organisms’ abilities to survive.”
Cyanobacteria also thrives in warmer temperatures. With climate change, warming waters are only helping cyanobacteria develop. This creates an algal bloom that can cover the surface of the water. Once this bloom degrades, it depletes the environment of oxygen, which can poses a massive threat to aquatic life. This bacteria is toxic to humans and can even be fatal for dogs that drink water containing it.
To demonstrate her findings, Ellie created a booklet and presentation explaining how to prevent cyanobacteria and the water chestnut from killing off important species in the Hudson River. “My goal is to communicate my research to any person, rather than just create a poster that’s only understandable to a scientist.” Ellie said. “I want to show how you can prevent and change these issues in the Hudson.”
Ellie was able to present her research at the 2019 American Geophysical Union Conference in San Francisco, one of the largest international conferences for earth sciences. “It was one of the best experiences of my college career,” Ellie said.
Changing attitudes about the environment is the key to saving it. “The hardest barrier is making people care about the environment,” Ellie said. “People are so focused on their own lives...but we need a bigger perspective of the world. Instead of focusing on what’s happening tomorrow, think about what’s going to happen to our future because of climate change.”
Ellie wants everyone to realize every little change is an important change. “People think the world’s too far gone and they’re just one person, but not using straws, bringing your utensils and reusable cups, can all add up and have an impact.” In addition to making small changes, Ellie also encourages individuals to vote. “It’s important that people use their right to vote to advocate for leaders who want to implement laws to protect the environment.””
We should all take Ellie’s advice and spend more hours outside. “It’s not until you’re out in nature until you want to be a steward of the environment.”
On May 23, 2020 Ellie was awarded the General Excellence Baccalaureate Award, acknowledging her successes in academics and athletics.
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