Hands-on

LIN HARE

Bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of Rhode Island

Master’s degree in Liberal Studies, Small Group Management from SUNY Plattsburgh

Currently: Biology lab supervisor

Lin Hare spent several years studying marine ecosystems around the world, but ultimately landed at SUNY Adirondack, where she supervises the college’s biology labs, lab assistants and tutors.

“SUNY Adirondack gave me a place to use all my lab experience,” said Hare, who has worked at the college since 1991. “I couldn’t just do my job; I had to bring some of my interest in the environment to my work.”

Those efforts were recognized as Hare was named 2022 Conservationist of the Year by the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors for her work on natural resource conservation.

She sits on a steering committee working to repurpose the former Glens Falls Tennis & Swim Club and, at the college, works on individual study projects with students over the summer, benefitting the students, who gain experience, and the communities.

The crew samples water from area lakes and tests for non-point source septic pollution. “We test for free chlorine and E. coli; if we find them together, we consider it a positive site,” she said, explaining the information is then given to lake associations.

On a smaller scale, she also helped coordinate student volunteer projects that include developing the on-campus Butterfly Garden, caring for the green roof project on Adirondack Hall, creating the koi ponds housed in the college’s indoor greenhouse, building the campus outdoor greenhouse and initiating what has evolved to be a 550-gallon salt-water reef aquarium on campus.