On November 14, 2024, we will host the annual Larry and Betty Vadnais Environmental
Issues Lecture Series at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts campus, in North
Adams, MA. This year, we will welcome MCLA alumna, Ariana Chiapella ’12 to campus
as she presents about her research and teaching related to water quality and contamination.
Prior to the lecture, starting at 6 p.m., we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of
the Center for Resourceful Living (CRL), the pioneering program started by Dr. Larry
Vadnais. During this time, CRL alumni and friends are invited to share memories and
reflections about their time at the CRL at North Adams State College. Everyone is
invited to attend and learn more about this unique and impactful era from the NASC/MCLA
past. We will also be showing a slide show of photos from the CRL. Several panels
on the history of the CRL will also be on display. Alumni and friends are encouraged
to bring any memorabilia, photos, and documents from the CRL to share that evening!
The lecture "The Implications of Contaminants for Aquatic and Human Communities" begins
promptly at 7 p.m.
Ari conducts research at the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory. She explores
basic to applied questions about the impacts of stressors on aquatic ecosystems and
implications for people and management. Specific interests include alpine ecology,
using stable isotopes to understand food web structure and response to species invasions,
and understanding the ecological and social implications of toxic chemical production,
use, and accumulation in the environment.
About the Vadnais Lecture SeriesThe Vadnais Lecture Series is named for the visionary leader of the Center for Resourceful
Living (CRL), Dr. Larry Vadnais. For those unfamiliar with the Center for Resourceful
Living (CRL), here is a
short video and the Historic North Adams
website for an extended history.
Ariana Chiapella '12