The Saint

Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Special to The Saint

There's a lot more than meets the eye with biology professor Dr. Nancy Dalman, an avid cyclist and runner who's also training for a full marathon come spring and has traveled and lived in parts of Europe and Asia.

With a masters degree from Duke in Environmental Toxicology and a PhD from Stanford in Marine Biology and Environmental Toxicology, it's hard to not feel intimidated in her presence.

Yet, she is remarkably down-to-earth and a pleasant conversationalist.

As a child, Dalman remembers falling in love with the outdoors and wanting to be a park ranger when she visited the Acadia National Park in Maine.

Even though her career goals became a bit loftier as she grew up, she never lost her love for the outdoors and remarks that "being outside" is still one of the best aspects of marine biology.

A native of Bergenfield, N.J., Dalman lived in California before coming to Dahlonega.

In the classic case of not-too-big-nor too-small, Dalman was taken not only with the breathtaking scenery and small-town feel, but the overall lushness that Dahlonega offered, as well.

The small university was also important in drawing Dalman to NGCSU. Being a professor here gives her the freedom to "try new things," she said.

She also has a love for learning and enjoys working with her fellow staff.

Perhaps the most unique quality about her is the absence of the stereotypical environmental fanatic, who maniacally eyes students who dare to bring plastic water bottles to class.

Dalman has a more pragmatic solution to raising environmental awareness around campus.

"I believe that every change, no matter how small, can really make a difference for the environment."

While this may seem like a small and inconsequential approach to taking care of the environment, Dalman points out that most people don't think of the small things that they can do to help.

"If you take steps to make sure that you unplug your cell-phone charger when it's not being used or turn off lights when you leave the room, you make small but positive steps in helping the environment."

But Dalman is focused on taking larger steps towards environmental awareness here on campus by collaborating with the Student Activities Board in giving the annual "Spring Jam" a more environmental focus and possibly renaming it "Earth Jam."

She's also working on campus with a group of students and faculty on a Sustainability Project, whose main goal is to raise awareness on campus.

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