Fletcher (left) and Paul (right) smile for a photo with ISS's official mascot, the octopus.
ISS is pleased to welcome Dr. Paul Loikith as Interim Director. Paul started his tenure in September and will be in this role at least June of next year. An associate professor in the Geography department and an atmospheric scientist specializing in weather and climate extremes, Paul brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to ISS’s mission.
Paul has a long-standing relationship with ISS, having collaborated with ISS staff on several projects. “I really value the opportunities ISS provides to PSU, especially for students,” he said. “The respect that ISS has among PSU faculty makes it an honor to have the opportunity to direct it.” As Interim Director, Paul is eager to work with faculty and community partners to promote ISS’s vision of a healthy and sustainable region and create research opportunities for faculty and staff. His goal is to ensure that ISS continues to be a place where experts on sustainability can come together to create meaningful, actionable outcomes that benefit communities.
Under his leadership, Loikith aims to strengthen ISS’s capacity to address critical issues, particularly in the area of climate resilience. “We’re doing a lot of things well, but there’s so much more we can build upon,” he says. With eight years of experience leading PSU’s Climate Science Lab, which studies weather and climate extremes and the atmospheric drivers behind them, Dr. Loikith is well prepared to elevate ISS’s role in addressing the region's most pressing environmental challenges.
Reflecting on his appointment, former ISS Director Fletcher Beaudoin is enthusiastic about ISS’s future. “I couldn’t be happier that Paul is able to lead the ISS team at this moment. He is an amazing researcher, teacher, collaborator, and friend, and I know he’ll care for the organization and also bring it to the next level.”
Where is Fletcher Beaudoin Now?
While we celebrate Dr. Loikith’s new role, we also want to share an update on former Director Fletcher Beaudoin. Since transitioning out of his role, Fletcher has started a new company, Bridas Consulting, where he works with a wide range of clients on projects spanning from developing sustainability partnership ecosystems to creating strategies and business plans for institutes within higher education, as well as supporting team development within nonprofits and businesses.
Fletcher’s leadership helped lay a strong foundation for ISS’s continued success, and we’re excited to see the important work he continues to do in the sustainability space.
Stay tuned as ISS moves forward under Dr. Loikith’s leadership, building on our strengths and exploring new opportunities to promote sustainability across the PSU community and beyond.