Environmental Science Department hosts Kenosha Transportation Academy

This fall, the Environmental Science Department was privileged to host the first ever Kenosha Transportation Academy.

Taught by Community Programs Director Susan Gaeddert from 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, this free nine-week course was open to community members as well as Carthage students. The course focused on the process by which transportation decisions are made and how these decisions affect human health and the environment. 

Participants in the course brought experience in city government, business, education, and healthcare, along with their individual experiences using transportation and those of their family members. During the sessions, the class heard from guest speakers, toured local facilities, and explored Kenosha by foot, bus, and car to identify strengths and challenges of our transportation system. Students who presented a final project proposing specific local improvements had the opportunity to earn independent study credit through the Carthage Environmental Science Department.

Will Kotomski ’25, a double major in environmental science and geographic information science, was one of the student participants. Will says, “My experience with the Kenosha Transportation Academy was enlightening, offering a unique opportunity to connect the dots between community needs and city planning. It deepened my understanding of how vital it is to consider the people who rely on public transit and walk the sidewalks daily. The Academy highlighted the importance of designing transportation systems that not only meet logistical demands but also prioritize accessibility and safety for members of the community.”

Thanks to Susan Gaeddert for her work in bringing this unique opportunity to Carthage and to everyone who participated!

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Environmental Science Department

For more information, contact:

Sarah Rubinfeld