Invisible Poisons: Pesticides in Our Food & Homes
4-weeks (last 4) | Registration closed 9/10/2025
This course provides information on the broad range of agrichemicals (including but not limited to pesticides) that have become ubiquitous in modern society. We will discuss how society came to rely on pesticides and fertilizers in food production, the impact of these chemicals on our bodies and on the planet, and the alternatives that are available to us.
Paul Ciminello
Paul Ciminello is a retired environmental consultant who focused on environmental investigations and remediation with a particular concern for groundwater. Paul received dual Master's Degrees in Hydrology/Hydrogeology and Public Policy Analysis from Duke University in 1986 and had over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting before retiring in 2019. In addition, Paul has been an adjunct instructor at Marist College since 1999, teaching courses in the Department of Science including "Environmental Investigations and Remediation" and "Introduction to Environmental Issues".
Kate Susman
Kate Susman, Ph.D., Professor of Biology at Vassar College on the Jacob P. Giraud Jr. Endowed Chair of Natural History, studies the toxic behavioral and neural effects of common pesticides in soil organisms. The research, previously funded by the NIH, concerns links between neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and pesticide exposure. She is currently on the Environmental Management Council for the Dutchess County Legislature and writes and podcasts extensively for multiple audiences through her website, Modern Marinade.