The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce the selection of its second class of Sustainable Business Law Hub Student Scholars. The Sustainable Business Law Hub Student Scholars Program (“Hub Scholars Program”) was launched in early 2023 as a key component of the Sustainable Business Law Hub in creating the next generation of sustainable business and ESG (environmental, social and governance) lawyers. This year, five additional students have been selected to serve as Sustainable Business Law Hub Student Scholars (“Hub Scholars”) and will benefit from ESG internships and externships at prestigious law firms, financial institutions and businesses.

“The Hub Scholars Program has been a tremendous addition to our Sustainable Business Law Hub,” said Jason Czarnezki, Kerlin Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law and Associate Dean of Environmental Law Programs and Strategic Initiatives, as well as inaugural Faculty Director of the Hub. “Last year’s inaugural class of six Hub Scholars gained ESG experience in a variety of settings, as interns at law firms, working with in-house legal teams, as well as within an NGO/government body. These experiences have allowed our top students interested in ESG and sustainable business to pursue these interests in a meaningful way.”

The Sustainable Business Law Hub Scholars Program is a curricular, scholarship, and mentorship program for students pursuing careers in sustainable business law and as ESG lawyers. The highly-selective program is designed for students with outstanding entrance credentials and a well-articulated passion for pursuing a career at the intersection of sustainability, business law, and environmental law. Hub Scholars will have the opportunity to receive practical training and experience in using the law to foster sustainable business practices through an internship/externship experience with an ESG practice group in a law firm, under the guidance of in-house counsel within a corporate entity, or within an NGO/government body working in the ESG space. Hub Scholars can also take advantage of targeted training workshops and programs that will prepare them for these externship experiences while working closely with a faculty supervisor and a professional mentor in the field to develop their interests and to identify networking and job opportunities.

Maggie Pahl ’23 was a member of the inaugural class of Sustainable Business Law Hub Student Scholars. She describes the experience as one of the most formative experiences during her time at Haub Law. “My participation as a Hub Scholar gave me the opportunity to meet and talk with lawyers and business leaders that are as equally passionate as I am about sustainable business,” said Maggie. “Being an inaugural scholar was especially exciting because the inception of the Hub came at a time when US and EU mandatory ESG disclosure laws were at their infancy. The textbooks and law review articles on novel sustainable business topics are being written (and re-written as international regulatory updates are released) at this very moment. Haub Law is at the forefront of producing a new generation of ESG lawyers, and I was fortunate enough to be part of that. The Sustainable Business Law Hub will produce great research and a strong network for future Haub Law students to tap into and the environment will benefit as a result.”

During the course of their studies, students receive curricular guidance that will allow them to receive the Advanced Environmental Law Certificate while pursuing courses relevant to sustainable business law, including the Business Law Path to Practice and the option to pursue an MBA with the Lubin School of Business as part of the joint JD/MBA program. Haub Law also offers courses on sustainable business law which include topics such as the definition of ESG, corporate responsibility and the triple bottom line; the role of the corporate board in achieving sustainability; social impact investing and ESG ratings; and ESG and climate disclosures, voluntary ESG reporting and risk management. Importantly, Hub Scholars will also have access to a wide network of Haub Law alumni, Lubin alumni, the Hub’s Advisory Board, and subsequent Hub Scholar alumni, who serve as mentors to new Hub Scholars.

Haub Law’s Sustainable Business Law Hub serves as an incubator space, student-training program, research endeavor, and think tank devoted to addressing global sustainability challenges through policy and research projects, relationships with the business community, and capacity building in private environmental governance. The Hub incorporates the three pillars of sustainability—economic, social and environmental welfare—into global business practices by engaging in research and policy development, improving public law and governance, and working with existing industry, the small business community, startups, and the community at-large to develop and employ innovative private environmental models and sustainability practices, such as those that promote a circular economy. Working hand-in-hand with faculty experts, students participating in the Hub receive practical training and experience in using the law to foster sustainable business practices.

Biographies of New Class of Hub Student Scholars

Ashley Han is a JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law and a Business Law-Financial Compliance Path to Practice Track. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BA in Sociology. During her time at Haub Law, Ashley interned for Pfizer's Global Supply Division and Paul Weiss' Sustainability & ESG Advisory Practice. She also was a research assistant for Policy Research Director Thomas Bourgeois at the Land Use Law Center and a judicial intern for Judge Seibel at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Ashley is currently serving as a Senior Associate for the Pace Environmental Law Review and a student intern for the Food and Farm Business Clinic.

Hailey Pedicano is a 3L at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, working towards a JD Degree with an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law. Prior to law school, Hailey worked in marketing as a Project Manager, a role that frequently involved corporate stewardship communications. This largely drove her interest in becoming a Sustainable Business Law Scholar. Last year, Hailey co-led the Sustainable Business Panel featured at the New Directions in Environmental Law academic conference. This past summer, Hailey worked as a Summer Associate at Cuddy & Feder, LLP., and she spent her 1L summer as a Summer Law Clerk at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently, Hailey is a Land Use Scholar at the Pace Land Use Law Center and a Senior Associate on the Pace Law Review. She is also a Student Attorney for the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic.

Joshua Briggs is a JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law. He is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for energy policy and sustainability. Through his legal internships at organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for Progressive Reform, and the Pace Energy & Climate Center, he has gained valuable insights into the complexities of energy regulation and planning. An environmental storyteller, Joshua has a BA in digital media management and worked as a filmmaker prior to law school. Upon graduation, he hopes to combine his passions for the environmental and storytelling to advance a sustainable energy future.

Karina Krul is a JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. Next Fall she will begin pursuing her master’s degree at Yale. Karina graduated in 2019 with a BS in Marine Biology from the University of New Haven. She completed her Honors Thesis on how environmental awareness effects attitude toward sustainable development, which she presented at the 2019 Society of Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting. She is currently a junior associate for Pace International Law Review, an intern with the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations, and a Law Clerk at Richman Law & Policy, an impact litigation firm that uses consumer protection law to hold corporations accountable for their environmental representations. Karina is passionate about a future that operates through inclusive, environmentally sound governance by ensuring every stakeholder gets a seat at the table. This summer, she will be a law clerk with Earthjustice.

Morgan E. Martin graduated from Rollins College in 2021 with a degree in Public Policy and Political Economy. Before she came to law school, she moved to Bali Indonesia to volunteer for an NGO where she taught English and sustainability lessons in a local village and worked on a coral reef restoration project. During her first year of law school, she volunteered at the Land Use Law Center. She is currently a Junior Associate for Pace Environmental Law Review and Vice-Chair for the Jeffery G. Miller National Environmental Moot Court Competition. This past summer she worked for a boutique corporate litigation firm in Manhattan, and she is still working for them part time. She will be a summer associate for Fenwick & West in their corporate practice. Morgan hopes to pursue a career in Sustainable Business practices, and perhaps gravitating towards the climate-tech field as it emerges.

Biographies of Returning Hub Student Scholars

Brianna Grimes is a 3L at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. She graduated in 2019 from Syracuse University with a BA in Biology. During law school, Brianna has joined many organizations and undertaken numerous leadership roles, including serving as Managing Editor of the Pace Environmental Law Review. In the past, Brianna has worked as a Maritime & International Law Extern with the United States Coast Guard Judge Advocate General, a Judicial Intern for Judge Richard Sullivan in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and as a Summer Associate in Baker Botts' Washington, DC Environmental, Safety, and Incident Response team. She was recently selected as a Knauss Fellow by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grant program and plans to move to Washington, DC in February to begin her one-year fellowship.

Brooke Mercaldi is a dual degree candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and the Yale School of the Environment, and she will graduate with her JD and Master of Environmental Management after the Fall 2023 semester. Brooke is currently at Yale where she is a Fellow in Yale Law School’s Law, Ethics & Animals Program and a Research Assistant in its Climate Change & Animal Agriculture Litigation Initiative. Throughout the dual degree program, Brooke has completed internships in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, ACT Commodities Inc., and Save the Sound. Brooke also worked in Haub Law’s Land Use Law Center and Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies, and she served as a Research & Writing Editor for the Pace Environmental Law Review.

Pace University Ranks Third in New York State

For the third consecutive year, Military Times has named Pace University to its list of best schools for military service members and veterans.

In being named to the 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, Pace placed third out of 29 institutions state-wide, ninth among private colleges nationwide, and 66 overall.

The ranking is an affirmation of the impact of Pace’s efforts in fostering a welcoming environment for all military veterans and assisting them in reaching their educational goals. It continues Pace’s recent upward trajectory as the university went from 287 to 124 in 2022.

“We are deeply committed to supporting the student veterans at Pace University, and so it’s a real honor to be recognized for that work by Military Times,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “More than 200 of our students, across all three of our campuses, have volunteered to serve in America’s armed forces. They are a special and valued part of our community, and we’re pleased that they chose to pursue their education with us. We’re grateful for their service, and for this recognition.”

This year, 325 schools made the list – up nearly 5% over last year. Student success metrics – notably, GPA, retention, persistence, and graduation rates -- were the most important factors in determining the ranking of schools on the list, followed closely by the range of military-specific resources and the level of financial assistance offered. Admissions and registration policies, human resources and assorted miscellaneous considerations also factor into the scoring rubric.

“Student veterans contribute to the diversity and campus life here at Pace University,” said COL (Ret) Peter Riley, director of Pace Office of Veterans Services. “Hard work, authentic student care, accountability, and a heartfelt commitment to achieving success pays off. I am proud of this recognition and the awareness of what we provide for this important population of students.”

Pace recognizes the commitment our veterans have demonstrated to our country and are firmly committed to assisting veterans, active duty, and reserve service members in advancing their careers through higher education. Pace provides specialized and support services to over 200 veterans and dependents across its three campuses.

Pace’s special services for veterans include:

• Academic resources such as tutoring and professional writing assistance
• A specialized “University 101 for Veterans,” introductory course meant to address the experiences of veterans in higher education
• Counseling and disability services
• Financial assistance such as the Yellow Ribbon Program, Veteran Tuition Scholarship Program, Army Tuition Assistance & Air Force Tuition Assistance program
• Career services
• A website, Veterans, which lists resources specifically for veterans
• An active Pace Student Veteran Association, a chapter to the national Student Veterans of America organization

The university also offers a Veteran Student Center on both the New York City and Pleasantville campuses. The center serves as a one-stop resource center providing a study and gathering space where Pace student veterans and dependents can connect with others who have served and those who want to support them.

Neath Williams '24 spent over 20 years as a Navy combat medic on active duty and in the reserves before enrolling. Now he’s working on his Master of Arts in Communications and Digital Media through the robust online program Pace offers and is active in the Arts and Veterans communities in and around New York City.

“Student veterans have a holistic view of the importance of their education,” said Williams. “Most have goals set for after school, and they’re focused on that. They may be more focused on learning the actual content rather than on passing the class. This is the stuff we came here for, and Pace provides the resources for us to be successful.”

To view the full rankings visit the 2023 rankings.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Military Times

The Military Times is the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything important to their lives, including branch-specific news, pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is owned by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit the Military Times.

Last spring, five student groups from the Communications Research course, part of the Communications and Digital Media graduate program, completed timely, thoughtful research studies with topics ranging from the impact of communication on romantic relationships to how social media influencers impact consumer decisions. This fall, all five groups were accepted to present their work at the New York State Communication Association Conference, and two received awards for first- and second-place graduate papers.

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“The research students have done in my class was quite demanding and it was far from easy going through all the stages of it: from selecting a topic, to identifying an appropriate method of research, to obtaining an institutional review board (IRB) approval, collecting survey data, to analyzing the data,” said Associate Professor of Media, Communications, and Visual Arts Mirjana Pantic, PhD, who teaches the course. “It was fulfilling to see how our students' accomplishments stood out among other prominent schools in New York State.”

Three students who attended the conference to present their groups’ work shared their experiences.

Erin Flynn ’23, MA Communications and Digital Media

Research Project: Social Media Influencers: Impact on Consumer Purchasing Decisions (First Place Graduate Paper)

How did your group decide on this topic?

A vital point to keep in mind when developing a research topic is looking for a gap within existing research so you’re contributing something constructive. The value of authenticity among social media influencers can be difficult to gauge, so being able to explain consumers’ motivations and quantify such interactions, like making purchases, is unbelievably beneficial to the marketing industry. I work within the social media landscape as a digital content producer, so I’ve become fascinated by what causes engagement behaviors within an online audience.

What do you hope attendees at the conference take away from your research?

Our research has demonstrated how a message, packaged by a social media influencer in an entertaining and informative way, has the capability to powerfully impact a wide spectrum of people (all of whom are potential consumers) but when it comes down to it, the majority desire an authentic, human connection to inform their decisions.

How has this graduate program and/or this research project impacted your goals for the future?

A major goal of mine is to produce larger scale media projects with a focus on effective storytelling. During my time within the Communications and Digital Media graduate program, I’ve gained indispensable insight that I’ve been able to instantly apply to real-world situations, thus taking theory and transforming it into practice. Now that I’ve added more essential skills to my repertoire, I look forward to developing exciting projects that offer new awareness for untold narratives to amplify under-represented voices.

Brianna Civitano ’23, MA Communications and Digital Media

Research Project: Motivations and Consumption of Streaming Services: Millennials and Generation Z (Second Place Graduate Paper)

What do you hope attendees at the conference took away from your research?

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I hope the attendees learn more about the younger generations and why we do some of the things we do. I briefly touched on some generational characteristics found in the literature review we studied, but the biggest takeaway is that we now live in a fast-paced world where accessibility and convenience play a major role in everything we do. This is why the younger generations prefer to use streaming services. We can choose what we want to be entertained by whenever we want. It molds perfectly into our lifestyle.

How has this graduate program and this research project impacted your goals for the future?

This program is my future. I joined it because I had a change in career path after undergrad, and since the start of the program, so many opportunities have come my way. I never expected to complete a research study let alone submit it to a conference and have the paper win second overall for graduate papers in the state. Presenting it in front of a group of professionals and networking with them was just the icing on the cake because this is only the beginning for me. I plan to take everything I have learned and use it in the work field post-graduation. I actually see myself using bits of it every day; it’s really coming full circle.

What was your experience like at the conference?

The older I get, the more I want to expand my comfort zone and this experience did just that. Old me would’ve thought of every excuse to get out of presenting, but I couldn’t be more grateful for following through with attending and presenting in front of so many successful people. I was able to speak with like-minded individuals and have very educational and informative conversations that I normally wouldn’t have. Not only was this conference an educational success, but it was also a personal growth success as well.

Samuel Aikins ’23, MA Communications and Digital Media

Research Project: America's Trust in the Electoral System: How Party Affiliation and Media Consumption Affect Electoral Trust

What was the most surprising or interesting thing you learned in your research?

Learning about the role that the media played in determining how American citizens view their elections was one of the more interesting parts of our research. The results of our research showed that social media had the largest presence [in terms of where people get their news] but had the least amount of people trusting in the elections. I found that interesting considering how much social media is a strong part of our society these days, but at the same time, there's a lot of misinformation that is spread on social media. So, in some ways, it makes sense why people who use social media to gain news may not always be trusting of what they see or hear.

What do you hope attendees at the conference take away from your research?

My hope is that attendees understand why it's important for us to trust our elections and our institutions. Despite some of the results of our research, I do believe that it's important to trust our elections and our institutions for the sake of democracy. Right now, we are in uncharted territories when it comes to election trust. As we've seen, more and more people believe that elections are not faithful or that elections such as the 2020 elections were false and stolen. There are people in power who have and will use their power to undermine our democracy, and that's very concerning. As someone who cares about our country and our freedoms, it worries me the direction that we're going as a country, where civil rights are under threat, where women's reproductive rights are under threat, where our voting rights and our right to our freedom are under threat. I hope that our research can start a conversation and get people to believe in our elections and our institutions once again.

How has this graduate program and/or this research project impacted your goals for the future?

This graduate program has really taught me a lot about communications and production. I graduated with my bachelor's in political science and a minor in English from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell in 2019. My original goal was to work in immigration law, but once I started working at WGBH, which is my local PBS station in Boston, that's when my love for communications and production started. I started getting training from one of our associate producers, and from there, I made the decision to go back to school and pursue my master’s in communications and digital media so that I can take that next step in my career and really begin my career in communications and production.