August 30, 2008
Ryan Merkin first became interested in green buildings while completing his graduate work on the urban heat island effect at MIT, where he received his Master Of Science in Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. He currently works as a building systems consultant assisting owners of buildings both old and new achieve their sustainability goals through better building practices and education. When Ryan is not counting lightbulbs, he enjoys a good game of basketball or tennis, and catching the New York Yankees. Ryan is also a board member of Association of Energy Engineers New York Chapter.
Christina Ficicchia became interested in sustainable development while obtaining her undergraduate degree in Biology at Boston University where her plans to study medicine began to shift to environmental quality issues. She went on to obtain a Masters Degree from Pratt Institute in City and Regional Planning focusing on sustainable development and environmental best practices. She has worked on projects related to Brownfield’s planning, alternative energy and alternative transportation as well as promoting economic development through the funding and implementation of green building measures and other environmental initiatives. She continues to work with real estate advisors and project managers at Insite East, LLC in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently acting as the Executive Director of New York City Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities, Inc. (NYCLHVCC, Inc.), where she is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through promoting the reduction of petroleum usage in vehicles.
Miquela Craytor has felt passionately for the environment ever since she hugged her first tree. Growing up in Oregon created a strong belief in balancing the environment and the needs required for everyday living. Upon receiving a BA in Planning from University of Oregon,she embarked on city-planning on an entirely different scale. She received her Masters in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute, with a focus on Sustainable Development. She is concerned with creating and implementing sustainable and community development policies and practices on a local, regional and global level. She previously worked as a Senior Planner of Economic Development at the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, the economic consultants to the Bronx Borough President. She now is the Executive Director for Sustainable South Bronx.
