Philosophy and Religious Studies

“Because I hope to work as a professor someday, my work with the Learning Commons was invaluable in developing a coherent pedagogical style.”

— Zach Piso

A philosophy and environmental studies double major, Zach Piso chose each for different reasons. “I majored in philosophy because it helps cultivate our abilities to discuss and write about challenging themes. I now have an articulated awareness of my surroundings and of social and global issues.” As for environmental studies, Zach says the subject was more of a passion. “I’ve had a built-in obligation to nature and the outdoors from a young age,” he explains.

Zach used his Senior Project to explore the inner workings of both majors, and he valued the close interaction he had with faculty. “I had the opportunity to complete a project that spanned both disciplines, through which I developed the theoretical foundations for an embodied environmental philosophy,” Zach says. “ I have also used this combination of majors to present at a number of undergraduate and professional conferences, including the International Association for Environmental Philosophy. Having these opportunities was definitely a product of having accessible professors as mentors.”

Outside of the classroom, Zach plays the guitar, banjo, bass, and mandolin. A self-proclaimed aquarium enthusiast, Zach also recently contributed an article to Tropical Fish Hobbyist about his aquaponics education efforts with a fourth grade class in Costa Rica. In addition, Zach is a four-year writing consultant for Allegheny’s Learning Commons. “It has had a tremendous impact on both my writing ability and my comfort teaching,” says Zach. “Because I hope to work as a professor someday, my work with the Learning Commons was invaluable in developing a coherent pedagogical style.”