Heather Sanger Completes Experiential Learning Project at SUNY Oneonta

Heather Sanger, of Smithtown, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Satoyama Revival: Living Sustainably in the 21st C." at SUNY Oneonta.

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"I traveled abroad to Tokyo, Japan, to the Global Diversity and Sustainability Camp at Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) to study the revival of Satoyama. In the program, we were grouped with other students from Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia to complete a field study at Jike Furusato Village and present our findings," said Sanger, who is studying Communication Studies and Sociology.

"Through participating in the program, I was able to assist in the field study and gather information about the sustainable lifestyle of Satoyama. I participated in asking questions to the local residents we interviewed, taking photos, and sharing my findings. We gathered our findings and discussed what opportunities there were to draw more newcomers and tourism into these areas. From further research and understanding of Satoyama in our home countries, we were able to piece together our ideas. We eventually presented our findings, and I was able to talk about the concept of drawing people in from cities and what draws people to Urban areas over Rural areas..

"This project has taught me a lot about how societies maintain population and where people tend to leave. Understanding how to make a community attractive enough for people to choose to settle in these areas is crucial to maintaining a population. A lot of the recent generations are more likely to move to urban areas, because cities tend to be more modern and more appealing. Understanding how living in rural areas can support all of your needs can help people realize that living in these areas is sustainable.

"This research project really shaped my future; it has drawn me into the idea of encouraging tourism and building a society that fulfills a person's lifestyle. I decided to lean more into learning about urban planning and, genuinely, how to revive a community. Looking within the community I live in and where I attend college has really increased my interest in these topics. Currently thinking and discussing how to keep college students in town after they graduate."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/Heather-Sanger-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project-at-SUNY-Oneonta/200687