Svetoslava Todorova Awarded Faculty Fellowship for 2026-27
The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) at Syracuse University has announced the appointment of Svetoslava Todorova as its Faculty Fellow for the 2026-27 academic year. A professor of practice in civil and environmental engineering, Todorova will undertake a summer residency at SCRC, focusing on integrating special collections materials into her curriculum.
Todorova, who also directs the Environmental Engineering Program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, will engage in workshops designed to enhance her skills in utilizing archival materials for educational purposes. These sessions will cover methods for effectively researching collections and creating innovative inquiries that incorporate rare materials into classroom learning.
Enhancing Curriculum with Archival Insights
During her residency in the summer of 2026, Todorova plans to redesign two STEM courses to include archival materials related to Onondaga Lake. Her approach aims to foster an interdisciplinary learning experience that connects technical knowledge with historical and ethical considerations.
In her course titled “Environmental Chemistry and Analysis” (CEE 471/671), a traditional laboratory exercise on alkalinity will evolve into a project-based learning module. Students will analyze historical documents from former faculty members who significantly contributed to the cleanup efforts of Onondaga Lake. This hands-on experience will allow them to explore the legacy of industrial pollution while addressing current water quality challenges.
Additionally, in “The Role of Science in Environmental Governance” (HNR 360), students will investigate archival resources related to mercury contamination in Minamata Bay, Japan. Todorova’s aim is to deepen students’ critical thinking skills and help them draw connections between global environmental crises and local issues, particularly concerning Onondaga Lake’s contamination.
Supporting Educational Innovation
The SCRC Faculty Fellows Program is designed to promote innovative curriculum development and to enhance the role of special collections in academic instruction. Each fellow receives a grant of $5,000 alongside pedagogical support to aid in the integration of primary source materials into their teaching.
Funding for the program has been bolstered by generous contributions from George Bain, a member of the Library Associates, and William F. Gaske, a member of the Libraries Advisory Board. The original funding was made possible through the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, which supports the advancement of scholarship and the arts while promoting the preservation of cultural heritage.
For more information about the Faculty Fellows Program or to learn how to financially support a faculty fellow for the upcoming academic year, interested individuals can contact Jana Rosinski at [email protected] or Dean David Seaman at 315.443.5533 or via email at [email protected].
