Center for Applied Human Ecology
College of the Atlantic
Exploring the connections between people, health, and the environment
The Center for Applied Human Ecology (CAHE) draws on the expertise of faculty in ecology, economics, law, psychology, anthropology, planning, history, business, and architecture to put human ecology into practice in our communities.
CAHE’s mission is to serve students and community by:
- Teaching a wide range of skills necessary to integrate scientific, aesthetic and social values into complex decision-making on public issues.
- Building upon a solid foundation of courses from traditional disciplines, integrate the knowledge from these courses with practical skills, and apply this integrated knowledge to actual problems in multi-disciplinary courses and independent projects.
- Providing learning opportunities through working partnerships with local leaders and organizations on actual problems in local and international communities.
Highlights of the center’s programs and activities include:
- Watershed Initiative, promoting the integration of ecological, social and economic values through a watershed approach to regional planning and community outreach
- Geographic Information System (GIS) Lab
- Inter-Institutional Projects: The college has conducted a variety of joint projects with several of the leading Architecture, Planning and Watershed Programs in the US
- Resource library of software, computer resource inventories, and material on environmental, social, and economic issues in Maine. The Center also provides space for meetings, conferences and classes.
CAHE faculty
David Rockefeller Family Chair in Ecosystem Management and Protection
Stories from the Field
COA academic hub wins national award for green design
The College of the Atlantic Davis Center for Human Ecology is recognized as one of the most sustainable and forward-thinking buildings in the country by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Read MoreCOA Davis Center wins architectural award
The College of the Atlantic Davis Center for Human Ecology is the recipient of a Maine Honor Award for excellence in architecture from The American Institute of Architects. Read MoreBuilt for good: new academic sites in Maine showcase world’s most rigorous energy standards
College of the Atlantic’s Davis Center for Human Ecology meets the most rigorous global standards for energy use and sustainability, as Mainebiz reports. Read MoreStudent voices
COA Might be Right for You if…
…you are ready to have your life and identity flipped on its head and dunked in the ocean repeatedly.
Jonna Lynn Nielsen ’27
…you don’t know what you want to study because you have far too many interests to just focus in on one of them.
Wilson Korneev ’28
…you want to be in a small community where people will remember your name.
Alya Kiiashko ’25
…you have an open mind, enjoy small communities, and want a well-rounded (however unconventional) education experience.
Seth Sears ’28
…you want to meet politically, emotionally, and academically engaged people.
Alder Ame ’27
…you think being sent to the oceanside to improve your mental health actually sounds awesome (it totally is).
Carolina de Oliveira Castro ’26
…you are passionate about the natural world and want to study it and love spending time outside.
Conrad Kortemeier ’26
…you want to be surrounded and inspired by people who are excited about niche subjects, and by people who are still figuring out what they’re doing.
Marina Schnell ’25
…you can’t choose between the mountains and the sea.
Megan Maloney ’26
…you want freedom in your class structure.
Andie Piliouras ’26
…you want small, intentional community.
Conlan Lamb ’28
…you want to expand your perspective and knowledge of the world around you, and gain valuable connections from all around the world!
Trinket Lester ’28
…you question the answers to your questions, challenge the status quo, and seek tranquility in the heart of the spruce-fir forests.
Greta Bernier ’27
…you have the desire to choose your own path to a degree.
Béatrice St-Louis ’28