The Joseph H. McLain Program in Environmental Studies enhances the commitment of the College to programs of scientific importance that involve research and internships and often will extend beyond individual departmental disciplines.  The Program achieves distinction for the College and benefits students and future generations by concentration on environmental studies and, in particular, the Chesapeake Bay, the world's largest estuary.

Past speakers have included:

• Sylvia Earle, an underwater explorer and chief scientist at NOAA
• Tom Horton, environmental writer 
• Stephen Leatherman, Director, Laboratory of Coastal Research, University of Maryland
• Edward Hoagland, author and editor, Penguin Series on the Environment and Natural History
• Herman Daly, Senior Economist, Environmental Department, the World Bank
• Christopher D. Clark, internationally recognized sporting artist
• Simon Levin, Director, Princeton University Environmental Institute.
• Donald Munson, The McLain Program Director
• Joseph H. McLain, Professor of Environmental Studies and Professor of Biology.