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:

• Dr. Mahlet Mesfin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
• Dr. Emily Martin, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
• Matthew Cappucci, Meteorologist at MyRadar and member of the Capital Weather Gang at the Washington Post
• Dr. Tyler Nordgren, Astronomer and Artist
• Dr. Shilva Shrestha, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
• Tom Pelton, Author and Host of "The Environment in Focus" Public Radio Program on WYPR 88.1 FM in Baltimore
• Craig Hanson, Managing Director of Programs, World Resources Institute
• Jeff Moyer, Rodale Institute
• Joel Sartore, Conservation Photographer, National Geographic
• Dr. Jeff Cornwell, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
• China Boak Terrell, Community Food Advocate, American Communities Trust in Baltimore
• Dr. Myriam Telus, Planetary Scientist at UC Santa Cruz
• Dr. Emily Becker, NOAA Climatologist