Sean Thatcher, lecturer in CSI’s Engineering and Environmental Science Department, was recently named one of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s 2026 “20 Under 40” honorees, recognizing emerging leaders making a significant impact across Staten Island’s business, academic, and civic communities.
Thatcher, along with his fellow honorees, were celebrated at the SIEDC’s recent Business Conference, held at the Hilton Garden Inn on April 29. There, Thatcher was introduced by CSI Executive Legal Counsel and Chief Administrator in Charge of Community Partnerships and Government Relationships Robert Wallace.
Since joining CSI in Fall 2021 as an Adjunct Lecturer, Thatcher has become a driving force in expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in STEM. Through innovative programming, mentorship, and community-building initiatives, he has worked to make science education and research more accessible and inclusive for Staten Island students.
“Receiving this recognition is incredibly meaningful, especially because I was recognized alongside so many impressive young professionals who are making a difference across Staten Island,” Thatcher said. “For me, this honor affirms the value of the professional development opportunities I have helped build since joining CSI in Fall 2022 as a full-time Lecturer in Engineering and Environmental Science. Through events such as GIS Day, the Earth and Environmental Science Speaker Series, and our Student Research and Internship Showcases, my goal has been to bring networking, career exploration, and experiential learning opportunities directly to students.
“It’s rewarding to know that this work is valued not only by colleagues and students on campus, but also by SIEDC and the broader Staten Island community. It reinforces how important it is to help students better understand their interests, develop the skills they need, and see themselves as future professionals who can make meaningful contributions to our community.”
Nationally, Thatcher’s work with the GeoSPACE Field Program has also earned widespread recognition. As one of the Lead Virtual Instructors, he helps remove barriers to participation in the geosciences, opening pathways for students who may otherwise not have access to field-based scientific experiences. The program was honored with the 2025 American Geophysical Union Award for Advancing Inclusive Excellence, one of the organization’s most prestigious recognitions for transformational work in STEM education and inclusion.
A CSI alum, Thatcher earned the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, joined the Verrazzano Honors College, and participated in multiple research initiatives before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2017. He later earned his master’s degree in Geography from Rutgers University in 2020.
At CSI, Thatcher has also focused on building meaningful connections between students and professionals in environmental science and geospatial technology fields. Since 2023, he has helped organize the College’s annual GIS Day programming, connecting students with researchers and industry leaders utilizing geospatial technologies in diverse professions. In 2025, he additionally launched CSI’s Earth and Environmental Science Speaker Series, bringing researchers and professionals to campus to discuss career pathways, emerging research, and professional development opportunities. Together, these initiatives have welcomed more than 25 guest speakers and engaged more than 400 students.
“STEM education is most powerful when students can see how what they are learning connects to real challenges, real communities, and real career pathways, and at CSI we’re helping students move beyond the classroom and understand how their skills can be applied in the workforce,” Thatcher said. “Our borough faces major environmental, infrastructure, energy, coastal resilience, and sustainability challenges, and we need students who are prepared to think across disciplines and use technology, data, and science to solve problems.
“The type of STEM experiences we are providing are directly tied to economic development because they prepare students for the jobs of the future. Students graduate with hands-on experience, professional connections, and a clearer understanding of their career goals, and they are better positioned to contribute to our community and beyond. To me, that is one of the most meaningful parts of this work.”
Additional information on the program and this year’s honorees is available through the SIEDC “20 Under 40” program.
