 |
|
|
|
Clark Environmental Science majors may elect to concentrate in Environmental Science and Policy. M.A. and B.A./M.A. Programs are offered in this area by the IDCE Department.
M.A. Program
B.A./M.A. Program
|
|
 |
Meet some of our ES&P undergraduates
 Suela John, B.A. '10
Why did you choose ES&P as a major?
I chose this major because I am interested in the correlation between science and policy, and how these two fields can be used when solving relevant issues in society today. I am interested in ES&P because it allows me to get involved in various projects, such as my environmental justice internship, in which I have the opportunity to study vulnerable communities, and the various factors that affect these communities. For the future, I hope to go to law school for environmental science and public health, specifically focusing on environmental justice work.
Are you working on faculty-student research?
I am working on an academic internship this year with ES&P professor Tim Downs. We are using indoor environmental testing to learn more about the communities at risk in the Main South and Piedmont neighborhoods.
Have you participated in an internship this year?
Yes. The internship is focused on indoor environmental sampling and I am a research assistant. My main responsibilities are to help gather information on the various pollutants such as mold and particulate matter, and help with the research as well as sampling. The internship is educational, allowing me to work both independently and in a group setting. Most importantly I enjoy the responsibilities, and the opportunity to gain experience in the environmental field as an undergraduate.
Stephanie L. Oleksyk, B.A./M.A. '08
Why did you choose ES&P as a major?
As an undergrad I chose ES&P because I am very interested in the natural sciences but was looking for a more flexible curriculum in which I could try a few sciences and apply what I learned to solving environmental problems. I have stayed in this program of study to finish up my Accelerated BA/Master’s Degree Program because I think that there are many different directions I can go in with a background in ES&P. I may seek a position doing ecological research, write remediation plans for an environmental consulting firm, or try to enter the field of R&D for remediation techniques.
Are you working on faculty-student research?
No, though I am interested in helping with local lead testing in the Worcester community with ES&P professor Tim Downs.
What is your area of interest?
I am very interested in the design and application of remedial technologies, as well as risk characterization and ecological impact studies.
Have you participated in an internship this year?
Yes, I currently intern at Corporate Environmental Advisors of West Boylston. I am writing a release abatement measure plan (RAM) for a former liquid waste dump in Leicester, Mass. This paper will be submitted to DEP before a voluntary clean-up of the site. The RAM plan includes a site description, analysis of the local hydrology, a release history, description of the decision-making process, explanation of the remedial technique of choice, schedule for remediation, an assessment of policies that cover this action, as well as a monitoring plan.
 Laura Merner, B.A. '08
Are you working on faculty-student research?
I am currently working on my thesis research with ES&P Professor Halina Brown and Geography Professor Billie L. Turner. My research involves looking at cypress tree mortality in Louisiana, specifically for two cypress tree stands located along the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet. These stands are important due to the critical habitat they provide and their potential of natural storm protection for the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans. I will be measuring different environmental factors in the stands to better understand why they are dying and how restoration can be properly implemented.
Have you participated in an internship this year?
Over the summer I received a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) fellowship from the National Science Foundation to work on integrated watershed sciences at the University of Texas in Austin. I worked to identify the hypothec zones for Hornsby Bend Island and Waller Creek in Austin. Hypothec zones, a region adjacent to a streambed where surface water and ground water interact, play a critical role in hydrologic, biogeochemical, and biological processes of rivers and streams. In order to map active hypothetic zones I analyzed grain size from transects at each site and used empirical formulas to calculate hydraulic conductivity.
Through this experience I also had the opportunity to go to Mexico for a week and conduct in-situ water quality analysis. Next semester I will be returning to Austin to intern at the Center for Environmental Research where I will be conducting an independent study revolving around riparian zone ecology and water quality/quantity. As part of the internship I will also be working with a youth river watch program which works to raise awareness about the environment, promote environmental studies, and help motivate ‘at-risk’ youth to complete their education.
Have you received any awards?
After my freshmen year I was a HERO Fellow which was my introduction to research. While working with HERO our research team won first place at a regional and national conference. Additionally, we assisted with the writing of a book chapter which has been published. Last year I received a Geller Research Grant to work on wetlands restoration in New Orleans. I took a semester off of school and volunteered for a year as the coordinator for a Wetlands Restoration Program in New Orleans with Common Ground Relief. This year I will be applying for funding through which I hope to work on environmental justice concerns by employing youth to remediate land and begin a network of community gardens.
|
Alejandra Jaramillo travelled to Alaska and British Columbia to research policies for protecting a fish important in the study of evolutionary biology.