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We recently visited five universities in Pennsylvania, getting
an inside look at classes, internships, and field study opportunities,
available to students interested in environmental studies. Through
innovative programs, students are gaining real world experience,
and the foundations they will need to lead the next generation
into an environmentally friendly future.
We met several students that are leading the way, learn why
they chose to major in environmental studies, and how they hope
to one day make a difference.
 Our
first stop was Bucknell University, in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania,
where we met Darren Szuchs, an undergrad geology major. Joining
him on a class trip to a passive treatment system for mine drainage,
we saw first hand the affects acid mines have on our environment,
and found out what it takes to clean them up. Darren and the
rest of his class perform various experiments, gaining hands
on experience, and learning how to treat these serious environmental
hazards.
 In
the next segment we visited the University of Pennsylvania,
in Philadelphia, to take a closer look at environmental problems
affecting our urban communities. We joined Lavina Maykut, an
environmental studies major, working with the Urban Nutrition
Initiative. Many inner city children live in poverty, suffer
from mal-nutrition, rarely see wildlife, and hardly ever have
a chance to eat freshly grown produce. Through the Urban Nutrition
Initiative, Lavina helps children from inner city schools understand
the importance of a good diet, and gives them a chance to plant,
water, and grow their very own crops.
Watch the Segment, including
the interview with Dr. Giegengack now!
 At
Penn State, we met a group of students that really get into
their assignments, by jumping into a freezing cold lake! We
joined Courtney Tourich, studying for her PhD in geosciences,
working along side her professor to collect sediment core samples
at the bottom of a glacial lake. Through their research they
are able see how the lake has been affected by various conditions,
over the last 5000 years. Join them on this difficult task,
and see why being a scientist is definitely not only lab work.
 In
the next segment we met a couple of interns from Slippery Rock
University, receiving college credits as environmental educators.
Our first stop was at a high school, where Adam Hess was teaching
his students about various environmental issues, and their affects
on daily life. Taking a different route, Caryn Courier, takes
her day camp students, on investigative hikes through the forest,
teaching as they explore their surroundings.
 Our
final stop takes us to the University of Pittsburgh, where we
find out just how hard the transition from college to the real
world can be. Scott Smith, a recent graduate, tells us about
his college experience, and how prepared he felt starting his
environmental career. We even had the chance to see him in action,
monitoring disposal methods at an ash landfill, and researching
its effects on the surrounding environment. 
Also at the University of Pittsburgh, we met Lauren Burkett,
a current student, who has helped create a peer-advising group.
Her group helps students decide which classes to take, gives
advice, and informs them on employment opportunities.
 
Bucknell
University
University of
Pennsylvania
University
of Pennsylvania Urban Nutrition Initiative
UNI involves children from West Philadelphia in a school-based
community health curriculum that strives to improve nutritional
status and promote active learning.
Penn
State University
Slippery Rock
University
University of
Pittsburgh
Acid
Mine Drainage: Pollution to Solution
"Pollution
to Solution" describes the history and causes of acid mine
drainage.
Acid
Mine Drainage
Learn more about Pennsylvania's Abandoned Mine Reclamation and
Well Plugging Program.
To watch these videos online, you need Real Player. Download
it here for free.
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