Undergraduate research in pollution prevention and sustainability

Abstract

Rowan University has been hosting an NSF REU Site which focuses on Pollution Prevention and Sustainability since 2004. The site has been established for three consecutive summers. The initiative is based on current global initiatives to integrate sustainability into the science and engineering curriculum. Students need to be exposed to enriching experiences that require them to have concerns for human conditions and the environment that are conservative and protective. The REU site allows eleven undergraduates to participate in pollution prevention and sustainability research activities at Rowan University for eight weeks during the summer. Engineering and science faculty participate in mentoring activities along with Rowan undergraduate and graduate students. Social building skills such as community outreach seminars, workshops, social picnics, field trips and communication strengthening exercises are also an integral part of this REU experience. Environmental ethics, diversity and community impact of engineering activities are the topics of mini workshops. All these topics have tremendous relevance to pollution prevention and sustainability but can be absent from a traditional engineering curriculum. It is anticipated that the undergraduate research experience promotes interest in pursuing graduate school and strengthens leadership skills and self esteem.