Congratulations!
Ashland University seniors Audra Taylor and Wendy Wagner Peyton have been awarded 2006-07 Environmental Science and Engineering Scholarships by the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Academy of Science! Audra and Wendy are two of this year's 15 recipients. The competition for these awards is based on academic record, original research or other unique contributions to environmental science or environmental engineering, activity in extra-curricular activities, ability to communicate, recommendations from education and environmental professionals, and a major in environmental science or environmental engineering.
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--Audra Taylor (AU'07)
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--Wendy Wagner Peyton (AU'07) |
"I came into AU as a business major... (but) started exploring
science majors as an option. (I tried the) Environmental
Science Seminar in the spring...and loved it; I just really enjoyed
exploring real-world issues, their causes and their consequences.
Learning about those environmental problems made me passionate
about making a difference, and I loved the idea of turning it
into a career. So I made the switch and never looked back!"
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...as I have worked in the park system I have been amazed
to see the lack of understanding and awareness about the
natural world... I think it is important to do our best
to understand how to protect and manage our environment and to
help others do the same. Through becoming an environmental
science student I hoped to learn as much as I could about the
environment and current issues involving it so that I can help
others understand and appreciate it as well."
Program History
The Environmental Science Program at Ashland University was started in 1991. Its establishment was due to a recognition of the demand, continuing into the 21st century, for students who are trained to understand environmental issues and whose work can contribute to solutions for environmental problems. At the time, the supporting elements for the Environmental Science Major were in place; Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and other departments offered courses in the foundational areas appropriate to the major, and the interest and expertise in environmental science existed within the science faculty. A decision was made to offer the Environmental Science degree as a double major in order to maximize preparation for graduate studies or the workplace; each student completes a specialized program of science and non-science courses, but also completes a major in biology, chemistry, or geology. An Environmental Science Minor was also developed for students majoring in business, education, the humanities or other areas. The minor provides an understanding of environmental issues that non-science majors may also deal with during the course of their careers.
The Environmental Lecture Series was initiated at same time as the Environmental Science Program in 1991. Now averaging four speakers per year, the purpose of the ELS is to provide students, the AU campus, and local communities with opportunities to hear and interact with experts in environmental science and issues. The lecture series has brought in a number of noted scientists, as well as individuals from governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, business and industry. Each academic year has a theme, allowing the introduction of multiple approaches and perspectives during the course of each series.
Program Goals
• To provide a major that prepares students to become scientists who specialize in the study of environmental issues.
• To provide a minor that teaches non-science majors some of the fundamental and practical aspects of environmental science so that they will be able to examine and evaluate environmental issues.
• To advance knowledge in the area of environmental sciences through research and scholarship.
• To promote conservation, long-term research, and educational opportunities through the preservation and management of natural habitats in the Environmental Preserves.
• To provide community support, service, and education in the area of environmental sciences.
Program Strengths
Strengths of the Environmental Science Program at Ashland University include:
• Small class sizes with dedicated faculty
• A diverse curriculum offering field and lab courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Geology
• Opportunities to work with state of the art instrumentation, such as ion chromatographs, gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, fluorescent microscopy, and other instrumentation for analysis of field samples
• Opportunities for field work at five environmental preserves within a short driving distance of campus. These preserves include a variety of habitats such as wetland (we recently expanded our wetland preserve to 300 acres), forest, and prairie, and study opportunities exist in environmental biology, chemistry, and geology, and in long-term interdisciplinary research.
• Opportunities to acquire first-hand laboratory and field experience by participating in directed and independent research in AU laboratories or field sites
• Opportunities to meet leading environmental scientists. The Environmental Lecture Series brings in speakers from around the country each year to address topics of critical concern. Lectures are archived, with more recent lectures available on this website.
