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.




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