Group Projects The Group Project is a signature of the Bren School and an indispensible element of a master’s curriculum that prepares students for careers as solution-oriented environmental professionals. The projects provide students with unparalleled training and experience in performing professional-level work that involves managing group dynamics and applying technical expertise to solve complex, multidisciplinary environmental problems—before the students leave school. Group Projects also gives businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and individuals the opportunity to have a group of talented students tackle their environmental problem and make specific and meaningful recommendations. In 2008, the journal Science and other science media outlets gave prominent coverage to a report bythe National Research Council calling for |
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the rapid development of university graduate programs offering science-focused professional master's degrees. The report praised such programs for emphasizing communication and problem-solivng skills, bringing an interdisciplinary perspective tothe study of science, the study of science, providing hands-on learning through internships and team projects, and graduating students who combine sophisticated scientific knowledge with highly practical workplace skills. In describing programs of this kind as the leading edge of science education and critical to United States competitiveness, the report confirms the founding vision of the Group Projects and the Bren School. For more information about Group Projects, please contact Amy Burgard, Academic Programs & Group Project Coordinator.
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GROUP PROJECT FOCUS Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater |
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Numerous studies have shown that the presence of pharmaceuticals in treated wastewater is a growing threat to aquatic communities. The team of Crispin Wong, James Kallaos, Kaleena Wheeler, and Margaret Zahller (all 2007) conducted surveys to determine practices for disposing of pharmaceuticals in Santa Barbara County. The study, along with an idea for a disposal program funded by a prescription surcharge, ran in the Journal of Environmental Management in 2008. “Little is known about the health and ecological impacts of pharmaceuticals in wastewater,” says faculty advisor Matthew Kotchen, assistant professor of environmental economics. “These students were early movers on the subject and created a project that evaluated awareness of the problem and took the first steps toward an analysis that can help fashion a solution.” Read the final project report. |
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Faculty