Institute for the Study of the Environment, Albion College
Student research and service projects
| Rice Creek Watershed |
Environmental Sciences curriculum
Environmental Studies Curriculum
This summer, six students are participating in a project aimed at developing a watershed management plan for a creek north of campus. The Environmental Institute group is collaborating with a citizens groups and county agencies in this project. Bringing backgrounds from political science, chemistry, biology and geology to the project, the students are developing a broad understanding of the aquatic system, and are working with local residents to improve the local habitat.
Other research efforts have been directed toward developing an ecological inventory of the upper branches of the Kalamazoo River, and using this as a basis for encouraging sustainable uses and practices along this river. This stretch of river is largely groundwater fed, and is one of the cleanest, unspoiled stretches of river in the lower half of Michigan’s southern peninsula. Pure research projects will support service projects, such as developing sustainable recreational opportunities and educational programs based using the river.
We also have abundant opportunities for students to work on independent projects on and off campus. Students have worked on campus on projects such as avian ecology and surface chemistry. Another student, with medical as well as environmental interests, completed a research internship on toxicology at Henry Ford Hospital, and others have worked on problems such as coal gasification and mercury contamination at the Oak Ridge National Laboratories.
Student research in the Environmental Institute is supported by a campus-wide interest in integrating research into education. Our Albion Foundation for Undergraduate Research provides students with stipends for summer work and funds for supplies, expenses and travel to professional meetings. Additionally, the foundation works with faculty to develop research as a way of teaching. Modest research projects are becoming an integral part of courses at all levels on our campus. Our well-equipped laboratories provide the opportunity to do state of the art research in biology, chemistry, and geology. Our annual Elkin Isaacs Student Research Symposium celebrates student achievement, and many students also present their results off campus at professional meetings.