Undergraduate Students Lead the Charge in Combatting Environmental Challenges through Science Policy and Governance Class at the University of Pittsburgh

The Journal of Science Policy and Governance recently published the spring 2023 Environmental Law and Policy class at the University of Pittsburgh. The goal of the class was for undergraduate students to identify a science policy problem and propose potential solutions. These papers were published alongside those of graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty from top-ranked science departments, medical schools, and policy programs.

One team of students, including Yasmine Florent, Mackenzie Nemoto, Ana Rowley, Vanessa Pratt, and recent graduate Maria Isabel Villegas (A&S ’24), wrote a paper titled “Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches.” Another paper, “Mitigating the Invasive Method of Hydraulic Fracturing Through a Phase Out Policy Plan,” was written by Ashlynn Moretti, Madilyn Cianci, Mina Kimak, and Savannah Johns (A&S ’23).

These undergraduate students collaborated with their peers and experts in the field to create innovative policy recommendations. The class provided a platform for students to showcase their research and contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of pressing environmental challenges. Through their work, these students have demonstrated their commitment to advancing science policy and making a positive impact on the environment.