The Journal of Science Policy and Governance featured the University of Pittsburgh’s spring 2023 Environmental Law and Policy class in its April issue. This class aimed to equip undergraduate students with the skills to identify science policy problems and propose potential solutions. The papers published in this journal were written by undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty from top-ranked science departments, medical schools, and policy programs.
One team of undergraduate 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 titled “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 studied environmental studies, environmental science, and other majors at Pitt. They collaborated with their peers and experts in the field to create innovative policy recommendations. Through this class, they showcased their research and contributed to the scientific community’s understanding of pressing environmental challenges. Their work has demonstrated their commitment to advancing science policy and making a positive impact on the environment.
