19 minute read
Cardinal Green
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES: Preparing students to tackle the biggest challenges on campus … and in the world.
Reed Perkins (above left), professor of environmental studies, has mentored Chris Grady ’22 in his quest to pursue a career in water quality. Grady has found that the knowledge and experience he’s attained at North Central is helping him succeed while interning at a Naperville engineering firm.
In the course Environmental Studies 470, students are building skillsets to respond to environmental issues both near and far. They’re researching the feasibility of beehives on campus and organizing a garage sale to reduce waste; partnering with the City of Naperville on sustainable procurement; examining environmental justice in Chicago neighborhoods; and helping create a virtual arboretum for rare plants in the Virgin Islands. “Our environmental studies students are working to change the world, from campus to planet,” said Reed Perkins, professor of environmental studies. “They are highly motivated and don’t want to just learn new things ... they want to make an impact.” One of the College’s fastest-growing majors is preparing students to become leaders in addressing real-world problems, whether they’re seeking careers in education, corporate work or not-for-profits. They can specialize in one of three tracks, depending on whether they want to focus on science, business sustainability or society and the environment. “We’re adapting to the changing needs of our community,” added Perkins, who also envisions creating an advisory board of community stakeholders in the future.
The environmental studies program began humbly in 2017-2018 with one student and is growing rapidly. The Class of 2022 will graduate 12 environmental studies majors, while the Class of 2023 will graduate 20 majors. Students are combining their academics, internships and campus experiences to prepare for careers in water quality/treatment (Chris Grady’22), environmental education (Meghan Mattson ’22) and green construction and biophilic design— connecting building occupants to the natural environment through the use of green spaces (Alyson Walz ’22). Aly Crum’21 is working at a firm devoted to building affordable housing and renewable energy in St. Louis, and she helps with online monitoring of the company’s solar power projects.
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES NORTH CENTRAL’S PROGRAM FROM OTHERS?
“First, students can tailor their studies to match their specific career goals, like focusing on sustainability in business,” said Perkins. “This is unique in the environmental studies field and gives our students a differentiating opportunity.” Second, North Central College requires a course for all majors called The Science of Climate Change (see sidebar). Third, undergraduates have the opportunity to engage with faculty who are conducting real-world research, such as a Naperville neighborhood walkability study that Perkins will lead this summer.
REED PERKINS
professor of environmental studies
The interdisciplinary nature of the major means students address environmental issues in ways that are ethical, effective and sustainable. In the Environmental Justice course taught by Daniela Barberis, assistant professor, Shimer Great Books, students explore both domestic and international topics that range from prisons, Black Lives Matter, indigenous peoples, climate change, food justice and the water crisis in Flint, Mich. Students read sociologists, philosophers, urban planners and grassroot activists.
In their ENVI 470 course, they’re developing solutions, implementation plans and ways to build in continuity— all valuable traits for entering a world that needs their creativity, vision and optimism. The students grow from mentors like Kaitlin Ballard, the College’s sustainability coordinator, who is helping guide the beehive and campus garage sale projects and advised other capstone projects related to campus composting and a peace garden installation. “We are emphasizing how to develop connections with the world around us,” said Perkins. "We’re working with the students who will lead us forward, and they have confidence they will make a difference.”
A new academic program beginning in fall 2022 combines environmental studies with secondary education to fill a growing need for high school teachers. The new degree resulted from a National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship planning grant awarded to North Central College in 2021 in support of STEM education initiatives.
ENVI 105: The Science of Climate Change
Paul Bloom, associate professor of physics, has become well-versed in climate change science.
The popular Science of Climate Change course evolved from a need to build an understanding of a critical sciencebased issue as part of the environmental studies program, according to Paul Bloom, associate professor of physics. “Ten years ago, it occurred to me that climate change was THE scientific problem of our time, in terms of impact on human civilization.”
Bloom began learning more about adaptation, mitigation and geoengineering—all responses to climate change. “The bulk of what I learned is the core science—the evidence of climate change, how it works and evidence that humans are changing the climate. That’s what I had to learn and then learn to teach.”
He channeled his growing knowledge into a new course called Scientific Topics in Environmental Studies. “Over several offerings, the climate change unit became wildly popular, and we decided we needed a stand-alone course with a science component. We developed ENVI 105 for the new semester catalog as both a science gen-ed course in the Sustaining the World iCon and a gateway course to the environmental studies major.” It attracts enough students to fill four sections a year.
Students explore the evidence of climate change, the mechanisms that cause change, and the impacts and options for the future. The last topic “helps students understand that there are ways to avoid the worst outcomes,” added Bloom. “(When I teach the course) I like to talk about energy technologies that could eliminate our carbon emissions.”
Expand your knowledge of environmental issues:
Daniela Barberis, assistant professor in the Shimer Great Books School, suggests these Frontline documentaries, available at www.pbs.org:
• “The Storm,” examines the failures of every level of government after Hurricane Katrina. • “Katrina, 10 Years Later,” covers the storm’s lingering aftermath and lessons learned. • “Flint’s Deadly Water,” summarizes a two-year investigation tracing how a public health disaster known for the lead poisoning of thousands of children also spawned an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.
ENVI 105 Readings:
The primary textbook is “Introduction to Modern Climate Change” by Dr. Andrew Dessler (of Texas A&M, an atmospheric chemist and climatologist). Faculty fill in with supplementary readings or class notes depending on what they want to cover.
Environmental science with a big impact ... on a microscopic level
Chemistry research looks at using discarded coffee grounds for water filtration
Consider this: Americans drink an estimated 146 billion cups of coffee per year according to urbanbean.com. And the coffee grounds generated by this caffeine habit usually end up in landfills or compost piles, at best. Could this refuse be re-used in water treatment to filter out dangerous metals?
From left: Sam Saldana ’23, Becky Sanders, Lauren Casper ’23
That’s the premise behind a chemistry research project conducted by a team of student researchers and Becky Sanders, assistant professor of chemistry. “I wanted to incorporate the College’s Coffee Lab into experiential learning opportunities for STEM students,” said Sanders. “There’s an opportunity to expand on the knowledge in the field about how spent coffee grounds can treat contaminated water.”
The team started working in summer 2021 to develop testing processes from the “ground” up. “We had to figure out how to prepare the coffee grounds by grinding them, washing them, and sieving them into different particle size ranges,” explained Sanders, adding that the group found smaller particles exhibit faster rates of absorption.
Once the students generated their samples, they learned how to use the new atomic absorption spectrometer in the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center to determine which contaminants remained in the water. They have tested for copper, zinc and nickel ions, while future inquiry will look at cadmium and lead ions, which are more toxic pollutants.
“We've found that the particle size of spent coffee grounds matters when it comes to treating contaminated water,” said Sanders. “During my upcoming sabbatical, we will work to scale up these experiments to test how these materials could be used in real-world applications."
The environmental implications of the project intrigued Sam Saldana ’23, a chemistry major. “I was given the opportunity to help solve an issue with something that is considered waste.”
The summer research team—Saldana, Lauren Casper ’23, Victor Coll Sijercic ’22 and Liz Gora ’23—also assisted Sanders with a literature review. They’ve converted their findings into posters for the College’s Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. “As an environmental studies major, it’s important for me to see things (being) re-used, and by working with Dr. Sanders, I was able to learn about how water treatment works,” said Casper. “Plus, Dr. Sanders has become a great mentor to me and is a role model for women in STEM.”
Added Saldana: “I saw this summer research as a new door (to) not just discovering something new but discovering what I want to do with my life. It was likely the most important eight weeks of my academic career.”
Biology professor earns prestigious grant from National Science Foundation; Early Career Grant funding totals $714,000
Professor Joanna Wermijewicz
A multifaceted grant proposal to support faculty-student research and prepare students for careers in botany and similar fields garnered major funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Joanna Weremijewicz, assistant professor of biology, was awarded an NSF Early Career Grant of $714,000 to fund three large-scale research experiments over the next five years. Primarily, she will investigate how below ground networks of fungi that interconnect plant roots affect the invasion of Canada Thistle, considered to be the worst weed in the United States, in native tall grass prairies.
The grant will support faculty-student research and prepare students for careers in botany and similar fields. Early Career Grants are designed for faculty who have not yet earned tenure, often teaching at research institutions. “This grant asks you to be a teacherscholar,” said Weremijewicz. “One of my main goals is to transform the curriculum to be more plant science-based.”
She contends that the public in general suffers from “plant blindness,” which means they are largely oblivious to the benefits of plants to themselves and the environment. There’s also a shortage of botanists, experts in the scientific study of plants.
Some of the research funded by the grant will take place at North Central, in a prairie restoration area near the DuPage River. Other research sites include the Schulenberg Prairie at the Morton Arboretum and the University of North Carolina, where Weremijewicz will study bioinformatics and Next Generation DNA Sequencing during her sabbatical.
The funding includes support for new equipment, a full-time lab technician for six months each year, student summer research stipends of $6,000, and housing for four North Central students. One high school student each summer will also conduct research and receive a stipend. Weremijewicz also collaborated with North Central’s department of education to include a proposal for professional development for high school teachers. Jon Mueller, professor of psychology, assisted with developing learning outcomes.
On a larger scale, scores of North Central students will benefit from high-impact practice as they are immersed in handson experiences with plant science research.
Representatives of the NSF were so impressed with the proposal that it was accepted on the first submission—a rarity. “That speaks volumes to the quality of work and the proposal Joanna was able to submit; it’s a great accomplishment,” said Shelly Galasso ’05, director of the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs. “We hope Joanna is leading the pack and this is the first of many (NSF research grants) to come.”
Green Careers: Alumni making strides in the world of sustainability
Debra Behrens
Debra Behrens ’93
MAJOR: English CURRENT POSITION: Executive director, The Prairie Enthusiasts, Viroqua, Wis.
After a successful career helping nonprofits raise awareness and support, Debra Behrens ’93 discovered a new calling as a passionate advocate for prairie preservation and restoration. “In 2019 my husband and I became fulltime residents of Viroqua, Wis. In summer 2020 The Prairie Enthusiasts posted for an executive director and my heart skipped a beat. This was a mission that I had already devoted my life to pursuing as my personal passion. And they were located in Viroqua–the magical place I had just made my home.” The Prairie Enthusiasts were ready to grow, she said, and needed a leader who could help build a thriving organization to support their long-term vision. “With less than 1 percent of original prairie remaining in the Upper Midwest, we are working with some of the rarest ecosystems on Earth. They are under continuing threat from development and need our protection and care. We are rebuilding the deep connections that human beings have the potential to feel for the land. “When people question the value of a liberal arts education, I am mystified. My time at North Central College helped me discover my potential. It taught me how to learn and adapt to change, to be curious, to reason, and to communicate effectively. It also taught me how to live fully, appreciate beauty, engage as a citizen, and find happiness in my journey.”
Chris Grady
Chris Grady '22
MAJOR: environmental studies CURRENT POSITION: Intern, Baxter Woodman, Naperville
Chris Grady ’22 found a passion for water quality issues while in high school—and that focus has resulted in a budding career. After graduation, Grady will transition from working as an intern to a full-time position at Baxter Woodman Consulting Group, a civil engineering firm with offices in Naperville. The firm is overseeing a major project in Joliet to replace environmentally unfriendly lead water pipes. “I’m generating work orders—setting up my full-time work for this summer,” he said. “Working in water quality with a civil engineering firm is my dream job.” As a high school student, Grady participated in a competition at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) that focused on the challenges of lead water pipes in the environment—an issue heavily publicized at the time by water problems in Flint, Mich. “At IMSA our team won first place because we developed a phone app to inform users if their water was toxic,” he said.
Grady first majored in mechanical engineering at North Central but later found that environmental studies was a better fit for his interests. Along the way, he competed nationally in track and field and forensics, was president of The Union and involved with NCC Lead, Cardinal First and Black Student Association. He landed an internship in his hometown with the City of Montgomery performing water testing during summer 2021. His search for another internship landed him at Baxter Woodman. He credits a long list of faculty and staff for his successes. “I’m not here due to what I’ve done … I’m here due to the people I’ve met whove supported me,” he said. “All the people at North Central who’ve poured into me … I’m very thankful.”
DEBRA BEHRENS ’93
executive director, The Prairie Enthusiasts
Jenny Kintzele Orsburn
Jenny Kintzele ’01 Orsburn
MAJOR: biology CURRENT POSITION: Program manager, Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program, Chesterton, Ind.
Jenny Kintzele ’01 Orsburn remembers exactly when she decided to take the career path toward environmental science instead of healthcare. “It was during the time I participated in the desert ecology course offered by professors Terrence Marsh and David Horner [both Harold and Eva White Distinguished Professors in the Liberal Arts emeritus.] Desert ecology was a transformational experience for me. To this day I can recall the backcountry hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon … My North Central education gave me the confidence to accept a position with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources offered immediately after graduation. From day one I was tasked with creating our competitve grants program.”
As program manager, she oversees the coastal environment program for the State of Indiana, providing technical assistance, coordination of State resources, grant funding, education and outreach on water quality, habitat protection and restoration, coastal community resiliency planning and cultural/historical resource protection. “In 20 years, we’ve invested more than $22 million in federal funding. We’ve restored 2,761 acres of coastal habitat, protected 671 acres of high-quality coastal habitat and created or impoved 47 public recreational sites. It’s a record we’re all proud of.”
MORE ALUMNI MAKING AN IMPACT:
Kaylee Allensworth ’20
MAJOR: biology CURRENT POSITION: Staff biologist II with Forde Biological Consultants, Los Angeles County, Calif.
In her work with a biological consulting firm, Allensworth assesses, protects and mitigates sensitive vegetation, birds and animals during construction projects.
Anna Halvorson ’20 Michaels
MAJOR: environmental studies CURRENT POSITION: Corporate responsibility assistant at ALDI, Batavia, Ill.
Michaels focuses on sustainability in the company’s supply chain. She supports the monitoring program that upholds social standards in the supply chain and the sustainable sourcing of products.
Aly Crum ’21
MAJOR: environmental studies CURRENT POSITION: Executive assistant, Gardner Capital, St. Louis
Crum supports company leadership while also working in the solar area of the company, monitoring systems, publishing press releases and writing project descriptions for new solar projects.
Setting an example: Sustainability on campus
Making smart choices and thoughtful investments—these have been the guiding principles intended to limit the impact of North Central College operations on environmental systems. The College’s Strategic Plan identifies sustainability measures as a defining and differentiating characteristic in building a culture of excellence on campus.
Here are examples of this important work, as outlined in the Sustainability Report 2020. The report summarizes success stories that have reduced the College’s Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by 22 percent from 2009-2020.
LED LIGHTING MAKES AN IMPACT
A significant investment in LED lighting across campus has helped reduce energy consumption. With an ultimate goal to save a million KWH annually, the College has already saved 681,000 KWH by replacing lighting in Merner Fieldhouse and other campus buildings. More recent projects have included retrofitting the lighting in Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, and new installations will soon be underway in Oesterle Library and performing arts spaces.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS: A HIDDEN POWER SOURCE
Rooftop solar panels have been installed on the Residence Hall/Recreation Center, Wentz Science Center and 999 E. Chicago maintenance facility. These three solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generated more than 760,000 kWh in FY2020, which equated to more than 2 percent of campus energy.
2022 PRINCETON REVIEW GUIDE TO GREEN COLLEGES
North Central College was ranked 420 out of 835 Colleges profiled on the list of Green Colleges, adding to the designations earned in 2015 and 2019.
LANDFILL WASTE POSES CONTINUED CHALLENGES
North Central College is continually working toward reducing the waste sent to landfills. The “diversion rate” is affected by various recycling, compost programs and the sale or donation of surplus equipment. Recently, 90 percent of furniture removed from Oesterle Library as part of its renovation was donated to two Chicago area organizations; older furniture in Kaufman Dining Hall was either donated (30 percent) or repurposed to refresh other spaces like The Cage.
Kaitlin Ballard
KAITLIN BALLARD
sustainability coordinator
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVES RUNOFF AND SUPPORTS NATIVE PLANT GROWTH
More than 67,000 square feet of added stormwater infrastructure includes the rain gardens near Wentz Science Center, New Hall, Seager Hall and Kaufman Dining Hall; permeable pavers in walkways, parking lots and patio spaces; and the prairie restoration project at the DuPage River. Rain gardens are shallow depressions with deep-rooted native plants and grasses. They allow rainwater runoff to be absorbed back into the water table, and create beautiful habitats for birds and beneficial insects. Permeable pavers allow water to infiltrate impermeable ground, reduce runoff from flowing into storm drains and filter pollutants such as oil, salt and other contaminants.
CAMPUS FOREST A SOURCE OF PRIDE
The College achieved Level 2 arboretum status in January 2020 through ArbNet, an interactive, collaborative and international community of arboreta sponsored and coordinated by the Morton Arboretum. Importantly, the wide variety of campus tree species provide student engagement opportunities, for both academic and cocurricular learning opportunities. And new tree plantings annually continue to enhance the campus forest. Twelve new trees were added in fall 2021 and an additional 20 will be donated by the Morton Arboretum in fall 2022.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT BRINGS BENEFITS TO CAMPUS
Opportunities for students to get involved with sustainability efforts include joining the campus-wide Sustainability Committee, the College’s Tree Committee, the student organization Green Scene and working in sustainability as student employees. Grace Nelles ’22 has boosted the social media presence of campus sustainability with Instagram posts on “Black Environmentalists You Should Know.” She’s also started a TikTok and is creating tours of campus sustainable features. Follow her work on these channels:
