Student-Driven Science Policy: Pitt’s Undergraduate Environmental Law and Policy Class Publishes Innovative Recommendations

The Journal of Science Policy and Governance recently featured a collection of papers from undergraduate students at the University of Pittsburgh’s spring 2023 Environmental Law and Policy class. This class aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify science policy problems and propose potential solutions.

The published papers, co-authored by undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty from top-ranked science departments, medical schools, and policy programs, demonstrated the innovative policy recommendations that these students were able to create through collaboration with experts in their field.

One team of undergraduate students wrote a paper titled “Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches.” This paper highlighted the impact of oxybenzone on coral reefs and proposed potential policy approaches to mitigate this problem. Another team of undergraduate students wrote a paper titled “Mitigating the Invasive Method of Hydraulic Fracturing Through a Phase Out Policy Plan.” This paper examined the negative impacts of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and proposed a phase-out policy plan as a solution.

These undergraduate students, studying environmental studies, environmental science, and other majors at Pitt, demonstrated their commitment to advancing science policy and making a positive impact on the environment through their work. Their research showcased their ability to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of pressing environmental challenges while also showcasing their dedication to using this knowledge to drive positive change.