William J. Rowley Science & Engineering Laboratories
Ranks 25th in environmental engineering/ environmental health and 49th in civil engineering, U.S. News America’s Best Graduate Schools 2008

ES&P students working with Professor Rossner.

Environmental Science & Policy: Research Opportunities

Hardly a day passes without environmental issues making news and headlines: Global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, and managing vital resources are front-burner concerns of government, nonprofit organizations, corporate planners, and families like yours. How can a corporation develop new processes and materials to cut pollution? What measures can be taken to safeguard endangered species? On what basis do we make choices or tradeoffs between the demands of society and the needs of nature? These contemporary issues require creative and multidisciplinary solutions.

Part of the answer to any of these issues is research. Clarkson's ES&P program will provide you with the opportunity to undertake serious, focused research. We provide labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and the highly qualified faculty who will give you individual guidance. You will not be alone in carrying out your research. And chances are you'll be part of a team. Recent student projects include:

  • Environmental history of Onondaga Lake
  • Microbial remediation of toxic waste
  • Extended product responsibility
  • Hybrid cars
  • Methane production from dairy cows
  • Life-cycle Assessment of Insulation Materials

Clarkson has benefited directly from one team's analysis of the campus recycling program while another team planned a "forever wild" section of the campus. You can improve your mind and get your hands dirty at the same time. And if you've got something interesting to share, or want to see what others are doing, we will support your attendance at a professional conference.

Professional internships can provide the opportunity to continue your research interest. Recent student summer experiences include:

  • Ranch work in Colorado for The Nature Conservancy
  • Aquatic ecology research on New York's Hudson River
  • Work at the Biosphere Two Project in Arizona
  • Aquatic research at Woods Hole in Massachusetts
  • New York State Assembly Internship Program
  • Corporate internships at Wyeth, NYSEG, and A. Schonbek & Co.

Clarkson's Center for the Environment adds exceptional value for any student with an environmental career focus. The center promotes and supports campus-wide environmental education and research by bringing together expertise