An interdisciplinary approach to the study of the environment has a long tradition (25+ years) at Loyola University New Orleans. The students and faculty at Loyola also have a deep commitment to community service and social justice. Out of this history and culture has grown an innovative and unique academic curriculum in the Environment Program that provides students with opportunities to specialize in three distinct tracks: Environment Science in the Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies in the Humanities and Environmental Studies in the Social Sciences. This curriculum provides students the opportunity to engage in a broad and integrated study of the environment and attempts to develop in students the kinds of knowledge, wisdom, and problem-solving skills needed to play an active role in protecting the future survival and integrity of our planet’s ecosystems. Coupled with the course-work are requirements for capstone experiences involving independent research or internships. The Environment Program is at the forefront of campus efforts in sustainability and community activities in environmental outreach and education. Here we highlight some of the major academic, service and outreach efforts conducted by the students and faculty in this program that link on- and off-campus efforts addressing important environmental issues in urban environments.
Results/Conclusions
Presently, 14 faculty representing 9 academic departments and 3 university colleges together with ca. 80 undergraduate students participate in the Environment Program at Loyola. As part of their curricular requirements, all Environment students take relevant classes in the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences and foundation courses in both environmental science and environmental studies. To fulfill requirements for their senior capstone experience students are actively involved in research projects or off-campus internships. These capstone projects have involved studies on coastal wetland ecological restoration, community gardens, educational activities at the local zoo, insectarium and aquarium, biodiversity surveys of city parks, and research examining plant and animal responses to environmental change. In addition, students are actively involved in several campus organizations (Loyola Association of Students for Sustainability, Loyola University Community Action Program, Natural History Club, Environmental Law Society, and others) and volunteer in efforts to support campus-wide sustainability efforts. These, and other campus activities are addressing important environmental issues in the greater New Orleans metropolitan area—a region extremely vulnerable to climate change and other environmental issues related to energy production.