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Fracking and injection wells are hot-button topics that are cause for concern for many local residents, but this is not the first time this region has dealt with environmental concerns. Coal mining, iron mining and brickworks are the backbone of southeast Ohio. Because these activities occurred prior to most environmental regulations, the impact of these industries is still felt.

Natalie Kruse Daniels, an Ohio University associate professor of environmental studies, explained at her Science Café on Feb. 3 that when coal is mined, minerals that used to be buried deep underground are exposed. These minerals create a metal-rich acidic discharge that can be washed into streams.

"We hear a lot in the media about how environmental regulations and laws affect business, but when you don't have regulation on these industries, the impact can be enormous," Kruse Daniels said. "We have to realize we live in a pretty clean environment because we regulate these industries."

To hear Kruse Daniels' full discussion, click here.

Location: Washington, DC

Description: This position will contribute to USAID's efforts to mainstream climate change considerations into its development work, including by collaborating with staff across the organization so that climate change considerations are better integrated into mission and other agency work in all sectors.

Deadline: February 16, 2016

  

Are you interested in wetlands or watershed research? The Voinovich School is offering two rewarding graduate assistantships, with applications due by February 10, 2016.

American Electric Power Foundation Graduate Assistantships for Watershed Restoration and Education

The assistantships support Ohio University Master's or Doctoral students engaged in interdisciplinary, applications-based watershed research in the region (southeastern Ohio) and who also have strong interests in science education and outreach.  Responsibilities of the assistantships include development of water resource-related science and technology based lesson plans suitable for upper elementary and/or high school classes. Funding includes graduate stipends and some research project costs (equipment, supplies and travel).  Duration of support ranges from one semester to two years (2016-2018), depending on the needs and progress of the student.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Stream and Wetlands Foundation Assistantship  Supporting Stream and Wetlands Research

These assistantships support Ohio University Master's students engaged in interdisciplinary, applications-based stream and wetland research in the region.  Responsibilities of the assistantships include development of application based stream and wetland research projects that advance the understanding of stream and wetland ecological restoration, evaluation and outcomes. Funding includes graduate stipends and some research project costs (equipment, supplies and travel).  Duration of support ranges from one semester to two years (2016-2018), depending on the needs and progress of the student.

Click here for more information and to apply.