Pitt Undergraduate Students Make Mark in Prestigious Journal with Environmental Policy Papers

Undergraduate students from the University of Pittsburgh’s spring 2023 Environmental Law and Policy class have had their papers published in the prestigious Journal of Science Policy and Governance. The class aimed to have students identify science policy problems and propose innovative solutions. Students from various majors at Pitt, including environmental studies and environmental science, collaborated on teams to produce high-quality research that has been recognized by the journal.

One of the papers published was titled “Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches” by Yasmine Florent, Mackenzie Nemoto, Ana Rowley, Vanessa Pratt, and Maria Isabel Villegas (A&S ’24). Another paper titled “Mitigating the Invasive Method of Hydraulic Fracturing Through a Phase Out Policy Plan” was authored by Ashlynn Moretti, Madilyn Cianci, Mina Kimak, and Savannah Johns (A&S ’23). These papers demonstrate the students’ dedication to addressing important environmental issues through research and recommendations.

The opportunity for undergraduate students to have their work published in a respected journal like the Journal of Science Policy and Governance is a testament to the quality of education and research being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh. The collaboration between undergraduate students and experienced researchers and faculty members highlights the interdisciplinary approach to addressing complex environmental challenges. By providing a platform for students to share their ideas and recommendations, this class has made a meaningful contribution to ongoing discussions surrounding environmental policy.

Overall, this achievement is an excellent reflection of how undergraduate students can contribute significantly to scientific knowledge through their academic pursuits. With more opportunities for collaboration with experts in various fields, we can expect more groundbreaking discoveries from our future scientists.