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Institute Activities and Programs
The increase in the public's knowledge of environmental issues over the last
three decades, has helped foster a broadened environmental awareness that
has led to positive action.
Institute students and faculty work to educate school children and the public
on a broad variety of scientific issues. Past and present activities include:
- RENEWABLE ENERGY CONFERENCE: The Institute for
Environmental Studies has hosted
"Bringing Renewable Energy to West Virginia". This timely conference, co-sponsored
by the West Virginia Development Office, highlighted measures
that adjacent states have taken to successfully promote renewable energy adoption,
and examined the state of renewable energy in West Virginia. Topics included incentives,
net metering, and the political reality of alternative energy in WV.
A mixture of presentations (from groups including the U.S. Department of Energy, the
Pennsylvania State Energy Office, the WV Development Office, the
Shepherd University Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Conservation Fund)
and workshops on photovoltaics, passive solar, wind, and other renewable
energy applications provided a broad perspective for homeowners, developers,
students, educators, and those concerned with increasing our state’s
energy independence.
- EISENHOWER WORKSHOPS: The Institute for
Environmental Studies has hosted Eisenhower
grant teacher workshops. In addition, Institute faculty have worked
with neighboring school districts to develop Eisenhower grant workshops
focusing on "Tough Topics to Teach" and "Earth and Sky".
- EXCHANGE PROGRAM: In 2002, the
Institute has conducted a student exchange program with the University of Plymouth,
England, Department
of Environmental Science. Ten students from each school were exchanged
simultaneously and underwent an educational experience that focused on the
environmental and cultural aspects of each country's history.
- GROWTH CONFERENCE:
In January of 2001, a conference on the perception of growth
in the Eastern panhandle was held at Shepherd University in conjunction with West
Virginia University and the Potomac Headwaters Council.
- SCHOOL TO CAREER ACADEMY: Dr. Snyder developed an
environmental component to the School to Career Academy
offered by the Community and Technical College component of
Shepherd University to regional high school students, and
presented this to students during the
academy.
- STREAM CLEAN-UPS: Faculty members
have involved students in several stream clean-ups as part of a
Stream Partners Grant co-authored with emeritus faculty
member Dr. Richard Latterell. As part of the grant, the
Jefferson County Watershed Association was formed, where the
college and community join together in cleaning and improving
the water quality of streams in Jefferson County. This has been an
extremely rewarding experience, and provided many connections
between students and members of the community.
- WASHINGTON GATEWAY JUNIOR HIGH ACADEMY: This is a
statewide program for 7th grade students
held for one week (by the whole
Shepherd Campus) during the summer. This is a
motivational camp, targeting the underachiever with potential
and peaking their interest in various topics; our goal to make
these students aware that they have the potential to achieve
in college and in life. Dr. Snyder and Dr. Best have for multiple years
offered the science and study skills courses of the Academy. Dr. Best also
serves as the Academy's Academic Coordinator
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