New UC program offers hands-on approach to studying regional ecology

By Michelle Flanagan

Unversity of Cincinnati students interested in learning more about the environment can now complete a certificate in Environmental Field Studies in just one summer.

Unique from any other major or program currently offered through UC’s McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, the certificate enables students to study the regional environment from a variety of natural and cultural perspectives, and will draw on biological sciences, anthropology, environmental studies, geography and geology.

For students, this isn’t just a program that’s new to UC – it’s a program that's also new to the area. The program will teach students a variety of techniques to record and interpret data about the natural world. Students also will learn to recognize strengths and weaknesses of these techniques while gaining a deeper understanding of the natural world we live in today.

In a time of climate change, it’s increasingly imperative students understand the nuances and interconnectedness of the world around us, program coordinators say. Students in this program can expect to achieve that understanding with hands-on applications, and to be better equipped to solve problems moving forward.

Program co-director Ken Tankersley says that the program is “invaluable for students competing for employment in the areas of environmental engineering, historic preservation and natural history education.” 

UCCFS offers unique research opportunities that are not found anywhere else at UC. The center may be located in thousands of acres of native woodlands, but it’s one of the university’s most advanced teaching and research facilities. Students will work with scientists and their research projects in order to execute the projects at these field sites.

Six of the 12 courses offered will take place at the field station every summer, with one additional course offered, depending on student enrollment. Four courses will be offered conventionally during the academic year, and one will be offered online.

The new certificate program will be directed by Field Studies Center Executive Director and biology Professor David Lentz, and co-directed by Professor of Geography Nicholas Dunning and Associate Professor of Anthropology Tankersley. Biology department head Theresa Culley will serve as unit head for the program.

For more information about the program, please contact David Lentz at david.lentz@uc.edu, or learn more about the UC Center for Field Studies here.

Featured image at top: Haley Wright (L) at the UC Center for Field Studies.