BIO SCI 928 Seminar
BIO SCI 928 Seminar is a project oriented course for upper level undergraduates and graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The course is designed to provide students an opportunity to apply their knowledge of environmental science to community policy and decision making initiatives, such as the Kinnickinnic River Restoration Project.
Together with community stakeholders, Great Lakes WATER Institute, and 16th Street Community Health Center, students will work towards finding solutions to restore the Kinnickinnic River to a more healthy and natural state.
Students listen during a focus group session.
Source: Elda Brizuela
Students will design individual or joint research projects regarding improving the river’s water quality, improved safety for public access, and educating the KK River neighborhoods (e.g. Bay View and Lincoln Village) about the river. By the end of the course, the class will provide quality environmental information in developing an action plan to renew the KK River.
Student tour along the Kinnickinnic River
Source: Elda Brizuela
Goals
- To introduce and involve students in decision making processes that have an impact on environmental resources within a community through the application of environmental science, environmental design and environmental policy.
- To inform Milwaukee Communities of environmental issues pertaining to the Kinnickinnic River in order to impact decisions for the purpose of its restoration.
- To document resident-identified problems and issues identified by local government/public interest groups.
- To provide resources that could lead to potential solutions regarding to the restoration of Kinnickinnic River Watershed.
Topics
- Urban environmental issues
- Application of science to public policy
- City/community ordinances and laws
Requirements
Students will be required to develop:
- Student Presentation(s): creating a public service announcement, organizing an activity to increase awareness, or providing information at community meetings of an issue pertaining to the Kinnickinnic River
These resources will be distributed to community stakeholders, government officials and others involved in environmental and policy issues surrounding the Kinnickinnic River watershed.
(Web page designer: Erin Pecora)
