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Oct 1, 2024
Microplastics are a growing global concern. Scientists agree that tiny particles from degraded plastic waste are ubiquitous, or completely widespread, across the planet and pose risks to the environment and human health.
Yet while oceans are often the focal point of this issue, microplastics are also highly prevalent in freshwater environments like Lake Erie. Much is unknown about how microplastics — and even smaller plastic particles called nanoplastics — interact with drinking water treatment in the region. Such information is needed to assess whether the particles present a potential public health risk.
Now, new research funded by Ohio Sea Grant is helping scientists and decision-makers better understand this issue. Led by Dr. John Lenhart of The Ohio State University’s College of Engineering alongside Ph.D. student Megan Jamison, the project is evaluating microplastics in water treatment plants along the shore of Lake Erie and analyzing how effective treatment processes are at removing the plastic particles.
"We’re conducting this research because of increasing evidence demonstrating the presence of microplastics in the environment and the food and drink people consume,” Lenhart said. “The overarching goal is to develop guidance for water treatment plants to effectively remove microplastics, particularly for plants in Ohio that use Lake Erie as their raw water." Learn more>>
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Sep 24, 2024
As environmental challenges intensify, the Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) kicks off its 13th year with fresh leadership and a renewed sense of purpose.
Led by new program director Harrison Fried and new program assistant Hallie Stelzle, EPN continues to unite professionals across Ohio to address pressing issues like water crises and climate resilience, while promoting personal well-being and professional growth through dynamic events.
Fried is a proud alumnus of the School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) within The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). With a vision that fuses community-building with cutting-edge sustainability programming, Fried is poised to usher in an era of growth for the network.
“I’m thrilled to join EPN at such a pivotal moment,” Fried said. “For over a decade, this network has been a place where ideas spark, partnerships bloom, and solutions are born. My goal is to build on that foundation by expanding our reach — especially online — so environmental professionals and students across Ohio can connect more easily and impactfully.” Discover EPN's renewed sense of purpose and commitment to uniting professionals >>
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Sep 20, 2024
A new fund has been established through the generosity of the late Dr. Robert “Bob” E. (emeritus professor) and Carol S. Roth to support undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Environment and Natural Resources. The Dr. Robert E. and Carol S. Roth Environmental Education Endowed Fund supports experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in the School. Support shall include, but not be limited to, internships, study abroad expenses, conferences, seminars, Stone Lab engagement, field course work, research materials and travel, and more.
"This generous gift from the Roth family, memorializing Dr. Robert Roth will provide our students with transformative hands-on learning experiences, ensuring they are prepared to tackle the environmental and natural resource challenges of tomorrow," said Tim Haab, professor and director of the School of Environment and Natural Resources. Learn more>>
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Sep 12, 2024
On September 10, 2024, the Kottman Lobby buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) Internship Forum. Organized by SENR Career Development, the event showcased 40 posters detailing students’ summer internships. The forum was open to anyone interested in learning about internship opportunities, creating a vibrant atmosphere of shared experiences and advice. Discover what advice students have for other students launching their internship searches and what steps to take next >>
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Sep 11, 2024
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Lipps as its first Conservation Biologist, a newly-created position that underscores the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity and wildlife conservation. This expands the Zoo’s significant partnership with The Ohio State University (OSU), focusing on the protection of species, habitats, and ecosystems.
As a recognized leader in the field of conservation biology, Lipps brings a wealth of experience to this role. His extensive work as Ohio’s Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Coordinator has resulted in major statewide conservation efforts, bringing together community groups, landowners, scientists, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to protect Ohio’s vulnerable amphibians and reptiles. Lipps has been instrumental in the success of critical conservation initiatives, including the Ohio Hellbender Partnership and the establishment of the Captina Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust that now manages nearly 1,900 acres of protected land in Belmont County, Ohio. Learn more about this appointment and new partnership>>
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Sep 3, 2024
Global education can be a life changing experience and global learning is considered a high impact practice in higher education* with significant educational benefits for participating students. The School of Environment and Natural Resources offers several opportunities for students to experience both formal and informal learning that comes from the opportunity to study and experience diverse cultures and ecosystems abroad. Students will get the chance to learn about three SENR programs at upcoming informational sessions.
Gain a glimpse into last year's Australia program and learn about upcoming information sessions for New Zealand, Australia and Iceland global education programs>>
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Aug 29, 2024
SENR is delighted to introduce two new faculty members to our community of scholars. Please join us to welcome Dr. Allison Rober and Dr. Kevin Wyatt.
Read more about their expertise >>
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Aug 26, 2024
Natural resource managers, outdoor enthusiasts and volunteers can play a role in stopping and slowing the spread of invasive species. The second edition of the Ohio Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is now available on-line and in print to help professionals and citizens to do just that. The updated field guide features more than 65 aquatic invasive species, including invasive plants and algae, invasive invertebrates and invasive fish, and serves as a valuable tool to aid in AIS identification and early detection, collection, verification and reporting. Each invasive species profile contains photographs, illustrations, maps, and narrative descriptions to highlight important facts or features of that species. Read more about the guide and how to access it >>
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Aug 6, 2024
Groundbreaking research conducted by a multi-state team, including Shoshanah Inwood, associate professor at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has unveiled the caregiving experiences of households in the North Central and Northeast regions of the U.S.
The preliminary findings, released as two regionally focused “Research Snapshots,” offer insights into caregiver demographics, the financial and personal impacts of caregiving, and the types of support that caregivers seek.
Discover key takeaways from the research>>
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Jul 23, 2024
Yahoo News recently published an article by Dr. Timothy Haab in The Conversation.
Millions of Americans head outdoors in the summer, whether for a day at a nearby lake or a monthlong road trip. For environmental economists like me, decisions by vacationers and outdoor recreators offer clues to a challenging puzzle: estimating what environmental resources are worth.
Learn more about estimating the value of a clean beach>>
