Support Communities to Protect Human and Environmental Health through Safe Drinking Water (3 Scholars & Mentors)
Safe drinking water is an issue of concern in communities around the globe. The chemical group known as PFAS, aka “forever chemicals”, is a particularly pressing human and environmental health challenge. PFAS chemicals do not break down, bioaccumulate and are found in the blood of almost every person on Earth.
Nevertheless, regulation and governance for this class of chemicals in the U.S. and abroad has been slow, fragmented and challenged by political conflicts at every level of government. Join our team working to examine policy approaches to PFAS from around the world and on tribal communities in the US. As a Mo’s Udall scholar on this project, you will receive mentorship from Drs. Smith, Zuniga-Teran, and Gerlak as part of a broader team approach. The scholars will attend regular team meetings and learn how to collect, analyze, and synthesize data on PFAS policy and governance. They will also enhance their collaboration and presentation skills. Depending on the skill set and interests of the selected scholar, there will be opportunities to write syntheses of thematic findings and/or academic presentations or publications.
Skills Needed 1) Attention to detail; 2) Interest in public policy and government; 3) Strong language and writing skills; and 4) Experience with qualitative research a plus. | Skills Gained 1) Qualitative data analysis; 2) Understanding of public policy and governance processes; 3) Comparative research strategies; and 4) Writing for public and professional audiences. |
Each faculty member on this project team will mentor one selected student scholar. All three selected scholars will collaborate on the same research project working under all three mentors as a single research team.