Jiangsu Province, China
The Untold Story
When Americans think about China, not many of us think about robust environmental policies, eco-nonprofits, and habitat restoration. Our minds likely recall clouds of toxic air-pollution and unfettered urbanization which once plagued the country. However, in the past decade the Chinese government has set environmental issues as their top priority, hoping to construct an Ecological Civilization.
The transformations that have occurred in result are radical - massive planting projects, waterway restorations, and the reduction of air-pollution. Nowhere has this vision of Ecological Civilization been embraced more than in Jiangsu Province. Home to the Yangtze River and Lake Tai, these waters - which were toxic just years ago - have been restored to healthy levels for wildlife, recreation, and consumption.
The transformations that have occurred in result are radical - massive planting projects, waterway restorations, and the reduction of air-pollution. Nowhere has this vision of Ecological Civilization been embraced more than in Jiangsu Province. Home to the Yangtze River and Lake Tai, these waters - which were toxic just years ago - have been restored to healthy levels for wildlife, recreation, and consumption.
In cooperation with Dr. Scott Wilson (Assistant Provost for Global and Strategic Partnerships), I have led an annual research expedition to Jiangsu Province that deploys methodologies from various academic disciplines. This unique partnership allows for our research to provide a more wholistic image of Chinese ecological conditions. It also allows for the rare opportunity for students to conduct hands-on scientific and social science research in an international context.
Some of my students focus on water quality analysis, while others cooperate with Dr. Wilson's surveys that address civic participation in the environmental movement. Regardless of where you skill-set lies, all students are equipped with the tools and methodologies of both areas of concern.
Our work in China relies on many partnerships - including Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing University, and Mr. Tang Ning C'98 (founder& CEO of CreditEase)
Some of my students focus on water quality analysis, while others cooperate with Dr. Wilson's surveys that address civic participation in the environmental movement. Regardless of where you skill-set lies, all students are equipped with the tools and methodologies of both areas of concern.
Our work in China relies on many partnerships - including Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing University, and Mr. Tang Ning C'98 (founder& CEO of CreditEase)
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I starting working in Dr. McGrath’s lab my sophomore year and completed my time there as a post baccalaureate research fellow. During my time in the lab, I was able to hone my chemistry and leadership skills while simultaneously learning about the potential of constructed wetlands to improve the health of both the environment and humans. In the summer of 2019, I traveled to China with Dr. McGrath and a group of Sewanee students. During this trip, we explored the methods non-profit organizations and the Chinese government have utilized to improve their environment and combat pollution. |
