EV Profficiency
How I have demonstrated....
- Interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving
I think that this piece integrates both psychological and environmental/ecological reasons for building dwellings sustainably. We feel better emotionally when living in natural buildings that utilize sunlight, and we are simultaneously doing the environment a favor by not using materials that have high carbon footrprints. This paper takes into account the philosophy of sustainable design and natural building , as well as the practical implications for building in an "ecological" fashion, namely: energy efficiency, affordable materials and construction, mental and physical well being, and fun!!
- Understanding my connection to the environment
U.S. and Scotland Wetland Comparison
The first essay on connecting to the environment via mushroom hunting displays my perception of my role in the environment. The second piece is a comparison of the relative health and management practices of two wetlands, one of which is located very close to my home. I have always had a connection to that particular wetland, and this paper reflects my concern regarding its management and ability to function as an ecosystem.
- Reading and critically evaluating environmental literature
This project took a lot of literature review, and culminated in an understanding of the management of two wetlands, as well as their current state with regard to ecosystem-level functioning. Because there was a very small amount of literature published on these particular sights, it took a lot of time to find peer-reviewed articles that were helpful for my specific interests. I gained a lot of research experience and literature review skills in the process of writing this paper.
- Written Communication
- Oral Communication
- Qualitative Reasoning Skills
This GIS lab allowed me to use tools available to map an organism's habitat, and spatially analyze future roads that may encroach on existing habitat. This served as a valuable qualitative assessment of urban development policy and decision making, as well as valuation of ecosystem services, endangered species, and human residence.
- Quantitative Reasoning Skills
My Ecological Footprint Calculation
The water quality statistics from Monument Creek allowed me to quantitatively assess the degree to which the waste water treatment plant is currently affecting Monument Creek's nutrient levels.The Ecological Footprint Calculation was an exercise in quantifying my actions in terms of the effect that I am having on the environment, thus putting into perspective my lifestyle choices and how they influence global sustainability.
- Critical Thinking
This paper on Geoengineering forced me to critically consider the ethics of "techno-fixes" to environmental issues. There is considerable controversy over the issue of implementing technological remedies to solve problems tat originated from technology. In writing a paper on the topic, I was able to think about my stance on the subject, while taking into account the views and opinions of others.
- "Field" Skills
Although my Outdoor Skills Resume does not show the research experience I have, it does illustrate the importance I place on being in the outdoors simply to be more connected to the natural world so that we can better understand how things work on an ecosystem, biosphere, community, and organismic level and attempt to play a more ecologically responsible role on the planet.
- Sense of Place
Other papers:
