Faculty, staff and students affiliated with Clarkson’s interdisciplinary Institute for a Sustainable Environment (ISE) are hitting some of the critical aspects of the University’s new strategic plan. And we are making a difference with the research, outreach and education we provide locally, regionally and internationally. The capacity for our faculty and students to transform research into new businesses is apparent throughout this newsletter. These translational activities are key in defining the value of Clarkson’s research — especially the value of interdisciplinary teams in tackling some wicked problems to support public and environmental health.
In this newsletter, we’ve selected four stories to illustrate a few of our diverse activities:
PFAS: Several groups of faculty on campus are researching our nation’s hot-button groundwater contamination problem, leading to new faculty startups and a world-class analytical facility accredited by the Department of Defense Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program.
Climate change education: Clarkson faculty and staff are supporting the New York Power Authority’s effort to bring climate science education to all of its employees.
Recycling low-quality materials: Student innovation, supported by the Clarkson Ignite and The Shipley Center, resulted in KLAW, an award-winning new business that turns dirty waste glass into high-strength, low-emission cement.
Understanding aerosols and COVID-19: A team of faculty transformed their basic and applied research on aerosol chemistry and exposure into funding, and expertise helped Clarkson prepare ventilation and PPE.
— Susan Powers, Director of the Institute for a Sustainable Environment / Associate Director of Sustainability / Jean ’79 and Robert ’79 Spence Professorship in Sustainable Environmental Systems
