Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

W W W . P A C E . E D U / D Y S O N 19 FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT Assistant Professor S. Perl Egendo 's (PhD) Fundamentals of Environmental Science II course entailed collaboration with the nonprofit organization Gotham Park, New York City, to provide data the organization would use to inform their activities and offerings to the public. Gotham Park is a new park that seeks to unlock the potential of "the forgo en spaces under the Manha an side of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge." (Gothampark.org). The course's lab component included sampling and analyzing Gotham Park's soil, air, and water to measure the overall health of the park and to help officials ensure the area remains a safe space for community members. The collaboration gave Pace students real-world oppo unities to collect field samples, conduct lab analyses, analyze data, write a scientific repo , and give a presentation to stakeholders of Gotham Park. At the end of the semester, students presented their research methods and results, and provided guidance for future testing to Gotham Park administration, staff, and collaborators. They also made recommendations for flora to be planted at the park based on their findings. Gotham Park officials were pleased to learn that the soil, air, and water quality testing showed that the park is safe for regular interaction and have asked the student researchers to give their presentation again to a wider audience in fall 2024. With the help of Pace students pa icipating in the Animal Policy Project, a New York State law was passed that bans annual wildlife killing monetary contests, whose common targets are predators such as coyotes, foxes, squirrels, and bobcats. Governor Hochul signed the law in December 2023, making illegal hunting competitions and tournaments involving ce ain species that award hunters cash and other prizes. The legislation, which takes effect on November 1, 2024, excludes contests for hunting white-tailed deer, turkeys and bears, as well as other legal hunting. In this impac ul, meaningful experiential learning project, "The students created a campaign strategy and learned how to implement that strategy effectively," said Michelle Land, JD, clinical professor. They researched the issue, created social media pla orms that addressed the issue, and reached out to other students for signatures." The Animal Policy Project puts students at the forefront of animal issues, immersing them in hands-on research aimed at influencing policy while developing advocacy skills. The Animal Policy Project houses its cornerstone course, the Animal Advocacy Clinic, connects students to industry mentors on the Animal Policy Project Advisory Council, and presents firsthand experiences in lobbying. Animal Policy Project Environmental Analysis Collaboration

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