Biology 137: The EEP Clinic Program

As a part of the Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP) major, the Roberts Environmental Center (REC) conducts clinics lasting one or two semesters that involve students in the solution of real world environmental problems. Most clinics are conducted as consulting contracts for external clients, and are conducted by the appropriate mix of REC staff and students. The object is to give students first hand experience in the way professionals approach environmental issues. This creates an opportunity for municipalities to obtain professional-quality environmental consulting services at a very low cost while simultaneously helping students enrich their career opportunities. Occasionally students go on to employment with the client after graduation as well, so the clinics are sometimes an effective means of recruitment.

Representative past clinics:

• Species management plan for the California gnatcatcher in Orange County
• Study of the effectiveness of the City of Claremont’s recycling program
• Study of adherence to a conditional use permit of an asphalt recycling facility
• Feasibility of a controlled burn program for the City of Chino Hills
• Development of a green waste recycling pilot program for the City of Claremont
• Development of a guide for Southern California municipalities on dealing with wildlife issues.
• Development of an environmental program for the [successful] Salt Lake City bid for the Winter Olympics
• Design of a solution for an ongoing stream pollution problem in the City of Diamond Bar
• The development of a geographic information system (GIS) laboratory for the Roberts Environmental Center.

The increased involvement of the Roberts Environmental Center in Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Management Information Systems is likely to be reflected in future clinics.

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