Missouri State University
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Sustainability minor student researched and compared carbon calculator options for MSU STARS Report and assisted with data input for the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory.

Students wrote proposals to change parking lot light fixtures from high-pressure sodium lights to LED fixtures.

Students in the College of Agriculture intern with Chartwells, our dining services vendor, in the ZipGrow Towers Grow Room using aeroponics and hydroponics. It gives students the opportunity to gain real world knowledge and experience with this innovative, sustainable technology. The Vegetable Production (AGP 441) class incorporates a hands on learning component by working in the Campus Garden several times throughout the course. Students assist with weeding and cleanup of crop debris, proper garden equipment management and adding soil and compost to the raised beds. Students helped plant seeds, transplants, and potatoes and also learned how to build cold frames, which are used to grow cool season crops. All of the tasks are accomplished according to the methods of sustainable food production taught in the course. Student Campus Garden Managers researched and wrote a proposal to revise the Campus Garden structure and oversight. Changes included: updating the mission statement, and add a vision statement and values, creating a Campus Garden Advisory Committee, outlining the possible outlets for produce including sales and donation, propose the addition of a third employee for the garden, outlining responsibilities for garden manager and assistants, requesting funds for an on-site storage shed or other storage facility in the garden. Students manage all aspects of the campus garden, giving them experience in volunteer coordination, support, planning, and maintaining the garden. Many of them also use this experience for course credit.

Student Campus Garden Managers researched and wrote a proposal to revise the Campus Garden structure and oversight. Changes included: updating the mission statement, and add a vision statement and values, creating a Campus Garden Advisory Committee, outlining the possible outlets for produce including sales and donation, propose the addition of a third employee for the garden, outlining responsibilities for garden manager and assistants, requesting funds for an on-site storage shed or other storage facility in the garden. Students manage all aspects of the campus garden, giving them experience in volunteer coordination, support, planning, and maintaining the garden. Many of them also use this experience for course credit.

A student analyzed data from a survey conducted with faculty, staff, and students regarding their commuting habits. The student took this data and made recommendations to improve the use of sustainable transportation on campus.

A student completed a research project for PSY 524 to determine the effects the presence of sustainable practices in dining halls would have on students’ recycling efforts. The Student Government Association passed a proposal to fund the purchase of mechanical locks to replace the battery operated locks on the Foster Recreation Center lockers. A student analysis of paper towel usage in the Plaster Student Union was conducted and a plan was formulated to implement electric hand dryers throughout the building. Students wrote proposals for water bottle fillers/hydration stations in many academic buildings, resulting in more use of reusable water bottles. As a capstone project of a BFA Dance major, a student choreographed and performed a 20 minute piece title: Until There's Nothing. This piece touched on how pollution infiltrates all elements of nature.

A graduate student studied and wrote her thesis on the coal tar PAHs and metals collected in the stormwater runoff detention pond located on campus. The report was shared with administration to inform future decision making.

As part of UHC 397, an honors seminar course, students prepared a white paper project assessing sustainability awareness on campus. They provided recommendations to advance knowledge of sustainability and participation in campus sustainability activities and initiatives.

Psychology students conducted an online survey to evaluate differences in group perceptions of various micro-aggressions on campus. As a thesis project, a student collected data on a bogus pipeline study that replicates a project from the 1970’s. Participants complete the same questionnaire packet before and after being hooked up to a “lie detector” (electroencephalogram) to measure deception in their answers. Three conditions include race, disability, and LGBTQ+. The pre-/post-differences in responses illustrate some of the issues on our campus.

A graduate student studied and wrote her thesis on the coal tar PAHs and metals collected in the stormwater runoff detention pond located on campus. The report was shared with administration to inform future decision making.

Theatre and Dance students researched, directed, marketed, and performed a series of short climate change plays across campus to raise awareness and inspire behavior change. As a capstone project of a BFA Dance major, a student choreographed and performed a 20 minute piece title: Until There's Nothing. This piece touched on how pollution infiltrates all elements of nature.