Villanova University
AC-10: Support for Research

There are many opportunities for student research in sustainability. The three primary routes are through (1) courses (notably independent projects in Environmental Science II (GEV 1051), and ACS sections associated with the Environmental Learning Community); (2) projects with individual faculty (see above); and (3) the Student Subcommittee of the President’s Environmental Sustainability Committee. Most departments offer opportunities for both official senior thesis projects and directed/independent research, so there is both financial and academic support for this research. In addition, the Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (VURF) is designed to provide financial support for student research in the form of stipends and supplies, travel, and conference support. Although not specifically designed for students performing sustainability research, several students who do so have received support. Additionally Villanova has been awarded various grants for sustainability related research. Such grants are listed below. 1)William Penn Foundation awards $565,000 Grant to Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership for research 2)EPA granted $1M to Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership for research 3)Villanova has received a grant from Pennsylvania's Growing Greener Program

Interdisciplinary Team-Teaching Summer Award is put on by the Villanova Honors Program to encourage development of new interdisciplinary team-though courses. Development happens over the summer to be taught the following spring semester. There is a financial reward for the winning team. Last years winners were focused on Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning Experiences as it relates to international development and sustainability. http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/president/speeches/officeofthepresident-may2013.html#maincontent_newsentry_1

Villanova's Sustainable Engineering Master's program has developed a variety of e-learning modules. Current modules include topics on human impact on earth, whole systems thinking through a life cycle lens, the STEEP (social, technological, environmental, economic, and political) model, sustainable materials and design, sustainable supply chain, and moving toward the sustainable enterprise. Additional e-learning modules are in development for specific courses. Course E-learning modules to be available in Fall 2014 include 7110 Fundamentals of Sustainable Engineering, 7112 Economic and Social Aspects of Sustainability, and 7113 Sustainable Materials and Design. E-Learning modules may also be used for workshops conducted outside of these specific courses. Villanova's library does support studies in sustainability through collection, development, and research consultation with subject librarians. The librarians listed below are the primary contacts for assistance with research concerning sustainability. 1. Alfred Fry, Engineering http://library.villanova.edu/research/subject-guides/engineering/civil_and_environmental_engineering/ 2. Merrill Stein, Geography http://library.villanova.edu/research/subject-guides/geography-and-the-environment/ 3. Jutta Seibert, History http://library.villanova.edu/research/subject-guides/history/ Additionally instructors are able to create course guides supplements through library services. Examples of course guides created for specific classes are available at the following web addresses. http://library.villanova.edu/research/course-guides/growing-sustainability/ http://library.villanova.edu/research/course-guides/pro-seminar-sustainability-studies/ Over 1,200 books available either physically or electronically through Villanova's library as well as over 11,000 academic articles.