Sustainability Science Lab

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Overview

Led by Dr. Dann Sklarew, the Sustainability Science Lab aims to understand and address wicked problems associated with meeting the needs of present and future generations of people while sustaining the socioecological systems upon which we depend. Dr. Sklarew’s CV illustrates the sorts of projects, research and graduate projects and thesos that emerge from our lab.

PI(s) of the lab

Dann Sklarew, PhD, professor of applied ecology and sustainability science

Research Topics

  • Food-energy-water-climate nexus
  • Sustainability education;
  • Hunger alleviation;
  • Sustainable development goals

Facilities

Our minds, our wits, our care, our kindness and our resourcefulness; our internet connections, our professional and our professional connections — plus occasional seed money, contacts and grants see — are the primary capabilities we apply to the challenges we investigate.

Publications

  1. Sklarew, D. et al. —. Microplastics in the tidal Potomac and Anacostia rivers along an urbanizationgradient of the National Capital Region, USA. Under review by Frontiers in Environmental Science.
  2. Akerlof, K. et al. 2021. Categorizing professionals’ perspectives on environmental communication withimplications for graduate education. Environmental Communication. Doi10.1080/17524032.2020.1862890
  3. Sklarew, D. and J. Sklarew. 2018. Integrated water-energy policy for sustainable development. Foresightand STI Governance 12(4): 10-19. URL: https://foresight-journal.hse.ru/en/2018-12-4/229685190.html
  4. Akerlof, K. et al. 2016. Risky business: engaging the public on sea level rise and inundation. EnvironmentalScience and Policy 66:314-323. Doi: 10.1016/j.envsci.2016.07.002
  5. Jacobsen, K. et al. 2016. Lessons from the Ebola outbreak: action items for emerging infectious diseasepreparedness and response. EcoHealth 13:200-2012. Doi: 10.1007/s10393-016-1100- 5
  6. Sklarew, D. and A. Wingfield. 2014. Up the pyramid, around the loop – action research cultivatessustainability scholars to green the campus. CUR Quarterly 35(1): 5-10. (invited cover page article)URL: http://www.cur.org/download.aspx?id=3041
  7. Smith, A. and D. Sklarew. 2013. A mid-Atlantic brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) stream sustainabilitystatistic for rating non-tidal streams. Sustainability of Water Quality and Ecology 2013: 68-81. (senior author)doi: 10.1016/j.swaqe.2013.08.001
  8. Smith, A., and D. Sklarew. 2012. A stream suitability index for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in themid-Atlantic United States of America. Ecol. Indicators 23: 242-249. (senior author). Doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2012.03.031
  9. Sklarew, D., S. Annis, J. R. Mendler, and M. Hamid. 2001. Forging a global community to addressinternational waters crises. Water Resources Impact 3(2): 20-24. URL: http://www.awra.org/impact/issues/0103impact.pdf

Grad Students

Current Students

Advisor/Committee Chair

  1. Bair, Ross. Advanced to candidacy, ESPP Ph.D., expected graduation: Dec. 2021. Topic: Moral foundation theory as an explanation for action in a [natural resource] commons dilemma.
  2. Poole, Christophe. Active, ESP M.S., expected grad.: May 2022. Topic: TBD. (USGS Graduate Research Fellow)
  3. Peters, Doreen. Active, ESPP Ph.D., expected grad.: May 2023. Topic: Dragonfly exuviae as POPs bioindicators. (Dragonfly Society of America Odonata Research Grant)
  4. Golden, Jazmin. Active, ESP M.S., expected grad.: Dec. 2024. Topic: TBD.

Committee Member

  1. Schmidt, Stephanie. Advanced to candidacy, ESPP Ph.D., expected grad.: Dec. 2022. Topic: Assessing urban wetlands.
  2. Balajapalli, Sudha. Advanced to candidacy, ESPP Ph.D., expected grad.: Dec. 2023. Topic: Tiger poaching in India.
  3. Rohring, William. Advanced to candidacy, ESPP Ph.D., expected grad.: Dec. 2024. Topic: Local climate adaptation.

Past Students

Advisor/Committee Chair

  1. Mangukiya, Rupal. 2020. The relationship between economic and non-economic aspects of sustainable development at sub-national scales within the United States of America. Environmental Science and Public Policy [ESPP] Ph.D. 🇮🇳 (Rec’d TWC GRAship, ESP GTAship, ESP GTA of the Year for 2017, and Talbot Scholarship)
  2. Carpenter, Adam. 2019. A framework for locally driven sea level rise policy and action. ESPP Ph.D. (Energy and Environmental Policy Manager at American Water Works Association; received inaugural Averett Tombes Award)
  3. Harper, William. 2018. Analysis of Environmental Considerations and Impacts at Fabbioli Cellars Vineyard, Leesburg, Virginia. ESP M.S. project. (NEPA Program Manager at Army National Guard Environmental Program)
  4. Metcalf, Carolyn. 2018. Social Entrepreneurship Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies [SE MAIS] project.Social Marketing for Green Buildings.
  5. Richards, Allison. 2016. Physical, Regulatory and Reputational Water Risks as Predictors of Water Stewardship Among Global Corporations. ESPP Ph.D. 🇯🇲 (Senior Business Analyst at Charter Communications; rec’d Talbot Scholarship, Mason Sustainability and Time Warner Cable GRAships)
  6. Schell, Robin. 2016. Pet Project – a Social Enterprise Promoting Symbiotic Relationships Between Companion animals and Humans. SE MAIS project. (Communications Specialist at Northern Virginia Mediation Service)
  7. Thompson, Ashley. 2016. Aspire Athletics (a lean business plan). SE MAIS project. (Contract Specialist at United States Forestry Service)
  8. Castellano, Danielle Wyman. 2015. Sustainable Food Systems for Metropolitan College and University Dann M. Sklarew: 34/44

Campuses in the United States. Individualized Studies MAIS project.

  1. Milton, Ashley. 2015. Forest Resilience for Livelihoods and Ecosystem Services. ESPP Ph.D. (Project Specialist for Environmental and Public Health at University of the District of Columbia; rec’d doctoral Fulbright Fellowship to Democratic Republic of the Congo, TWC and Mason Sustainability GRAships)
  2. Pinidilli, Emily Knaus. 2015. Economic Analysis of the Potential Contribution of Voluntary Nutrient Reductions from Agricultural Nonpoint Sources of Pollution in Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay. ESPP Ph.D. (Natural resource economist at United States Geological Survey’s Science and Decisions Center)
  3. Ryan, Jeanne Michelle. 2015. Histological and Geospatial Analysis of the Mystery Snail (Bellamya spp.) Populations in the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers, Utilizing Citizen Scientists. ESPP Ph.D. (Operations Dir. at Jacobs, Inc.; rec’d Provost PhD Grant for Research Funds, Occoquan Water Trail League research grant)
  4. Tucker, Erik. 2015. Enabling NASA Supply Chain Environmental Risk Management through Federal Database Integration within the GRI Sustainability Framework. ESP M.S. project. (Leidos engineer)
  5. Schneider, Thomas D. 2014. Rooftop Roots Business Plan. ESP M.S. project. (Emergency Management Analyst at CSRA and Executive Director of non-profit Rooftop Roots)
  6. Kinne, Lauren Walsh. 2013. Implementation of Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEEs) by Middle School Life Science Teachers. ESP M.S. Award: ESP Thesis of the Year for 2013-2014. (FCPS high school Biology Team Leader, Biology and International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology teacher)
  7. Bair, Ross. 2013. Relating Environmental Literacy to Standards of Learning Biology and Earth Science: A Case Study from Prince William County, Virginia, USA. ESP M.S. (Kaohsiung American School DP and AP biology teacher, Taiwan)
  8. Mushkolaj, Iliriana. 2013. The Science-Policy Interface for Developing Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Maryland, USA. ESPP Ph.D. 🇽🇰 (EPA Office of Water Physical Scientist; rec’d Provost’s Dissertation Completion Grant)
  9. Yusuf, Mohamed Ashiq. 2013. Effects of Stakeholder Involvement in Reduction of Sedimentation in Northern Virginia Streams. ESPP Ph.D. 🇲🇺 (US Dept. of State Water Quality Specialist), co-chair
  10. Johnson, Robert A. 2011. An Evaluation of an Environmental Education Experience for all 6th Grade Students in Prince William County Public Schools, Virginia. ESP M.S. (Director of Sustainability, Northern Virginia Community College)
  11. Krell, Misty Hensley-McGaffey. 2011. Developing Evidence-Based Practices for the Environmental Education Program at the EDGE. Individualized Studies MAIS. Award: Top MAIS Project for 2011. (Student Services Coordinator for the School for Integrative Studies at Mason), co-chair
  12. Smith, Albert Kirk. 2011. A mid-Atlantic Stream Suitability Index for Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). ESPP Ph.D. (FCPS high school Biology teacher and NVCC adjunct faculty)
  13. Crane (Cordes), Joyce A. 2010. Keiko: A Case Study of Releasing a Killer Whale from Captivity. ESP M.S. project.

Directed Studies in Environmental Science and Public Policy [EVPP 693]:

  1. Bodner, Christopher and Doreen Peters. 2019. Microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay: knowledge, gaps andgoals.
  2. Beyer-Wait, Susie. 2015. Leading sustainability action.
  3. Metcalf, Carolyn. 2015. Integrating sustainability into urban development.
  4. Shupe, Holly. 2015. Permaculture systems for sustainable landscapes and food security.
  5. Milton, Ashley. 2014. Deforestation in Central Africa.
  6. Pindilli, Emily. 2013. Nonpoint source pollution mitigation.
  7. Richards, Allison. 2012. Sustainable development in the Indigo Maiz Biological Reserve, Nicaragua. 🇯🇲
  1. Aziz, Maheen. 2011. Advancing sustainability in the healthcare industry. (Inova research assistantship)
  2. Hruska, Jessica. 2011. The importance of stewardship [Stonewall Jackson High School, VA, case study].
  3. Richards, Allison. 2011. Sustainable enterprise management. 🇯🇲
  4. Chan, Steffanie. 2010. Policy trends and social-political framing in environmental education.
  5. Chhabra, Sonal. 2010. Green-age Corporation [triple bottom line business plan]. 🇮🇳
  6. Gaines, Jennifer. 2010. An energy efficiency policy for George Mason University buildings.
  7. Nieves-Munoz, Waleska. 2010. How can we [at the EPA] better reach Hispanic communities? 🇵🇷
  8. Fusaro, Francesca. 2009. Uranium mining and its effects on human health and environment. Case study: the uranium deposit of Coles Hill, Virginia. 🇮🇹
  9. McAbee, Sara. 2009. McAbee Environmental [triple bottom line] business plan.
  10. Novkovic, Nevena. 2009. The impact of organochlorines, PCBs and DDTs on cetaceans. 🇷🇸
  11. Shreekanth, Natasha. 2009. Transport-related greenhouse gas reductions [at Mason]. 🇮🇳
  12. Stribley, Todd. 2009. From Malthusian overfishing and globalism to marine mutualism.

Research in Environmental Science and Public Policy [EVPP 793]:

  1. Mangukiya, Rupal. 2016. Effects of land-use change on water quality in the Shenandoah watershed. 🇮🇳
  2. Castellano, Danielle Wyman. 2014. Campus-based sustainable food production.
  3. Milton, Ashley. 2014. Sustainable forest management.
  4. Pindilli, Emily. 2014. Pollution control cost analysis.
  5. Richards, Allison. 2014. Integrating corporate and national water management for sustainability. 🇯🇲

Supervised Internship [EVPP 894]:
Dustin Adams. 2015. Integrating sustainability and environmental health management systems on campus.

Committee Member

  1. Tay, Derric. 2020. Forest protection benefits of Costa Rica’s Payment for Environmental Services program.ESPP Ph.D.
  2. Palmer, Ashley. 2019. Connecting K-12 teachers to environmental research. ESP M.S.
  3. Sachs, Andrew. 2019. Assessing the thermal performance of green roofs and the influence of solar panels. ESP M.S.
  4. Smith, Kelsey. 2019. A minimally destructive method for ancient DNA extraction from narwhal tusk material. ESP M.S.
  5. Shrestha, Ranjay. 2017. A Remote Sensing-Derived Corn Yield Assessment Model. Geogr. and Geoinfo. Sci. Ph.D. 🇳🇵
  6. Tracy, Sean. 2017. Inclusion of Environmental Education into Public School Curricula. ESPP Ph.D.
  7. Butt, Myra. 2016. An Additionality Approach to Global Blue Carbon Conservation. ESP M.S.
  8. Chambati, Memory. 2016. The Midas Touch of an Empowered African Woman. SE MAIS project. 🇿🇼
  9. Durham, Melissa. 2016. The Arab League’s Role in International River Water Conflict and Cooperation. Conflict Analysis and Resolution [CAR] Ph.D.
  10. Friesner, Richard. 2015. Adaptive Management in the Chesapeake Bay TMDL Program: How do Local Watershed Managers Address Uncertainty and Use Adaptive Management? ESPP Ph.D.
  1. Keltner, Susan. 2015. The Effects of Gain- and Loss-Framed Messages When Paired with a Social Norm in Altruistic Settings on Motivating Energy Conscious Behavior Change. ESPP Ph.D.
  2. Stickel, Wendy. 2013. Improving Outcomes in Management of Common Pool Resources: What Can Donors Learn from “Commons” Scholarship? ESP M.S. project.
  3. Akerlof, Karen. 2012. Risky Business: Engaging the Public in Policy Discourse on Sea-Level Rise and Inundation. ESPP Ph.D.
  4. Perez, Natalie. 2012. A Qualitative Evaluation Tool for Elementary Student Attitudes During an Overnight Environmental Education Experience. ESP M.S.
  5. Tracy, Sean. 2012. Understanding Conservation: A Study of Student Attitudes and Understanding of the Effects of Human Activities on Global Ecosystems. ESP M.S.
  6. Bhattarai, Sameer. 2011. Response of Streams to Land Use and Urban Best Management Practices in the Piedmont Region of Virginia, USA. ESPP Ph.D. 🇮🇳
  7. Biddle, Jennifer. 2011. Does Collaborative Governance Lead to Environmental Improvements? The Critical Elements Affecting Watershed Partnerships’ Capacity to Achieve Their Goals. ESPP Ph.D.
  8. Hammond,Damien.2011.DetectionofHydrophobicOrganicContaminantsintheOccoquanWatershedusing In Situ Passive Samplers. ESP M.S.
  9. Fisher,Joshua.2010.TheEcologicalCorrelatesofArmedConflict:aGeospatialandSpatial-StatisticalApproach to Conflict Modeling. CAR Ph.D., Mason.
  10. Storm, Lenna. 2010. Prioritizing Sustainability Projects with Low Market Value in Institutions of Higher Education: A Green Roof Case Study. ESP M.S.
  11. Duray, Amy. 2009. Environment and Development in East and Southeast Asia. ESP M.S. project.

Undergraduate Students

  1. Grand Pre, Suzanne. 2021. Enterprise climate action research. (EVPP 395)
  2. Bourg, Ashley. 2019. Tick-borne disease prevalence in students after environmental education field experiences. (EVPP 395)
  1. Davies, Brian. 2019. Analyzing microplastics in the tidal Potomac River. (EVPP 396)
  2. Nortz, Heather. 2019. Marine debris reduction through sustainable waste management. (EVPP 396)
  3. Nguyen, Han. 2019. Microplastic composition and role as vector for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in river water. 🇻🇳(OSCAR Summer Research Team [SRT])
  4. Rhoades, Ben. 2019. Microplastics in the tidal Potomac River and embayment ecosystem. (OSCAR SRT)
  5. Hock, Dana. 2017. Compost for campus sustainability. (EVPP 396)
  6. Nortz, Heather. 2017. Ecological impact of select pharmaceuticals and personal care products as micropollutants in the tidal Potomac River. (OSCAR SRT) See video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryug8p-Z0- o
  7. Taylor, Christophe. 2016. Entrepreneurship for environmental sustainability. (EVPP 396)
  8. St. Laurent, Nicole. 2014. Ecological stewardship and sustainability. (EVPP 396)

Co-curricular Mentor

  1. Rhoades, Ben. 2019-2020. Microplastic pollution and sustainability planning. (EVPP 480, EVPP 490 and OSCAR SRT)
  2. Evans, Madeline. 2017-2018. Minimizing human-wildlife conflict at George Mason University. (EVPP 480 and UNIV 391)
  3. Garthee, Candace. 2017-2018. Mason sustainable food forum. (EVPP 322 and EVPP 480)