Inside the Abess Center

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Marine conservation. Geo-engineering. Waste water recycling. The spread of vector-borne diseases.

Each of these items fall into a uniquely distinct field of study, yet all are current areas of research being conducted by graduate students at the University of Miami's Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy.

The interdisciplinary courses taught through the Abess Center all focus on the same goal: to prepare the next generation of environmental scientists by giving them a broad foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences, and public policy—as well as an awareness of just how scientific information is conveyed to the public.

"Our goal is build bridges between ecosystem science to policy, whether in our 100-level undergraduate or our doctoral level courses, so that our students can work effectively to study and solve environmental problems," says Gina Maranto, director of the center's undergraduate program, coordinator of the graduate program, and a senior lecturer of English Composition in the College of Arts and Sciences.

With more than 120 majors and minors, the Abess Center undergraduate program offers both the B.A. or B.S. in Ecosystem Science and Policy (ECS) through UM's College of Arts and Sciences. There are also three distinct graduate degree offerings: a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy through the Graduate School, a Master's in Exploration Science offered through the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and a joint J.D./Ph.D. with the School of Law.

In the field, Abess Center students engage in research studies in topics varying from social justice to public health and women's rights issues. Conservation, health, and climate change are overarching themes of the work conducted by Abess Center students. Both coursework and research includes the social sciences and the humanities, which provide important tools for thinking about environmental problems and evaluating possible policy solutions.

"The environment does not operate apart from human activity; so in thinking about environmental issues we need to bring to bear not only natural sciences but also all the disciplines that help us comprehend people's attitudes and behaviors," says Maranto, who wrote an article on climate change for Discover magazine back in 1986. "'Wicked' problems such as climate change can only be addressed by deploying the full range of intellectual instruments."

Established in 2006, the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy was founded with a mission to create innovative, interdisciplinary initiatives that bridge the gap between science and environmental policy. The network of faculty members affiliated with the Abess Center spans across the University. The center also engages with community organizations dedicated to environmental awareness and conservation.

Andee Holzman, assistant director, has been with the Abess Center since it originated under the direction of Mary Doyle, dean emerita of the School of Law, and Otis Brown, former dean of the Rosenstiel School and emeritus professor in the Division of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography. The Abess Center director, Kenny Broad, is a noted explorer, environmental anthropologist and professor and chair of the Department of Marine Ecosystems and Society at the Rosenstiel School.

"'Environmental activism' has taken on new meaning, and we're seeing that our students are more engaged and want to make a difference," Holzman said. "The Abess Center is the hub of environmental activity on campus."

- Megan Ondrizek / UM News

With an innovative and interdisciplinary focus, the Abess Center seeks answers to the "wicked" questions that face us in the 21st century.

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