Green Science Policy Institute Student Research and Policy Program

Purpose
The GSP Student Research and Policy Program provides science students an opportunity to conduct independent research with the potential to impact policy and to share their results with the public and decision makers. Participants will gain experience in research methods and science communication and will learn to think beyond the lab to use their research findings for the public good.

Components
-Students as a group collect samples, obtain and analyze data around a central research question
-Students individually or in pairs reach conclusions on specific topics and prepare the following to communicate their science and policy findings:
    A fact sheet
    An oral presentation
    A poster presentation
    Research paper (can be used as basis for undergraduate honors thesis)
-Students can also communicate their findings via social media, op-eds, and press releases
-Student projects often have professional mentors in academia, business, government, or industry who are interested in the outcome of their research and can provide information and a real world perspective

UC Berkeley- summer 2011 Session (Pilot)
Theme: Flammability Standards and Flame Retardant Chemicals
Participants: 14 U.C. Berkeley undergraduates in toxicology, chemistry, etc
Group Research: the students are collecting and analyzing samples from couches, chairs, mattress pads, and other foam-containing items to examine the spread of California’s furniture flammability standards
Individual Projects: prioritization of the halogenated chemicals with the greatest levels of human exposure and toxicity, measuring flame retardants in home and office furniture, investigating standards leading to toxics in green buildings, and international flame retardant production and use

Future Sessions:
UC Berkeley- Winter 2011 Session
Theme: Organohalogens in Wildlife and Food
Application Process TBA

If you are interested in learning more hosting a Student Research and Policy Program session on your campus, please contact Rebecca (Rebecca@greensciencepolicy.org).