Environmental Restoration Science

Introduction

Environmental restoration initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or contaminated from human activity or natural agents. Students interested in this major will receive a variety of classroom and field experiences to help them develop the skills needed to become environmental scientists.

All students majoring in Environmental Restoration Science will receive a thorough understanding of the soil-water environment, environmental regulations, toxicology, environmental sampling, and restoration techniques.

Because environmental problems are complex, environmental scientist will often work with interdisciplinary teams to find solutions. In fact, many environmental consulting firms and government agencies commonly employ both scientists and engineers to work hand in hand on various restoration projects (soil, surface water, groundwater, and habitat).

The job market for environmental scientists is growing! Careerbuilders.com recently projected “Environmental Scientist” as one of the top 25 jobs through 2012. In this announcement, environmental scientists were defined as individuals who measure and observe air, water and soil to identify sources of pollutants, and recommend the best ways to clean and preserve the environment.

Student interest in Environmental Science is also growing! The Environmental Restoration Science program was recently recognized by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources as one of the top five degree programs with the largest percentage of growth (award pictured at left, click to enlarge).

Students interested in Environmental Restoration Science can choose between the Soil Science or Lake and Stream Restoration Option.

Informational Links

• Environmental Restoration Science Information Sheet
• Major Degree Requirements
• Hypothetical Four-year Plan of Study
• Photographs of Environmental Restoration Activities

Soil Science Option

This option provides students an understanding of soil as a natural resource and as a component of all terrestrial ecosystems. The student will learn how soils influence ecological processes which take place above and below ground. An understanding of these processes will enable the student to deal with environmental management problems such as groundwater protection, natural resource management, urban and rural development issues, waste management, and pollution abatement. Careers focus on environmental assessment, soil conservation, and remediating contaminated environments. Students interested in preparing for graduate work in soils can aim toward a variety of special areas including soil microbiology, fertility, chemistry, physics, mineralogy, and morphology. Information Sheet

Lake and Stream Restoration Option

This option is designed for students considering careers in water quality, aquatic ecology, or limnology. The student will learn the important biotic, physical and chemical processes that occur within lakes and streams and be prepared to environmentally manage problems related to water quality. Students will also be prepared to implement pollution abatement procedures or management practices associated with lake and stream restoration. Careers focus on environmental assessment, water conservation, remediation of lakes and streams. Completion of this program also provides excellent preparation for graduate study. Information Sheet

Meet Our Students!

Follow this link to see stories from current and former UNL students. Notice the diverse interests and career goals of the students! Can you imagine having experiences like theirs? Contact an advisor (see below) for more information about this major.

Careers

• Agricultural business and industry
• Bureau of Land Management
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Department of Environmental Control
• Environmental consulting and remediation
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• U.S. Forest Service
• International development
• Natural resources districts
• U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly U.S. Soil Conservation Service)
• Nebraska Natural Resources Commission
• Soil and water conservation districts
• Soil testing laboratory

Potential Advising Faculty

• Steven D. Comfort, Chief Contact
• John C. Holz
• Mark Kuzila
• Martha Mamo (Agronomy and Horticulture)
• Dennis McCallister
• Blair Siegfried (Entomology)
• Daniel D. Snow