Young Scholars Lead the Way: Undergraduate Students Publish Science Policy Papers in Prestigious Journal

The Journal of Science Policy and Governance recently published the papers of undergraduate students from the University of Pittsburgh’s spring 2023 Environmental Law and Policy class. The goal of the class was to identify science policy problems and propose potential solutions. These papers were published alongside those of graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty from top-ranked science departments, medical schools, and policy programs.

One team of students, including Yasmine Florent, Mackenzie Nemoto, Ana Rowley, Vanessa Pratt, and recent graduate Maria Isabel Villegas (A&S ’24), wrote a paper titled “Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches.” Another paper, “Mitigating the Invasive Method of Hydraulic Fracturing Through a Phase Out Policy Plan,” was written by Ashlynn Moretti, Madilyn Cianci, Mina Kimak, and Savannah Johns (A&S ’23).

These undergraduate students studied environmental studies, environmental science, and other majors at Pitt and collaborated with their peers and experts in the field to create innovative policy recommendations. Through their work, these students have demonstrated their commitment to advancing science policy and making a positive impact on the environment. The class provided a platform for students to showcase their research and contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of pressing environmental challenges.