February 1996

Highlights and Initiatives

Reports. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is conducting a five-year review of the state's Centers of Excellence. THEC representatives visited UT's Knoxville campus earlier this month to evaluate the four Centers of Excellence housed here, including the Waste Management Research and Education Institute (WMREI). e.e.r.c. directs WMREI's operations. In a wrap-up session conducted in front of campus administrators, the THEC review panel commended all four campus centers on their accomplishments, noting in particular that the centers have made a positive contribution to campus research synergism. The review panel also congratulated center directors for their use of state funds to attract external funding. Over the past decade, WMREI has brought in $5 from external sources for every $1 of funding provided by the state. Gary Sayler is WMREI director, and Jack Barkenbus serves as WMREI director of policy and operations.

Presentations. In January, Bruce Clemens made two presentations on radioactive scrap metal to the civil and environmental engineering department at Vanderbilt University. The first, delivered to engineers, scientists, and policy analysts, showcased e.e.r.c. research in the area of metal recycling. The second presentation, to a group of 40 students and faculty members, explored e.e.r.c. efforts to help the steel industry contend with radioactive contamination of metals.

Earlier this month, Jack Geibig presented preliminary results from a study that identifies sources of environmental pollution and potential exposure pathways associated with the manufacture of printed wiring boards. Geibig made his presentation in Orlando to the Environmental Safety and Health Committee of the industry group Interconnecting Packaging and Circuitry. The study, which is part of the EPA Design for the Environment Program, seeks to assess cleaner technology substitutes for "electroless-plating" techniques used to produce printed circuits.

Teaching. David Feldman organizes and administers an Environmental Policy Workshop (Economics 579), a requirement for students seeking to earn a graduate minor in environmental policy. UT began offering the interdisciplinary minor in 1994 in part as a result of e.e.r.c.'s participation in the intercollegiate Environmental Research and Education Committee. Feldman's policy workshop meets weekly, and since it was first offered in the fall of 1994, enrollment has increased from four to 14 students. The workshop explores the multidisciplinary character of environmental policy and features lectures by Feldman and other campus faculty members as well as regional environmental experts. The lectures address, among other themes, the role of economic instruments in shaping environmental policy, waste and water management, emerging information sources for policy research, and global climate change. A brochure describing the minor is available through Feldman, who can be reached at (423) 974-4251.