With this award, the Division of Chemistry supports the early stages of development of the Princeton Environmental Institute: Research Initiative in Science and Engineering. Ten science and engineering departments will participate in a joint effort to prepare science and engineering graduate students for life-time careers of effective participation in environmental problem-solving. In addition to pursuing the usual departmental research programs, students will engage in a supplemental course of study and research addressing the environmental implications of their research topic. This educational effort is also expected to result in a better alignment of faculty research programs with environmental objectives. Emphasis will be placed on improving information flows among various disciplines and the development of interdisciplinary research programs. The program will be led by Dr. Thomas G. Spiro, Chemistry Department, Princeton University, and Dr. Robert G. Socolow, Director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies in the School of Engineering. Faculty from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs in the area of Science, Technology, and Public Policy will staff courses on policy issues. Students will have opportunities for internships in industrial and other non-academic settings. Examples of case studies to be examined include: interplay of stratospheric ozone chemistry with advanced engine design for supersonic transport; metals cycling in the ocean; pollution management at coal-fired power plants; dioxin transport in the biosphere; and dioxin formation in combustion of chlorinated feedstocks.
