George Mason empowers scientists to understand and propose solutions to ‘wicked’ societal challenges

Students share suggestions with University’s sustainability leadership as part of EVPP 336 course

The EVPP 336: Tackling Wicked Problems course, which recently was added to the Mason CORE class list, offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in multiple projects that require thinking through the lens of complex socio-ecological systems to make recommendations to various real-world stakeholders.

It’s so important for our students to have actual real-life opportunities to meet and engage directly with stakeholders in these situations,” explained K.L. Akerlof, the environmental science and policy professor who developed and delivers the course at George Mason.

Weeks prior to their proposal presentations with George Mason alumna, Virginia state senator, Stella Pekarsky, students completed a separate assignment that assessed ways their peers, faculty, and staff interact with the environment on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus, from recycling and waste to air and water pollution. Students considered the social, environmental, and economic impacts of a specific interactions on campus and presented their assessments to George Mason’s University Sustainability. 

Director of University Sustainability, Gregory Farley, said he was impressed to see that many of the proposals tackled issues his office recognizes as priorities, such as waste management, stormwater, and native plants. Other recommendations focused on urban heat islands, wildlife interactions on campus, community engagement, and operational transparency.

“It shows how the course is really strong in teaching students to identify real challenges and develop practical solutions,” Farley said. “They weren’t presenting pie in the sky ideas; these were practical suggestions that our office either has, or is planning to, incorporate into George Mason’s campuses”

Just last year, Farley’s office collaborated with an Environmental Science and Policy graduate student and her advisor, professor Dann Sklarew, to install the Forager’s Forest at George Mason University, bringing 1,900 native plants to campus.

According to Farley, “while University Sustainability focuses on ways to improve the university’s environmental impact, the core mission of any college or university is the learning component, and our operations group tries to lend itself as a tool for education as much as possible.” 

Julia Belvin, a senior majoring in environmental and sustainability studies, said “The course pushed my professional writing skills both through classroom instruction and the knowledge that my work would be read by working professionals.”

“Before this class, I don’t think I would have ever been inclined to raise my voice on issues I see on campus, because I didn’t think anyone would really listen,” said senior environmental science major Terrionna Cuthrell. “But Dr. Akerlof made it so we could talk to someone who would listen and who would care. And that was really cool.” 

Read more about the student's experience presenting to Virginia State Senator Stella Pekarsky.