Monica Markley RESEARCH INTERESTS I am a first generation, non-traditional college student, and a single parent of two teenagers. Returning to school in the latter part of my life may help to explain my multiple interests of study. Acceptance to the Master’s of Environmental Sciences & Policy program has definitely accommodated this variance. This particular program is unique for integrating social and natural science disciplines to improve communications for effective environmental planning and decision making. It is one of the first of its kind in the country and offers students the flexibility to construct a degree of specialized focus. Having this range of freedom has allowed me to experience several different aspects of environmental science so that I may identify where my true niche lies. I have also extended my time at NAU to indulge the need for obtaining a Certificate in Public Management. The U.S. government makes rules and regulations concerning the management of our natural resources that generally leans toward the economic benefit of the greater good, and only recognizes the accumulated ill effects as an after thought. This tends to infuriate the more environmentally conscious members of our population. Of course, when asked, most people will claim to advocate for clean air and water, etc., although they do not vote accordingly during elections or attempt to minimize their impacts beyond forced recycling. The vast majority puts the weight of this decision-making on the government, believing those in charge will make the appropriate choices to maintain environmental integrity. The decision-making process affecting policy should rely considerably on information gathered by natural and social science experts alike, but sometimes recommendations, suggestions, and/or conclusions are lost in the translation of unfamiliar lingo and inappropriate measures of scientific uncertainty. It is difficult for the experts to find a common platform of comprehensible communication. The natural science aspect of my research interest involves studying the phytoremediation of soil metals, in particular arsenic. I will be investigating this process using sunflowers by providing them a gradient of arsenic, a low or high level of phosphate, and the presence or absence of AM fungi to aid (or not aid) in the uptake of nutrients and/or arsenic. The social science aspect of my research interest involves exploring the policy implications of the phytoremediation process, which includes reviewing the strengths and limitations of the standards and procedures set by the U.S. EPA and how they are implemented. I will also be reviewing the regulation and management of mycorrhizae used as an ingredient in soil amendments/fertilizers in the Americas. It may be exceptional curiosity or it could be due to the fact that my astrological sign is Libra, but whatever the reason I have always felt it important to understand the perspectives of all sides concerning a situation. I truly believe it is imperative in the decision-making process that those making the decisions make it their business to know as much as they are possibly able. When all is said and done, I hope to have a clearer understanding of how both the natural and social science involved in the phytoremediation process operates in order to apply what I learn to a future career in Environmental Planning. CURRENT PROJECTS Email Address: mam353@dana.ucc.nau.edu |