Level: Local (Municipal)

Focus: Improving sustainability education through curriculum development and city-level policy. 

We’re investigating how local school districts incorporate (or fail to incorporate) environmental literacy into their curricula. Our research involves analyzing local education standards, reviewing case studies of successful sustainability integration, and surveying students and educators. This work may culminate in the drafting of city ordinances or school board proposals that mandate climate literacy, support outdoor education programs, and allocate funds for sustainability-related extracurriculars.

Level: State 

Focus: Cutting emissions through public transportation reform, electrification of public fleets, and better accounting of Scope 3 emissions.

This project explores how state-level investments in public transit infrastructure can reduce transportation-related emissions, especially Scope 3 emissions that are often overlooked in reporting. Our research includes emissions modeling, policy benchmarking, and an equity analysis of underserved communities' access to clean transit. The legislative output could include a proposal for a statewide fleet electrification mandate, incentives for municipalities to expand low-emission transit, and improvements to emissions tracking and public reporting.

Level: Federal

Focus: Addressing the growing crisis of microplastic pollution through federal regulatory reform and public health research.

We are conducting a comprehensive review of microplastic sources, pathways, and impacts on both human health and marine ecosystems. Our team is compiling existing federal efforts, gaps in EPA/NIH regulation, and the latest scientific findings to guide meaningful reform. This research will inform policy proposals such as tighter regulations on plastic manufacturing, national water filtration standards, and funding for microplastic detection and mitigation technology.