University researchers are now focusing their attention toward helping the environment.
Penn State joined forces with three other schools in a new program that will attempt to find ways for chemical companies to reduce harmful emissions into the environment.
The Emissions Reduction Research Center (ERRC), headed by Dan Watts from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, is comprised of graduate students and professionals from four member universities -- the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NJIT, Ohio State University and Penn State. The ERRC began operation last year.
Archie J. McDonnell, director of the Environmental Resources Research Institute at University Park, said the ERRC will investigate the properties of several chemicals the Environmental Protection Agency lists as priorities because of environmentally harmful characteristics.
The program will make future manufacturing safer for the environment, McDonnell said, adding that the research is important because some companies use unsafe production methods.
"Just about every operation has some kind of waste residue," McDonnell said.
Watts said the four schools were chosen for their research facilities and engineering programs.
"Penn State offered some areas of expertise that the other schools couldn't," he said. "But as team, in total, we could address all aspects of the problem," he added.
And students at the colleges eventually will benefit from the research.
"Since there is mostly faculty on the teams, the information would be passed down the classrooms," Watts said. "Of course, the companies will gain from us, but in the long run everyone involved will have learned something."
The ERRC is funded by several key companies that could find useful applications for the technology because many of them are involved with chemicals and pharmaceuticals. McDonnell said funding also comes from government agencies such as the EPA.
Jen Morton, coordinator of the Undergraduate Student Government Committee for Environmental Issues, said the program has good intentions but should include more students.
McDonnell said progress reports will be available on request at the Land and Water Research Building on campus.
"We have our own library facilities here," he said. "Students are welcome to come up and use them."
