Increasing the Access of Minority Institutions
to Chesapeake Bay Restoration Activities
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, D.C.
April 7-8, 1995
Workshop Report
June 1995
Scientific Technical Advisory Committee
Chesapeake Bay Program
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Recommendations
Session I. Scientific Opportunities
Section II. Student Involvement
Section III. Networking Opportunities
3. Appendices
Workshop Agenda
CRC Environmental Management Fellowship Description
Introduction
Representatives of Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) and state and federal agencies involved in
estuarine and aquatic research participated in a two-day workshop
on April 7-8, 1995, at the University of the District of Columbia.
The objectives of this workshop, sponsored by the Scientific and
Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), were (1) to identify courses
of action to improve access of HBCUs to Chesapeake Bay restoration
activities, and (2) to provide a forum for discussion and networking
among HBCUs and agencies associated with the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Recognizing that this was only a beginning for interaction, the
workshop was intended to catalyze the development of regular communication
between HBCUs and agencies.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Dr. Beverly Anderson,
Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of the District of
Columbia. Following her comments, Dr. Richard Jachowski introduced
the distinguished speakers. Plenary speakers were invited to share
their experiences and knowledge on a range of topics, as identified
in the workshop agenda (Appendix 1). Peter
Kostmayer provided an overview of the Environmental Protection
Agency's interests in environmental justice and ecosystem restoration.
Next, William Matuszeski described the Chesapeake Bay Program
and identified potential entry points for HBCUs to the Program.
Mark Bundy described lessons learned in minority recruitment efforts
by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Brad Brown discussed
the Gulf Coast Alliance of HBCUs and how their cooperation has
enabled them to expand research programs and networking opportunities,
and to establish partnerships with the business and private sectors.
Finally, Clarice Gaylord gave an overview of the background and
current directions of the environmental justice movement.
Two general points emerged from plenary presentations.
First, the lack of minority role models in science is one of the
biggest hindrances to recruitment. Second, all of the speakers
challenged workshop participants to develop creative and effective
courses of action that will attract under-represented groups to
the field of environmental science.
Following the plenary session, participants assembled
into three smaller working groups to address specific problem
areas: scientific opportunities, student involvement, and networking.
A moderator was assigned to lead each breakout session and a speaker
began each session with prepared remarks intended to launch a
spirited discussion. In the plenary session on the second day,
results of the breakout sessions were presented and discussed.
The resulting recommendations are listed in
the following three sections of this report.
Many of the recommendations arising in individual working
groups were not uniquely related to the goal of that group. Recommended
actions might be successfully applied toward other workshop goals.
Further, while recommendations generally were directed at the
Chesapeake Bay Program, the Scientific and Technical Advisory
Committee and HBCUs, they might be equally applicable to other
parties.
A directory of workshop participants is included in
this report (Appendix II). Chesapeake Bay Program
agencies and HBCUs are encouraged to use this list as a basis
for networking and distribution of requests for proposals.
The Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee and
the members of the workshop steering committee are grateful to
the plenary speakers, breakout session speakers, and moderators
for providing a framework for discussion. The University of the
District of Columbia was an excellent host for this event. Thanks
are extended to the workshop participants, particularly those
representing HBCUs, for their active participation and contribution
of ideas. Staff assistance was provided by Paula Hill, Alex Cuthbert,
and Sue Mageau of the Chesapeake Research Consortium, Inc.
Recommendations
Session I. Scientific Opportunities
Goal: To identify possible linkages between Chesapeake
Bay Program and other research opportunities and HBCUs interests
and capabilities.
- Attend meetings. The best
way for HBCU representatives and others to become more aware
of existing opportunities is to regularly attend CBP subcommittee
meetings. For more information on the CBP, subcommittees, and
meeting schedules please call 1-800-YOUR- BAY (1-800-968-7229).
All CBP meetings are open to observers. By participating in these
meetings, representatives will become more familiar with how
these subcommittees work. In spring, subcommittee members begin
the strategic planning process to prioritize research needs and
activities. Subsequently, each CBP subcommittee submits its own
annual budget request in the fall. Subcommittees then distribute
Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to invite research proposals on
particular topics. By attending meetings, or establishing regular
communication with a subcommittee member, HBCU representatives
will have access to RFP announcements and other important information.
Each subcommittee establishes its own membership and becoming
a member may require persistence, with the incentive being that
members have input into all subcommittee activities and allocations.
- Revise funding policies.
Currently, it can be difficult for "outsiders" to gain
access to Bay Program funding. One of the recommendations is
to stimulate thinking among subcommittees to allow opportunities
for newcomers to present their ideas. The CBP should consider
modifying the current funding process to allow newcomers an opportunity
to present their ideas and proposals.
- Increase awareness of HBCUs.
HBCUs should develop and distribute lists of their research expertise
and abilities. A regional directory of HBCUs containing this
information might also serve to increase awareness of existing
capabilities in our watershed.
- Collaborative projects.
By collaborating on research projects, regional HBCUs could pool
funding, share equipment and expertise, as well as gain Baywide
recognition. With the combined resources, these projects could
be multi-disciplinary and involve students. Another option to
develop collaborative projects is to enter into Memoranda of
Understanding with other research agencies. Regional HBCUs and
non-profits (i.e.-the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation) or urban initiatives (i.e.-
the Elizabeth River Project or the Anacostia River), may combine
forces to champion particular issues.
- Explore other funding sources.
Participants identified several private sector funding sources
(Howard Hughes Foundation, Kellogg Foundation) and various others,
such as National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection
Agency (e.g. Office of Water, Office of Environmental
Justice), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(e.g. SeaGrant). The directory of alternative funding
sources compiled by the CBP in 1995 is a useful guide.
Session II. Student Involvement
Goal: To identify mechanisms of increasing student
awareness regarding opportunities for participation with the Chesapeake
Bay Program.
- Encourage interdisciplinary
research. Participants expressed a desire to see undergraduate
and graduate level institutions develop more interdisciplinary
environmental courses. This expands student exposure to the different
educational and career options available, as well as encourages
them to synthesize material.
- Actively recruit minorities
into science. Minorities often overlook the sciences, especially
environmental and marine science, as career options because very
few role models currently exist. Students, especially minorities,
need to be exposed to these fields in the lower level grades.
By the time students reach high school, many have already decided
whether or not to pursue higher education. Increased exposure
at earlier ages may encourage more students to continue their
education.
- Make research more interesting.
In addition to recruitment, efforts to make science more interesting
are required. By demonstrating scientific applications, basic
principles become much easier to understand. Additionally, institutions
need to increase opportunities for hands-on student research,
either within home institutions or through exchange programs
with other agencies or institutions.
- Utilize existing programs.
Several existing programs are available to involve students in
research projects. The Chesapeake Research Consortium manages
a fellowship program for the Chesapeake Bay Program (see
Appendix II). Fellows, usually recent college graduates,
work within the Bay Program for one to two years gaining experience.
This program exposes fellows to a broad spectrum of research
and management opportunities. Other programs to target for student
involvement are urban initiatives, SeaGrant, and the National
Science Foundation. Student internships are also offered through
various offices within the Environmental Protection Agency, such
as the Office of Environmental Justice. Additionally, several
regional science centers may offer volunteer/paid positions:
Nauticus (Norfolk, Virginia); the Columbus Center (Baltimore,
Maryland), the Baltimore Aquarium (Baltimore, Maryland); and
the Virginia Marine Science Museum (Norfolk, Virginia).
Session III. Networking Opportunities
Goal: To identify ways of accessing information
and contacting people within relevant federal, state, and local
agencies.
- Increase interaction. As
government funding for many research activities is reduced, access
to funding becomes more and more critical. By utilizing existing
means of communication, information on available funding and
research opportunities can be shared. This can be accomplished
through electronically-accessed discussion groups, newsletters,
workshops, etc. Forming inter- institutional partnerships can
help to pool resources and equipment. Other existing mechanisms
to utilize include the Chesapeake Research Consortium and STAC.
The Chesapeake Research Consortium is an independent non-profit
organization comprised of several Chesapeake Bay research institutions.
The Consortium was established as a means of pulling together
expertise and equipment to focus on Bay research issues. Currently,
the Consortium consists of six research institutions that contribute
dues for membership privileges. Additionally, STAC recently reorganized
an Education and Communication Workgroup to increase technical
communication and education efforts. STAC also has a Human Dimensions
Workgroup to provide an interdisciplinary viewpoint to resource
management decisions. One of the workgroup's objectives is to
make recommendations to STAC on mechanisms to increase the participation
of women and minorities in CBP research and management. Members
of these workgroups developed the idea for this workshop and
have access to a wide variety of communication tools.
- Expand education efforts.
More educational programs for minority groups are necessary to
increase their awareness and involvement. Unfortunately, many
minority groups face more immediate day-to-day concerns than
pollution or the overharvest of our living resources. Environmental
justice programs are currently in place to help protect unaware
communities of potential environmental hazards. Without targeted
education efforts, it is extremely hard to secure funds or mobilize
minority communities.
Appendices
Appendix I
Workshop Agenda
University of the District of Columbia, Washington,
DC
STAC Workshop, April 7-8, 1995
Friday, April 7
Building 44, Auditorium A-03
10 am Opening Remarks
Welcome and Announcements Harriette Phelps
Workshop Overview, Steering Committee Chair Richard Jachowski
10:30 Plenary Presentations
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator, US EPA Region III Peter Kostmayer
The US EPA Chesapeake Bay Program
Director, Chesapeake Bay Program William Matuszeski
Working Within State Agencies
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Mark Bundy
Minority Involvement: Critical to the Success
of the Chesapeake Bay Program
Director, Nat'l Marine Fisheries Service,
SE Fisheries Center Brad Brown
Environmental justice Issues
US EPA, Office of Environmental justice Clarice Gaylord
11:50 Introduction to Afternoon Sessions Richard Jachowski
noon Lunch Buffet Lobby
1:00 pm Breakout Sessions: Identifying Barriers and Opportunities
I. Scientific Opportunities Room 111
Elizabeth Gillelan, session moderator
Johnathan Wilson, opening presentation
Session goal: To identify possible linkages between
Chesapeake Bay Program opportunities and
HBCU interests and capabilities.
II. Student Involvement Room 113
George Burbanck, session moderator
Isai Urasa, opening presentation
Session goal: To identify mechanisms of increasing
student awareness regarding
opportunities for participation
with the Chesapeake Bay Program.
III. Networking Room 121
Charlene Creamer and Peter Marx, session moderators
Sarah Pugh, opening presentation
Session goal: To identify ways to access information
and contact people within relevant
federal, state, and local agencies.
3:00 Afternoon Break
3:15 Breakout Sessions: Identifying Solutions and Recommendations
Sessions reconvene to develop specific, action-oriented
recommendations for the problems identified during
earlier discussions.
I. Scientific Opportunities Room 111
II. Student Involvement Room 113
III. Networking Room 121
5:00 Evening Reception Lobby
Saturday, April 8,
Building 44, Room 110
8:30 am Opening Remarks Richard Jachowski
8:40 Breakout Session Results
Session moderators present recommendations from breakout sessions.
I . Scientific Opportunities
II. Student Involvement
III. Networking
10:00 am Break
10:15 Group Discussion: Next Steps Richard Jachowski, moderator
noon Workshop Adjourns
Appendix II
Chesapeake Research Consortium, Inc.
Environmental Management Fellowships
- The Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC) offers Environmental
Management Fellowships, providing individuals with opportunities
for professional development. CRC Fellows work with the Chesapeake
Bay Program (CBP), a partnership of federal and state agencies,
interstate bodies, and citizen-advisory groups. Individuals gain
experience from their work with scientific and technical committee
members as well as CBP officials.
- Qualifications: CRC Fellowships
are open to individuals with a variety of educational and professional
experience. Priority is given to candidates with MS/MA or BS/BA
degrees in natural sciences or in environmental management and
protection. Most assignments require backgrounds in natural sciences
and environmental management in addition to writing and communication
skills. Some assignments require more specialized education and
experience, such as computer or statistical skills or agricultural
education or experience. Up to eight fellowships become available
throughout the year. Fellowships are limited to two years; and
candidates are asked to commit for at least one year.
- Description of Assignments:
Fellows are assigned to the Chesapeake Bay Program, supporting
CBP management and various technical committee chairs/staff,
located in EPA/NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Program Offices in Annapolis,
Maryland. CRC Fellows staff CBP committees on Living Resources,
Monitoring, Nutrients, Modeling, Toxics, Budget, and Program
Management. Fellows provide staff support to committees and their
staffs, including arranging meetings, preparing position papers
on technical issues, and handling necessary documentation.
- Salary: Salaries are based
on the individual's education level. Performance is evaluated
every six months and salaries are adjusted as appropriate. Individuals
are paid for federal holidays and five days of annual leave per
year. A health-benefits package is also available for Fellows.
In addition to the experience gained through their work assignments,
CRC Fellows also attend professional conferences and workshops.
Approved courses of study at local colleges and universities
may also be supported.
- To Apply: Submit your resume
to: Fellowship Program, Chesapeake Research Consortium, 645 Contees
Wharf Road, Edgewater, Maryland 21037. Please include information
about your education and professional background, as well as
your immediate and long-term career goals. CRC retains resumes
of applicants for up to six months and will review application
files as new positions become available.
- CRC is an equal opportunity/affirmative
action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, disability, veteran
status, or national origin. CRC maintains a drug-free workplace.
Appendix III
Directory of Participants
Dr. Henry Aceto
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Assoc. Dean-Grad. Studies
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
phone: (804) 642-7108
e-mail: aceto@vims.edu
Dr. Kenneth Bell
Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Delaware State University
Dover, DE 19901
Dr. William Bias
Md. Dept. of Natural Resources
Tawes State Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
phone: (410) 974-2261
Dr. Brad Brown
Nat'l Marine Fisheries
Service Director, SE Fisheries Center
75 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
phone: (305) 361-4286
e-mail: bbrown@semi3sefc.noaa.gov
Mr. Alvin Brunson
Md. Dept. of Natural Resources
Office of Recruitment
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
phone: (410) 974-2863
Dr. Mark Bundy
Md. Dept. of Natural Resources
Tawes State Office Building
Power Plant Research Program
Annapolis, MD 21401
phone: (410) 974-2261
Dr. George Burbanck Hampton
University Marine and Environmental Sciences
Hampton, VA 23668
phone: (804) 727-5783
Mr. James Butler
Environmental Regulation Administration
DC Dept. of Consumer and Reg. Affairs
2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20020
phone: (202) 645-6617
Mr. Jon Capacasa
US EPA-Chesapeake Bay Program
Deputy Director, Region III
841 Chestnut Building
Philadelphia, PA 19107
phone: (215) 597-8228
Ms. Charlene Creamer
US EPA, Region III
841 Chestnut Building
Philadelphia, PA 19107
phone: (215) 597-7771
Mr. Alex Cuthbert
Chesapeake Research Consortium, Inc.
645 Contees Wharf Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
phone: (301) 261-4500
Dr. Clarice Gaylord
US EPA-Office of Environmental Justice
401 M Street, SW MC3103
Washington, DC 20460
phone: (202) 260-6357
Ms. Elizabeth Gillelan
NOAA-Chesapeake Bay Office
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A
Annapolis, MD 21403
phone: (410) 267-5661
Mr. Ibrahima Goodwin
US EPA-Office of Water
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
phone: (202) 260-1308
Dr. M. Grant Gross
Chesapeake Research Consortium, Inc.
645 Contees Wharf Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
phone: (301) 261-4500
Ms. Paula Hill
Chesapeake Research Consortium, Inc.
645 Contees Wharf Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
phone: (301) 261-4500
Dr. Charles Hocutt
Coastal Ecology Research Laboratory
University of Maryland-Eastern Shore
Pricess Anne, MD 21853
phone: (410) 651-6028
Dr. Richard Jachowski
National Biological Service
Patuxent Environmental Science Center
11410 American Holly Drive
Laurel, MD 20708-4015
phone: (301) 497-5620
e-mail: richard-jachowski@nbs.gov
Dr. Gus Jackson
Sojourner Douglas College
500 N. Caroline St.
Baltimore, MD 21205
phone: (410) 276-0306
Dr. Waldon Kerns
Va. Polytechnic Inst. and State University
321A Hutcheson Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
phone: (703) 231-5995
e-mail: kernsw@vt.edu
Mr. Peter Kostmayer
US EPA Region III
Regional Administrator
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
phone: (215) 597-7771
Ms. Sue Mageau
Chesapeake Research Consortium, Inc.
645 Contees Wharf Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
phone: (301) 261-4500
e-mail: smageau@cbl.edu.edu
Dr. Roslyn March-Amegadizie
Cheyney University
c/o 412 Hillside Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
phone: (610) 399-2328
Mr. Peter Marx
US EPA-Chesapeake Bay Program
410 Severn Avenue
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
phone: (410) 267-5713
Mr. William Matuszeski
US EPA
Director, Chesapeake Bay Program Office
410 Severn Avenue
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
phone: (410) 267-5700
Dr. Garry Mayer
NOAA Restoration Center
1335 East-West Highway, F/HP5
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226
phone: (301) 713-0174
e-mail: garry-mayer@ccgate.sst.nmfs.gov
Ms. Kate Naughten
Chesapeake Bay Program
Communication Office
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109
Annapolis, MD 21403
phone: (410) 267-5758
e-mail: knaughten@chesie.epa.gov
Dr. Udomah Ohiri
6503 Edgerton Street
Prince George's County
Lanham, MD 20706
phone: (301) 883-7164
Dr. Cecil Payton
Morgan State University
Executive Asst. to the President
Baltimore, MD 21239
phone: (410) 319-3035
Dr. Bernard Petrosky
Delaware State University
Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources
1200 N. DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901-2277
phone: (302) 739-5189
Dr. Harriette Phelps
University of the District of Columbia
c/o 7822 Hanover Parkway, Apt. 303
Greenbelt, MD 20770
phone: (202) 274-5888
Dr. DeLois Powell
University of Maryland-Eastern Shore
Asst. Professor, Dept. of Natural Sciences
2101 Carver Hall
Princess Anne, MD 21853
phone: (410) 651-6040
Ms. Sarah Pugh
Va. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 1163
Richmond, VA 23209
phone: (804) 786-3539
Dr. Steve Rebach
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD 21853
phone: (410) 651-6013
Dr. David Royer
Lincoln University
Lincoln University, PA 19352
phone: (610) 932-8300, ext. 3511
email: royer@lu.lincoln.edu
Dr. Mohsin Siddique
DC Dept. of Consumer and Reg. Affairs
Environmental Regulatory Administration
2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE
Suite 203
Washington, DC 20020
phone: (202) 645-6617
e-mail: msiddique@aol.com
Dr. Nancy Page
Smith St. Mary's College of Maryland
General Delivery
St. Mary's City, MD 20686
phone: (301) 862-0405
Dr. Tossie Taylor
Delaware State University
Vice-President of Academic Affairs
Dover, DE 19901
phone: (302) 739-4904
Mr. Clint Turner
University of the District of Columbia
Cooperative Extension Service
901 Newton St., NE
Washington, DC 20017
phone: (202) 274-6901
Dr. Isai Urasa
Hampton University
Chemistry Department
Hampton, VA 23668
phone: (804) 727-5396
e-mail: urasa@hamptonu.edu
Dr. Johnathan Wilson
Morgan State University
Biology Department
Coldspring Lane and Hillen Road
Baltimore, MD 21239
phone: (410) 319-3304
Dr. Gloria Wyche-Moore
University of the District of Columbia
Dept. of Biology and Environmental Science
2011 Franklin Street, NE
Washington, DC 20018-2545