assistance/outreach through STAR scholars

[Loretta Ishida <ishidalo@yahoo.com>]

In my introduction, I mentioned that I had been an EPA STAR 
fellow during my master's level studies.  This is a great program 
that the EPA has to support graduate studies and research.  I 
found it was an effective way in which the EPA invested people 
who would continue to contribute to the science of environmental 
issues.  There were also a few scholars, such as myself, working 
on the social science aspects of environmental concerns.  

One thing I felt the EPA did not take advantage of was the actual 
knowledge being generated by the scholars.  In relation to this 
dialog, perhaps there can be more outreach to potential scholars 
who want to study and work in the realm of public outreach and 
citizen participation.  The EPA can then help advance work in 
this area and support people who could continue to bring public 
input into EPA activities.

In addition, the pool of STAR fellows could be used to gather 
input on various issues.  These students may fit into categories 
of stakeholders as individuals, but also may have access to other 
stakeholders through their professional and research contacts.

For more information on the STAR fellowship program, please see
http://es.epa.gov/ncerqa/fellow/