UMass Amherst: NRE Year in Review

Creating the next leaders

The Environmental Sciences program is teaming up with Spectrum Analytical, Inc., one of the leading environmental labs in the New England region, to provide unique educational opportunities for students.

President/CEO and Laboratory Director Hanibal C. Tayeh, Ph.D., has been a strong advocate and supporter of the Environmental Sciences program for more than eight years. Under his direction, Spectrum has provided 28 internships, of which 26 were hired as employees upon graduation.

Linking the curriculum to needed workplace skills is a key concern for Guy Lanza, Director of the Environmental Sciences program. To address the issue, Guy frequently consults with Dr. Tayeh. "He keeps us up-to-date, current in what is happening in the environmental analysis industry and what skills are needed," says Guy. "We try to incorporate this information into the curriculum, into the way the program educates students and prepares them for careers in environmental sciences."

This emphasis on ensuring students graduate with the right skills naturally led to the idea of creating a new series of courses, team taught by Guy and Dr. Tayeh. The courses will be taught on-site in Spectrum's modern 20,000 square-foot lab, and will provide students with practical experience using state-of-the-art equipment. Most importantly, the courses will teach students the procedures that are required to meet environmental standards set by federal and state environmental agencies.

"This course model will shorten the distance between theory and application," says Dr. Tayeh. Spectrum employee Matthew Picard (ES '97) agrees. "I had a science background, but Spectrum provided lots of training, and I did a lot of reading on standard operating procedures followed by hands-on learning," says Matthew.

Guy points out that the courses will teach students how to use modern chemistry to do environmental analysis and to solve environmental problems. "It's a good way to give students direct laboratory practice. It will make our graduates more competitive in the job market," says Guy.

Dr. Tayeh enjoys supporting the program. "It's very important to be part of the creation of leadership, to help provide the full range of educational opportunities for future environmental scientists. At the same time, we're also promoting an understanding of and commitment to the benefits of a healthful and peaceful coexistence with the environment."