After the rating, the reviewers from the higher education institutions said this, ''The review team finds that the ENTX graduate program meets its vision very well. The self-study provides data indicating that in the area of environmental toxicology, the program stands at or near the top of graduate programs…In general, the graduate program in ENTX is rated as one of the leading, if not the leading, program in the country.''[1]
Environmental and health sciences research and education, the review team, 2006.
It's an honor to have a highly regarded school for environmental studies located in the United States and especially Texas, a state which also saw devastation by Hurricane Katrina. The United States has begun to budget financially for more research and study into environmental problems. There have been some exciting developments in harnessing the wind and sun into energy to run corporation's energy needs. They have discovered how to transform garbage into energy and pipe it into facilities to use it to clean water and to produce steam to run machinery. This means no polluting emissions are released into the atmosphere. It's a small step but it is being done here in the United States with hope of developing the new science in mass use.
The award winning health and environmental program at Texas Tech has research programs with emphasis in the following areas:
- "Analytical Toxicology
- Aquatic Toxicology
- Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
- Bio-terrorism Countermeasures
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Epidemiology
- Human Health Sciences
- Modeling and GIS
- Non woven and Advanced Materials
- Eco toxicology"[1]
This is a very exciting time to consider an advanced degree in Environmental studies. New developments are likely to be discovered at a fast pace with the emphasis in research. Perhaps you will be the next scientist that works on a solution to resolve an environmental problem that results in a cleaner atmosphere.
Post doctoral positions in environmental studies are involved even today in research and study into ways to change our environment. This means graduates with their doctorate degrees are being hired by universities and firms specifically to put us on the cutting edge to solve environmental and the related health issues. The positions start around $37,000 a year in compensation which can be paid by the university and sometimes funded by federal or private foundation monies.
Here are few articles that show universities advertising for Post Doctoral graduates in Environmental studies. Note the area of study and the responsibilities of the position, which can differ from study to study.
Position: Postdoctoral Fellowship Position in Environmental Studies
Location: Louisiana
Date posted: 1/5/2009
"Environmental Studies: Louisiana invites applications for a two-year post-doctoral fellowship position in Environmental Studies beginning fall 2009. The Fellowship is generously funded by a grant to the Associated Colleges of the South from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Responsibilities will include teaching 3 courses per academic year, working with existing faculty to improve environmental studies offerings, and conducting research. PhD in Environmental Studies or related field (Sociology, Geography, Urban Studies, Anthropology), a strong interest in teaching, and a commitment to scholarship are required. The successful applicant will receive a competitive stipend, moving allowance, group health and dental insurance, and research and travel funds. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with review beginning February 2, 2009. To apply, send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, transcripts from all institutions of higher learning, and three letters of recommendation.
'Post-Doctoral Scholar, Environmental Studies',Higher Education.jobs, 12/05/2008
Here's another position being advertised for a school in Texas and the research is also in Toxicology in Environmental studies. Note the salary is quite a bit above the average salaries for post doctoral positions in environmental studies. Could it be that this is a better funded area in which to work right now? This is a definite possibility. Change the World!
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies
Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies
"Position Summary:
The Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies (TRIES) is searching for a highly motivated and talented research scientist with an expertise in Environmental Toxicology. The candidate's research program may focus on either aquatic or terrestrial systems. A state-of-the-art and professionally staffed Analytical Laboratory is available to assist in chemical and analytical analyses to fully facilitate the candidates research productivity. The candidate also will be expected to write and submit grants to external funding agencies and make strong attempts to acquire additional research funding. The successful candidate will be expected to interact with a highly reputable research faculty and graduate program within the Department of Biological Sciences at Sam Houston State University. Both graduate and undergraduate students will be available for assistance in the candidate's research program with the option to formally train and mentor graduate students.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Biology, Zoology, or related fields with specialization in Toxicology, Endocrinology, or Ecology
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently
Record of publication in scholarly journals
Demonstrated research interests which compliment the TRIES mission
Appointment:
This full time 12-month appointment is eligible for health insurance benefits and participation in a state retirement program with a competitive salary range of $38,000 - $45,000 depending on experience and qualifications."3
'Postdoctoral Research Fellowship', L. Schmidt, January 16, 2009.
