UROP Project | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Sustainability, Water Quality, Rural Planning, Public Health, Environmental Justice

Research Mentor: Elio Fernandez, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: Urban and Regional Planning, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: efernandez3@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday Sept. 4 from 12-12:30 https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97772390722
RECORDING: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/pbhokdKloKNBaGF8vbcm9gp8ldBvhiGHMi8GjqYn5EvfnVbZspA0mKzd2BxhCdhf.exH-VCFM2Wz9aUWU?startTime=1725465224000

Wednesday Sept. 4 from 12:30-1 https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99020416971
RECORDING: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/YC60NM5qbu9s7NXpqvYTvXeKNNyEnMBANoYlWV5mx5cecfs0Trak3rvGV9hpex1q.GOGUuIIvHXD-BDpM?startTime=1725467485000

Thursday Sept. 5 from 12-12:30 https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94637931318
RECORDING: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/V9BozTq2ZIX0dvqwoAnXk2PKwlRPqczCcr8HzX6qs-RpH35HDk_z5qbnyKVkQo8T.HvOAf7UqWBHJBy-f?startTime=1725551790000

Before reaching out for an interview, please send a copy of your resume, CV, and/or a letter explaining your research interests (couple of sentences).

Project Description

The purpose of this research project is to broaden our understanding of Sustainability as the world's population grows and becomes more developed. Sustainability research continues to emphasize the value of recycling waste in conserving the earth's natural resources and promoting a healthy and functioning environment. The literature on planning and development has expanded on this concept to provide insight on various approaches to achieve environmental sustainability for future generations and to ensure that diverse needs are being met when multiple actors are involved. Several case studies, however, have highlighted negative environmental and social impacts associated with the improper management of biosolids and limitations in regional planning between urban and rural areas.

Biosolids, another term for human waste that is treated and returned to the environment for beneficial purposes (mainly agricultural), are considered a sustainable resource due to their high nutrient content which contributes to soil health and plant growth. Several cases, however, have described negative environmental and social impacts resulting from the improper treatment of contaminants that are released into the environment and make their way back into the food chain. These studies have also identified environmental justice concerns in rural communities associated with a lack of participation in regional planning and an inequitable distribution of pollution and public nuisances.

To address these concerns, this research will review trends and gaps in the literature on sustainability and regional planning between urban and rural areas. The results of this research will contribute to a more holistic understanding of sustainability and regional planning that considers broader interactions and more long-term implications of waste management in a world that continues to grow and is increasingly interconnected.

Research Tasks: This research will require a literature review based on annotated bibliographies and structured content analysis to identify main themes, trends, and gaps in research presented in environmental, sociological, and planning literature. Main themes, trends, and gaps will be organized and synthesized to present a general summary of the literature.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: It is recommended that the research assistant is familiar with scholarly databases such as FSU Libraries and Google Scholar. The research assistant should also be comfortable with reviewing and documenting information from multiple articles and books.

Mentoring Philosophy

As part of my mentoring philosophy, I strive to create a productive learning environment where both the mentees and myself have the freedom to learn as much as possible in a way that is comfortable to all involved. I understand that everyone has a different way of learning and I must be flexible to accommodate various approaches. Communication based on transparency and accountability is key to maintaining a productive working relationship, and understanding that individuals also have and prefer different ways of communicating will help to ensure a smooth transfer of knowledge and inquiry. There is no right answer when it comes to evaluating complex social and environmental problems, so all input is extremely valuable. I constantly encourage the mentee to ask any questions that may pop up and I aim to provide as much feedback as possible to facilitate growth. From the beginning, I aim to have all of our goals and due dates laid out so the are no surprises down the road, and I always make myself available to answer any questions or discuss project related material.

Additional Information

This research will build on my recent work with 1000 Friends of Florida in evaluating recent biosolids management practices throughout Florida and the associated environmental and social impacts. There may be opportunities to expand on the UROP project in the future as we continue to raise awareness on the issue and increase our understanding of planning for sustainability. For now, this research project will be contributing to my dissertation work.

Link to Publications

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNuymLP9IA8

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