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Public Service Research Program

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Engagement & Outreach

Previously known as "outreach", engagement is a term that conveys a commitment to partnership and collaboration between university and external entities in the addressing of issues of public concern. Our engagement work focuses on the environment. We design and implement strategies which a) create bridges and partnerships with external entities, agencies, and communities, and b) foster the capacity of university faculty, staff and students for environmental and civic engagement. These strategies often result in solution-oriented research and outreach projects.

 
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Partnerships

Partnerships create bridges across institutions and boundaries, connecting the University with agencies, communities, and the public, linking engagement with education, research, and policy. Partnerships promote community-based environmental learning and decision making, and can lead to collaborative research and engagement projects related to environmental issues or problems.

  • Putah Creek Discovery Corridor Cooperative
  • Learning Places
Photo: Environmental Liaison Program

Environmental Liaison Program

The Environmental Liaison Program provides opportunities for graduate students to link their academic learning to real world practice. These experiences lead to solution-oriented research and engagement and build environmental leaders. The Environmental Liaison program brings science into decision-making on the individual, community, and policy level. Liaisons work with: 1) communities, 2) schools and school-based environmental educational entities, and 3) policy makers and governmental entities.

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Community-Based Environmental Projects

Community-based projects link UC Davis graduate student Liaisons with community members to address environmental issues and solve local environmental problems, primarily in California. The resulting collaborations develop environmental and civic engagement skills and experiences for both the students and community members. Topics range from creek restoration, natural resource protection, regional growth, development and land use changes, community design, place-based identity, watershed health and conservation, air quality, environmental justice, and human health. Techniques for engaging with community members include public education, community science, community mapping, and participatory research.