The Water Science Communications Fellowship offers undergraduate students a $500 stipend to explore careers in environmental science and communication. Participants will attend five to seven project meetings, three field trips, and collaborate on a group project. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. This opportunity, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Fill out the Water Science Fellowship interest form to learn more!

The EFC is conducting a strategic planning initiative to help the Kansas Forest Service enhance service effectiveness for rural landowners. This process will involve evaluating current outreach efforts and resource allocation, aligning initiatives with the Kansas Forest Service's mission, and conducting interviews with staff and constituents. Based on this information, the EFC will develop a comprehensive assessment that includes actionable recommendations for organizational improvements.

Contact: jeffrey.severin@wichita.edu

The Mass Notification System (MNS) project aims to enhance communication and safety across the Kansas City Region, covering nine counties. Our comprehensive study will assess the current usage and capabilities of MNS, identify gaps in response times, and recognize key public segments that require improved notifications. By exploring best practices and gathering insights from stakeholders, including local emergency professionals, the project seeks to deliver actionable recommendations, ultimately strengthening intergovernmental communication and ensuring efficient environmental emergency responses for communities.

Contact: jeffrey.severin@wichita.edu

 

The City of Omaha Stormwater Department and the Omaha Public School District are leading the way in environmental protection and youth environmental education with their unique partnership. The WSU EFC, in partnership with the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, created tools and resources for Omaha Public School's Green Infrastructure Toolkit and Education Project.

The project included real-world guidance for stormwater load reductions for school grounds, classroom lessons that connect green infrastructure to student learning, and resources for school administrators and maintenance crews to promote and maintain projects into the future.

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When residential and industrial properties are in a floodplain, there is an increased risk of flooding, social burdens, financial hazards and adverse environmental impacts. This was the case in the Meramec Watershed in East-Central Missouri. The Environmental Finance Center conducted a cost-benefit analysis for the Lower Meramec Watershed in Missouri that showed that there is value in nature-based solutions that convert the land in the floodplain back to its most natural form. Learn More »

The EFC developed a searchable online database so that communities could match funding options with their Meramec watershed projects. Although this tool is designed for Meramec River initiative, it is also applicable and functional for all Missouri watershed projects.
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According to EPA’s 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes, radon causes an estimated 21,100 lung cancer deaths each year. Radon-caused cancer prevention can be simple and inexpensive. To make greater progress towards reducing the risk and costs of radon-related lung cancer Nebraska and Kansas families, the EFC will partner with local decision makers to develop a community outreach and education event that encourages medical and public health professionals to ask the Key Question: “Have you tested your home for radon?” to their patients. Learn more and access resources here.

The EFC is currently producing an educational video to raise public awareness about the importance of having homes tested for radon. This video, available in both English and Spanish, can be shown in the waiting areas of doctor's offices and hospitals, as well as shared on social media platforms.

Contact: tyler.cotner@wichita.edu

The 2025 Midwest Lead Summit was held online on Sept. 9, 2025. The event brought together over 200 public health experts, policymakers, and community leaders to address pressing issues surrounding lead exposure and public health across the Midwest. 

If you missed this event, want to rewatch a presentation or would like to view a session that you did not attend, please check out the presentation summaries, recordings and resources on the summit webpage.

Contact: brian.bohnsack@wichita.edu

This project focuses on education and community outreach regarding the use of Integrated Pest Management strategies to control pests in a way that provides and healthier environment for everyone, but is also cost-efficient and effective. Learn More »

Children spend much time in daycare and schools, making it essential for these environments to be safe and healthy. Indoor air quality affects learning and school performance. This project develops a practical decision-making tool for Kansas schools and childcare facilities to address indoor air pollution, reduce respiratory diseases, increase attendance, and enhance school achievement.

It provides evidence-based tools and actions for school leaders to address rising outdoor air pollution, protecting indoor air where children learn and play. Learn More »