Let's learn about a federal bill for ecological management of the Great Lakes!

As part of my graduate studies in Environmental Science & Policy at Columbia, we conduct a simulation where my team (of 9 other wonderful students) and I (pretend) we work for the federal government on a piece of proposed legislation.

In the summer semester, we analyze the science behind the problem and proposed solution. In the fall semester, we conduct a simulation where the legislation has passed and we are creating an implementation plan that includes a staffing plan, budget proposal, and recommendations on other aspects of implementing the legislation to maximize public benefit and feasibility.

My team and I spent two semesters working on the Great Lakes Ecological and Economic Protection Act of 2015, which provides funding and federal administration for Phase II of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. At the end of every semester, we present a final briefing to our colleagues, faculty, and other guests. I had the pleasure of presenting the fall semester final briefing, so here it is in all its youtube glory:

Please take a look and if you would like to know more, check out our final report here. 

I will admit that this is not my first appearance in an educational video on youtube... And since you asked so nicely, here is 15-year-old-me in a video about frog watching produce by the Mystic Aquarium!

I hope you enjoyed my teenage enthusiasm for amphibians! Thanks for watching!