Sena Schmidt
You probably wouldn’t know it just by passing through the bustling hallways as often as you do, but not only is Pierce a renowned agricultural school, but a science school as well.
Another thing you may find surprising is that Pierce has their own laboratory that is used to assist in crucial environmental problems, thanks to the Center for Environmental Technology, which works with the government to test new technologies that aid in treating such issues.
One of the people behind the center’s achievements is Pierce geology professor and environmental scientist Craig Meyer.
After receiving his master’s degree in geology from USC, Meyer came to Pierce in 1973, specializing in water treatment, among other environmental problems.
“I wanted Pierce to get credit for being the great science school it is,” Meyer said.
To get the permission needed to further his research, he contacted the president of the Academic Senate, Izzy Goodman and the Director for the Foundation for Pierce College, who, at that time, was Davia Solomon, currently a member of the board, manager of general operations and counselor for the center’s legal needs.
Once he was given consent, Meyer applied for grants, bought laboratory supplies for his projects and donated the supplies to the science departments once he was finished.
“He’s very invested and really loves to teach,” said Solomon, fondly. “He’s so inventive.”
The most recent development Meyer began working on was figuring out how to use ozone for the treatment of contaminated water systems, which he had prior experience doing when he helped major companies in the past treat similar dilemmas.
The money he gets paid mostly comes from consulting fees and from selling products he helps companies improve. The money is run through the foundation, where they take their share and the rest is used for Meyer to pay his student workers.
“He is an inventor, he’s fabulous; a tremendous asset to Pierce.” Solomon exclaimed.
She added, “He’s an all-around kind of guy.”
According to their website, pcenvironmental.org, the center also does basic research, impact statement work and offers a variety of certificate courses that are required by environmental workers.
In addition, the center has done product testing for many companies and performed field studies to determine the worth of systems in operation. Other studies done are on electrocoagulation, ozone production and cooling tower treatment systems. One test site for water treatment studies is Pierce’s own water towers.
The most publicized organization with which the center is currently involved is the Environmental Protection Agency. Meyer’s students write proposals dealing with a current environmental issue and send them to the EPA, who then choose 70 students to go to Washington, D.C. to make a full proposal.
If chosen, the EPA will pick only 10 proposals to fund and work on with the students.
“It’s a great opportunity,” said Meyer.
When he is not busy saving our planet one microscope and test-tube at a time, he is stressing the importance of science classes to his students, who, according to Meyer, don’t seem to find science important these days.
As for what’s in store for the center’s future, Meyer said, “I’m open to do something new I haven’t done before.” He added, “If you have an environmental problem nobody else will touch, come to us…those are the fun ones.”
