Delaware Tech program builds partnerships through environmental stewardship
Local environmental businesses in Sussex County will see the first Environmental Engineering Technology graduates from Delaware Tech Owens Campus this spring. Offered at both the Georgetown and Stanton campuses, this degree provides hands-on training in contemporary issues relating to the environment and engineering.
“When you have a program like this, it’s vital to get the students involved in the community as much as possible,” said Beth Krumrine, lead environmental instructor in Georgetown for the degree program, emphasizing the importance of partnerships.
Regular coursework includes hands-on training, like visiting local construction sites with the Sussex Conservation District, observing the water quality laboratory at the Indian River power plant near Millsboro, conducting on-site industrial inspections at the Blue Hen Organics composting facility in Frankford, visiting the local DSWA landfill, inspecting stormwater management facilities, identifying wetland areas and testing water quality.
The college’s environmental program has recently partnered with the Nanticoke River Watershed Alliance. Beth Wasden, outreach coordinator, invites students to join the daylong spring training on testing water quality. After the training, students work in tandem with Creekwatchers, volunteers of the watershed, to assess the water quality of the tributaries that eventually flow to the Chesapeake Bay through the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Delaware Tech’s environmental degree program also participates in the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research grant, forging partnerships through Delaware Tech, the University of Delaware, Delaware State University and Wesley College. The grant allows students to partake in a summer honors internship to research at a local university or environmental agency. Last summer, Zak Donohoe, a prospective 2016 graduate, interned with the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation. Donohoe presented his research in the form of a scientific poster at the University of Delaware after completion of his research identifying, mapping extent and eradicating invasive plant species in southern Delaware state parks.
The Owens Campus offers other science, technology, engineering and math degree programs including Energy Management, Civil Engineering Technology, Surveying and Geomatics, Agriculture, Electrical Engineering and Construction Management. For more information, email Diane Calloway, department chair, at dcallow7@dtcc.edu.
