Written communication is a universal tool important in many fields and jobs, varying in purpose, audience and content with each use. Because of this, writing requires mastering other skills to be done successfully, like research skills, critical thinking and data analysis. UMW makes written communication a priority in their curriculum, to which I can attribute much of my improvement in this skill. Many assignments have allowed me to practice and perfect my writing as well as recognize the importance of being able to communicate appropriately through writing. The assignments that best demonstrate this skill are included in this page.
Environmental Impact Statement
Course: Energy Resources and Technology
This assignment was a part of a semester-long project in my Energy Resources and Technology class. I was tasked to write an Environmental Impact Statement for our hypothetical renewable energy project in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This assignment required an evaluation of the technology and space we planned to use and how the construction and use of the facilities would affect local species, habitats and the overall environment. After researching and assessing the environmental impacts, I developed strategies and proposed solutions that my group would implement into the final project to remediate these effects. The successful completion of this EIS required critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills complimented with the ability to synthesize the information into a concise and technical report. Visual aids were also included, which I made using ArcGIS and Google Earth. This written assignment demonstrates my ability to research and analyze data, develop solutions and deliver information in an effective and professional manner.
An image I created using Google Earth that was included in my Environmental Impact Statement, it shows the new site I proposed for the Hydro Storage facility that minimizes impacts on the Mississippi River and wildlife reserves.
Bioremediation research paper
Course: Pollution Prevention Planning
This assignment was a final paper for EESC 326: Pollution Prevention Planning, where we were tasked to conduct research about specific pollutants and remediation strategies. I wrote my paper specifically on Atrazine, an herbicide, Ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in water. In this paper I discuss what these pollutants are, how and why they are used, how they enter public water systems and their effects on environmental and human health. I also discuss bioremediation strategies for each of these contaminants, such as using bacteria, algae, fungi and plants to absorb and biodegrade them. This final paper demonstrates my research and data collection skills along with my ability to properly compile, organize, and synthesize information into a thoughtful and purposeful written paper.
Comparative essay between multiethnic literature pieces
Course: Writing About Multiethnic Literature
This is a final essay where I compared two books telling the stories of two people and their very different experiences having to leave their home country. I discuss how refugees and immigrants face different types of hardships, how their cultures differ in beliefs and societal expectations and how these same expectations influence their experiences in western societies. This class is where I truly saw my improvement in my writing skills and this assignment is a demonstration of that. I believe it is a strength to be able to adapt to different types of writing goals and analyze different types of literature.