Karen Mancl, Professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University, was recently accepted to work with the China Environment Forum (CEF) at the Woodrow Wilson Center in the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington D.C. For 20 years, the Wilson Center’s CEF has centered its research and projects on combatting energy and environmental challenges in China. Their work ranges from U.S.-China clean energy cooperation and water-energy choke points in the country to food safety policies and ecological issues relating to China’s overseas investment.
“Working with the Woodrow Wilson Center - China Environment Forum allows me to use all of my academic training - in environmental sciences, Chinese and public policy. My goal is to work on environmental issues that affect Ohio on the national and international level. Working with the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington DC will give me the access and connections I need,” says Mancl.
In Washington, Mancl will be working with the CEF on a new project dealing with wastewater recycling and sewage sludge treatment. She will also be contributing to their newsletter, the “New Security Beat” blog, about Chinese environmental issues.
Along with her contributions to their projects, Dr. Mancl will be initiating a project of her own, which will likely be on wastewater treatment in rural China. She plans on building her new project on her OSU/Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences work. Mancl received her MS in Environmental Science, a PhD in Water Resources, and a MS in East Asian Studies. While she is known for being an aspiring educator, she also holds a deep passion for enhancing the quality of the environment in all communities. Dr. Mancl has received multiple awards for her success and is currently serving as the Vice President of Ohio Onsite Wastewater Association and other organizations to better the environment.
by Helena Nguyen, FABE Student Communications Assistant