Graduate Research Assistants

Three UNLV graduate students are currently supported by the Urban Sustainability Initiative to conduct research projects in their area of expertise.  These students were selected through an open competition in Spring 2008 by a selection committee consisting of the Vice President for Research, Associate Dean of the Graduate College, and the Director of Sustainability and Multidisciplinary Research.

• Mark Salvaggio (PhD candidate in Sociology — LV Metropolitan Area Social Survey, which is a long-term study to understand Las Vegas residents’ knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors about sustainability issues in the area.
  
  
• Amanda Williams (PhD candidate in Geoscience) — Study of the ecology of biological soil crusts which are the soil microorganisms that protect desert soil from erosion.
  
  
• Evgenia “Jessie” Bydanova (MA candidate in Economics) — Study of environmental economics and regional transportation, such as the proposed high speed train between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.