This past week, JOVRNALISM traveled to Catalina Island to visit the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies. The institute, which is an extension of USC Dornsife College of Letters and Sciences, researches different ways to implement environmental sustainability into everyday life.

Professor Hernandez and a small group of students were lucky enough to tour the campus on Catalina. Currently, the institute is leading various studies in hopes of eventually making the institute completely self sustainable. Some of the projects include farming kelp and converting it into natural biofuel, and exploring new uses of food waste using the lifecycle of the black soldier fly. Over spring break JOVRNALISM plans to travel back to Catalina to learn more about these research initiatives.

In addition to touring the Wrigley Institute Campus, JOVRNALISM students were able to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of climate change on California coast lines. This semester, the class plans to focus on issues and stories surrounding climate change. Next week, students will be pitching ideas to the class to select our semester-long project. May the best idea win!