Ecological Engineering is a progressive study that combines the ideas of  ecology and engineering to predict, design, construct or restore, and manage environments to integrate human society to the natural surroundings.  As the world advances to the future, the need for sustainable design, energy, water usage, crops, and transportation will increase.  I have chose to study eco engineering because I found it to be the perfect balance between environmental sciences from hydrology, biology, ecology, chemistry, to   physical engineering based ideas  like fluids, materials, statics, thermodynamics and system dynamics.   This provides a unique education that I will use to better the planet by creating simple, sustainable and cost effective designs.

In a  previous summer  I had the opportunity to work in a Biochemical Toxicology laboratory at Michigan State University.  I investigated the impact of environmental pollutants, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on biological systems.  This work involved my mastering of sterile cell culture, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, monitoring of pH and cell viability using various colorimetric assays, and proper data management.  During the course of these experiments, my lab mates and I were able to determine that TCDD induced cell-specific effects on gene expression and cell viability.   This research experience gave me training in data collection, analysis and presentation that I believe will be invaluable for analyzing CO₂ levels produced during the fermentation process and other duties required for this internship.  Through my summer work at MioTech Orthopedic Group, I also gained experience in customer relations and how to establishing dialogues with people of many different backgrounds.  I believe this type of one-on-one communication experience will be important as I conduct the interviews as part of this internship.

Hello, my name is John LaPres, I am a current junior at The Ohio State University studying Ecological Engineering with focus on Sustainability in Industry. In past summers I have had the opportunity to work with Michigan State University in a Biochemistry lab and with a medical supply company which has allowed me to acquire a unique perspective from labs to sales.  Currently I am working peers to design a sustainable living roof system for the Columbus Metro parks.

I am currently on a life long mission to visit every national park in the United States, taking pictures of wildlife and landscapes on way.