Environmental Education Group

Supporting Our Community:

Reaching Out to the International Community

In January, 2011, MBA air quality and greenhouse gas specialist Cori Wilson traveled to Kenya and stayed in a small village for a month. One of the things she did while there was volunteer to teach four 12th grade chemistry classes at a boy’s high school.  Cori discussed the chemistry of fossil fuel combustion, the problems with fossil fuels (i.e., air pollution, greenhouse gases and climate change, and oil spills), alternatives to fossil fuels, environmental jobs in Kenya, and what the class could do as individuals and as a community to reduce their impact on the environment.  The boys showed great interest in the subject, and were actively engaged in the curriculum, enthusiastically answering the Cori’s questions, as well as asking their own.  The inquisitive classes raised questions about the details of what an environmental engineer does, and what sort of education one needed to become an air pollution specialist.  The classes also asked about the technical aspects of calculating air pollutant emissions.  Cori learned that most of their families have small scale biodigesters to capture biogas from decomposing manure from cows and chickens and use it for cooking.  As a result of Cori’s effort, the students now have an increased understanding of air pollution and additional tools to improve and protect their country’s environment and resources.

Holm Mentors Young Leaders in the Inland Empire

MBA’s Southern California Vice President, Thomas F. Holm, AICP, was chosen as the first ever Urban Land Institute’s Inland Empire Division “60 Minute Mentor.” Addressing a packed boardroom at the firm’s San Bernardino office, Tom discussed his career challenges and highlights and provided insight into the steps required to achieve success in the field of environmental planning. The meeting lasted significantly past the one hour mark as the assembled crowd asked numerous questions. A long-time ULI member, Tom earned a Master’s degree in Urban Planning (Environmental Policy and Management) from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine, where he majored in Political Science. He is a former Planning Commissioner and Transportation/Traffic Commissioner and serves as Legislative Liaison and Board member for the Orange County Chapter of the American Planning Association.

For more information regarding MBA's Environmental Education Group, please contact Laura Laflamme, at 714.508.4100 or via email at llaflamme@brandman.com.