Facilities

The Department of Environmental Science is located in Harney Science Center. It maintains an extensive array of field equipment, laboratory analytical instrumentation, and computer facilities to support both teaching and research activities. Details are given below.

Environmental Geo-Spatial LaboratoryThe Environmental Geo-Spatial Laboratory (EGL) at the University of San Francisco provides training and resources across a broad array of integrated geo-spatial technologies. These technologies include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Ecosystem Modeling.

The laboratory maintains 8 dedicated computers loaded with leading industry software, including ESRI, PCI, DEFINIENS, and Trimble. The EGL is used in teaching a variety of courses in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Student researchers also have access to the laboratory for class projects. This unique resource offers students valuable experience with state-of-the-art software and techniques in a supportive supervised setting. The EGL also provides faculty with innovative geo-spatial approaches to environmental research projects and grant opportunities.

InstrumentationField and laboratory equipment housed in the department includes:

• Capillary gas chromatographs with FID
• Gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer and ECD
• Thermal desorber for analysis of air samples
• Discrete analyzer
• Particulate monitors for air analysis
• Microwave digester
• UV-Visible spectrometers
• FT-Infrared spectrometer
• Canopy analyzer
• NC soil analyzer (organic elemental analyzer)
  
• Meters, data sondes, and equipment for field measurement of water quality parameters, including: 
  

In addition to equipment housed in the department, we also have access to the following instrumentation in other science departments:

• Flame atomic absorption spectrometer
• HPLCs
• Fluorescence spectrometer