Wells and Meffert are engaged in the development of fundamental information on the usefulness of keeping captive populations of rare organisms for future reintroduction into the wild. Wellington is also part of the effort to characterize the Flower Gardens coral reefs and to provide baseline data for the management of this national marine sanctuary. On a pragmatic note, EIH is partnering with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish and maintain nature areas on schoolyards that provide opportunities for environmental education. Environmental awareness or concern can have many effects. Some people exposed to the degradation of nature become inspired and contribute to a literary legacy that includes some of our greatest writers as explained by Dixon.
Some people become angry and litigious.
The resolution of such rancorous environmental disputes is the subject of Dr. Lisa Gossett's study. Technology development is a role often played by universities and EIH supports those efforts that will yield a greener, more sustainable Houston. Dr. Jonathan Friedman is developing agents to control environmental pathogens. New resource efficient semi-conductors are being engineered by Dr. Eric Bittner. Dr. David Hoffman is synthesizing chemicals that can be used for energy saving window coatings.