Center for Community and Civic Engagement

Students in Professor Kim Smith’s Research Methods in Environmental Studies course explored various methodologies that are used to conduct interdisciplinary academic research relating to the environment. The class worked on two research projects in the Northfield community related to transportation.

One group examined transportation practices for students at Northfield Middle School, assessing students’ opinions and preferences in regards to transportation home from school. The Carleton students distributed surveys, led focus groups and interviewed middle school students to collect information. Another group worked with residents at the Northfield Retirement Community to assess aspects of residents’ mobility.

The results of their surveys, focus groups and interviews were used to identify practices that promoted residents’ autonomy in accessing services on and off campus. Both groups applied the methodologies learned in the course to projects that provided valuable information for the Northfield community while also fostering collaboration between students and community members.