COLLEGE OF HUMAN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
"Issues of child development, relationships among family members, and surrounding individuals are also addressed to optimize human development. . ."
Human environmental sciences focus on the study of the interrelationships between human beings and their natural, social, and constructed environments. It is evident that today's complex society strains the services that address human issues. The human environment suffers in this shortfall; and therefore, the need has never been more urgent to understand the relationship between people and their social, physical, and natural environments.
Research Areas
Oklahoma State University College of Human Environmental Sciences (CHES) researchers are producing knowledge that provides new insight, which assists in:
- Promoting and contributing to human development and healthy family functions
- Designing and managing environments
- Organizing and delivering products and services in ways that improve quality of life
Thus CHES, through knowledge discovery, studies these relationships and applies new knowledge in its outreach programs. Specifically, CHES scholarly activity addresses some of today's most pressing issues.
Family Security and Stability
Many people face increasingly complex problems related to the security and stability of families. They are subject to at-risk behaviors of abuse and adjustments to various environments. Issues of child development, relationships among family members, and surrounding individuals are also addressed to optimize human development, which in turn maximizes health and quality of life and productivity.
Health Issues
Health issues are a major concern both in the U.S. and internationally. Issues of nutrient needs for health and the prevention of disease are critical. For that reason, CHES focuses on research that identifies ways of helping people meet their nutritional needs. Such knowledge often leads to alternative ways to produce basic nutrients. As the world's population continues growing, food acquisition becomes more important.
Economic Impacts
Research that focuses on the direct and indirect economic impacts of individuals is also crucial for the creation of new knowledge, products, and processes.
Quality Products and Services
Creation of new knowledge in the business setting related to hospitality, apparel, design, and food industries is important. Technology and experiences that improve an organization's ability to deliver quality products and services in national and international markets are vital interests within CHES.
Therefore, the thrust of the scholarly programs within CHES is to assess, evaluate, and recognize that the environments, and the humans who inhabit them, must work synergically to promote a healthier existance for both.
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