Student and faculty research collaboration is the major emphasis of WRI.  From a pedagogy perspective, the research component of WRI helps students develop stronger analytical and oral and written communication skills and helps students better understand the complex and interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues. The community-based research emphasis of WRI helps establish stronger connections between Skidmore and the surrounding community and highlights the importance of civic engagement. Student research is conducted as part of courses (e.g., ES 375 Case Studies in Environmental Sustainability ) and through independent studies and summer collaborative research.