Lawrence Banks, '03 BA Environmental Studies, is grateful he didn't sell back all his textbooks when he graduated. He's using them today to solve a challenge he's facing in the Arabian Gulf — cleaning contaminated soil.

The 43-year-old former Chicagoan, who retired from the Marine Corps in 1999 after 21 years of service as an aviation ordnance technician, is just completing a one-year contract with Combat Support Associates, a Texas firm that provides environmental management services to the U.S. Army.

Banks is using a process called bioremediation to make oil-contaminated ground in Kuwait safe again. "We provide the Army with information on how to minimize its impact on the host nation's environment," Banks says. "I am involved with a soil remediation project, which is presenting me a unique and challenging opportunity because there is no single site to clean, but several sites ranging in size, contamination, and concentration. My biggest challenge is that I do not have anyone to consult for information, and I was made the lead of this project as soon as I got off the plane."

With limited experience in soil remediation, Banks returned to lessons he learned in the classroom."The most important thing UNLV's environmental studies department staff taught me was the importance of conducting research before starting a project. The classes I took let me look at my current project from different views, and I constantly come across situations that were brought up in classes and lectures. The environmental studies program is well-rounded. I am applying almost every bit of instruction that I received at UNLV to what I'm doing today," Banks says.

His interest in environmental studies began in the Marine Corps, where he frequently dealt with hazardous materials. "It was from this experience that I was first introduced to the effects of the use and release of hazardous materials on the environment. As I neared retirement, I decided to further my education on this subject, first at a two-year college and then at UNLV," he says.

Banks has no reservations about living in Kuwait. When he's not in the field working, Banks lives in an apartment with 24-hour security. However, it's a bit different from when he visited the region with the military "The last time I was in the region was during the 1991 Gulf War. Then, I lived in a tent with no air conditioning and had to take showers under a fire hydrant. Things have improved a bit," he says wryly.

Despite safety concerns, he enjoys getting out and exploring the country. "The most important thing to do is to always be conscious of your surroundings. If you like to shop, Kuwait is for you. On my day off, I usually spend time at the local shops looking for good deals. Last week, I found a pier to fish from. I am trying to convince my co-workers to go with me on a midnight fishing adventure."

And perhaps some moments his days aren't all that different from what they are stateside. "Another of my favorite pastimes is to sit at Starbucks downtown and watch the people traffic."