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Learn How to Make the World a Healthier and Safer Place through the Sustainability, Health and Safety Program

People who eat organic foods and ride their bikes to work are not doing all they can to help the environment, and there are classrooms full of students who are ready to tell them why.

According to Dr. Javid Mohtasham, director and adviser of the Sustainability, Health and Safety (SHS) program at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), there are many other factors involved in making the world a healthier and safer place, and this academic program is designed to address them all.

There are other issues of concern, he explained. Safety is a big issue also. With sustainability, health and safety, you have to do them all at the same time in order to be effective.

Mohtasham admits the programs name is a deterrent for many students and the details of the program remain a mystery to others. He does not hesitate to share that MHCCs program is the only one in the Pacific Northwest covering the topics of health, safety and sustainability merged into one.

According to Mohtasham, graduates apply for jobs in a wide variety of fields such as sustainability, environment, ecology, hazardous materials, natural resources, wastewater treatment, safety, health and risk management.

We go in-depth on each topic he added. But, on the other hand, some people dont know how to perceive the program.

For this reason, whenever he gets the opportunity, Mohtasham explains the common goal he and his students share for the world.

I help people understand what and what not to do when it comes to conserving energy, said the instructor. When it comes to safety, I do the same. For example, how many people climb up ladders to hang Christmas lights? How many get hurt doing this? How many people work with different chemicals and dont wear goggles?

When you are talking about common things you face on a daily basis, it really hits home. People feel they have been touched if it is explained this way.

Despite Mohtashams desire to keep the message and goals of the program simple, he realizes it is not as easy as it seems especially to his students.

A former chemistry teacher, he uses his background knowledge as a basis to encourage students that learning about the different sciences is necessary in order to be successful in the program.

When you talk about safety, sustainability and health, you have to know chemistry, he said. This is the same message I pass on to my students.

From risk management and safety courses to classes on chemicals and hazardous materials, Mohtasham knows there are many obstacles and hardships his students may face. For this reason, he goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure his students receive the best education possible.

Whatever it takes, I am willing to do it for the students, said Mohtasham, who has been with the College for 15 years.

The it Mohtasham refers to is accommodating his students various needs. For instance, if a student cannot attend class because of schedule conflicts, Mohtasham will make arrangements to work one on one with him or her if needed.

As soon as a student proves they are willing to give what it takes to succeed academically, I will do all I can to help them, he explained. One time, one of my students was in the hospital and couldnt take an exam. I went to the hospital to give him the exam.

I go beyond to help, because I dont want to be the reason a student wasnt able to do something.

In addition to coming to the aid of his students, this instructor loves to brag about his current and former students like a proud parent. His students have gone on to work in the field of sustainability, health and safety as compliance officers, environmentalists and industrial hygienists. Some have even won various awards and recognition for their efforts to maintain the health and safety of the environment.

These are the moments of my happiness, he explained. This is why I scream about them and become very attached, because I see what this program does for the students.