UC hosts week of events focusing on sustainability
UC community encouraged to join in on workshops, keynote, Q&A sessions, more
Event Information (passed)
Students, researchers, educators and the public are invited to participate in a series of activities aimed at fostering a culture of sustainability on the University of Cincinnati's campuses.
Hosted by UC’s Center for Public Engagement with Science, or PEWS, the week will include a keynote speech from sustainability scholar Mitchell Thomashow, a sustainability lab, student workshops and Q&A, an educators’ lunch and more.
Scheduled from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, the events are made possible with the support of the Research 2030 Initiative of the UC Office of Research and the UC Office of the Provost.
Angela Potochnik. Photo/Provided
“The UC Center for Public Engagement with Science focuses on the interfaces between science and the public,” said PEWS director Angela Potochnik. “Issues around environmental sustainability and climate change are a key place where scientific research overlaps with public concern, and a place where UC is well positioned to contribute to our community. With support from Research 2030, PEWS has developed a sustainability initiative over the past few years, focused on interdisciplinary and community-partnered sustainability research, teaching, and outreach.“
PEWS faculty affiliate Andrew Bernier added: “We aim to increase our sustainability education and research connectivity to the community, so we want all of those who identify as part of the sustainability and environmental scenes in greater Cincinnati to feel welcome to this catalyzing event.
“I hope those who participate in the week’s events feel more comfortable, confident, and knowledgeable in how they can make immediate and lasting contributions for respective sustainability pursuits that best fit their teaching, learning, research and service efforts.”
Mitchell Thomashow. PhotoProvided
Events of the week are primarily centered around keynote speaker Mitchell Thomashow.
For nearly 30 years, Thomashow has published his scholarship on sustainability, including “The Nine Elements of a Sustainable Campus” (MIT Press, 2014).
Thomashow has also served as the chair of the environmental studies program at Antioch University, the president of Unity College and director of Second Nature, an organization that initiates climate action in higher education.
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Amy Townsend-Small will open her classroom up for the Feb. 2nd Student Q&A with Coffee and Donuts is.
“I am hoping this week will be a catalyst for our campus to get more engaged in environmental action,” she said. “We will have free coffee and donuts and Dr. Thomashow will be our special guest. Everyone can come meet our amazing Environmental Studies students and have an in-depth discussion about next steps after the lecture.”
Event Highlights:
Sustainable Lab Webinar (Jan. 30):
Targeted at researchers, this webinar focuses on sustainable practices within laboratory environments. It provides insights, suggestions for implementation, and opportunities for involvement, highlighting the significance of sustainable research practices.
Educator’s Lunch (Jan. 30)
A session for UC faculty featuring Mitchell Thomashow. Discussions will cover embedding sustainability into higher education, fostering leadership, and developing innovative instructional methods for effective sustainability education, particularly in urban settings.
Student Workshop (Feb. 1):
Geared towards student organizations passionate about sustainability, this workshop led by Thomashow aims to equip student leaders with essential skills and knowledge to spearhead sustainability initiatives effectively.
Keynote Lecture (Feb. 1):
The highlight of the week, Thomashow's keynote lecture titled “The Future of Environmental Learning” welcomes members of the UC community and the public. It promises insights into implementing and enhancing sustainability-related education and action in Cincinnati.
Student Q&A Coffee and Donuts (Feb. 2):
Students are invited to join Mitchell Thomashow and PEWS faculty affiliate, Amy Townsend-Small during an environmental studies class for a discussion and Q&A with Thomashow. This is open to all students interested in meeting Thomashow and learning more about his sustainability work.
For information on specific location and times of each event please visit the event webpage.
Featured image at top: Photo/John O'Nolan/Unsplash
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