ISF Helps Bring World-class Scientists to Campus

During Spring 2024, ISF worked with many campus partners to bring world-class scientists and sustainability professionals to the West Lafayette campus where they not only provided insightful talks on key environmental and sustainability issues, but also engaged with students, faculty and staff through additional receptions, discussions and one-on-one conversations.

In March, the ISF-led “University Sustainability Networking Workshop” kicked off with a keynote presentation by Dr. Julie Newman, Director of Sustainability and lecturer with the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, titled “Leverage the campus as a test bed for sustainability: Catalyze innovation, imagination, and impact.” Dr. Newman shared the goals MIT is working towards in planning for zero emissions by 2050 through a climate action plan and highlighted the role of collaborative climate leadership in this process. Speaking about this collaboration, she stated: “To me the future of climate and sustainability leadership within higher education at MIT must transcend traditional boundaries, and we must drive towards innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to address these urban global challenges created by climate change.” And, as she further noted, it is not a challenge for just one campus organization or group of staff. But rather, “It involves a shift in organizational culture, values, and practices to align with the urgent need for climate action, environmental stewardship, and a future oriented organization not only adapts to the challenges posed by climate change but actively contributes to shaping a more sustainable and resilient world.” The workshop brought together professionals, faculty researchers and students from across the state. Learn more about this event here.

On April 4th, the ISF Environmental Justice Research Community invited Dr. Sacoby Wilson, Director of the Community Engagement Environmental Justice and Health (CEEJH) initiative at University of Maryland to Purdue's campus. Wilson's talk, "Environmental Justice in a Changing Climate: Issues, Challenges, and Solutions", addressed environmental injustice and health disparities nationwide. Dr. Wilson also met with a number of ISF affiliates including RC/SI leads Ellen Wells (HSCI), Aaron Thompson (HLA), Dan Chavas (EAPS), and Jennifer Freeman (HSCI). Additionally, Dr. Wilson held a graduate student lunch for an open discussion.

On April 29th, the Discovery Park Distinguished Lecture series returned, featuring Susan Hubbard, deputy laboratory director for science and technology at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Hubbard's talk, "A Watershed Moment: Propelling 21st Century Water Resilience", addressed growing populations and the increasing demand for clean water, food, and energy. While on campus, Dr. Hubbard also engaged with several ISF affiliates including Water Challenges Research Community leads Lisa Welp (EAPS) and Keith Cherkauer (ABE) as they presented their research on digital twins.