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Conference
Schedule
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January
5
Solutions to Quench the World’s Thirst – Solving Water Scarcity (A)
Strategic plans from policy makers, new knowledge and novel solutions are keys to holistic sustainable water management. This session allows stakeholders from diverse expertise to exchange ideas, knowledge and findings to identify the needs and approaches to address water scarcity facing the world in the climate change era.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
How Yong Ng, Ph.D., Professor and Director, National University of Singapore Environmental Research Institute (NERI)
Srivatsan V Raghavan, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow and Head, Climate and Water Research Cluster, Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), National University of Singapore
Hilda Cecilia Tortajada Quiroz, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
Moderator
How Yong Ng, Ph.D., Professor and Director, National University of Singapore Environmental Research Institute (NERI)
Session Organizer
How Yong Ng, Ph.D., Professor and Director, National University of Singapore Environmental Research Institute (NERI)
January
5
Solutions to Quench the World’s Thirst – Solving Water Scarcity (A)
Strategic plans from policy makers, new knowledge and novel solutions are keys to holistic sustainable water management. This session allows stakeholders from diverse expertise to exchange ideas, knowledge and findings to identify the needs and approaches to address water scarcity facing the world in the climate change era.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
How Yong Ng, Ph.D., Professor and Director, National University of Singapore Environmental Research Institute (NERI)
Srivatsan V Raghavan, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow and Head, Climate and Water Research Cluster, Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), National University of Singapore
Hilda Cecilia Tortajada Quiroz, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
Moderator
How Yong Ng, Ph.D., Professor and Director, National University of Singapore Environmental Research Institute (NERI)
Session Organizer
How Yong Ng, Ph.D., Professor and Director, National University of Singapore Environmental Research Institute (NERI)
January
5
Decision Tools for Systems-of-Systems Approaches to Environmental Security
Policy- and decision-makers need to identify solutions that ensure population health and security to climate risks. This session will discuss tools for examining how climate effects impact the performance of critical infrastructure and services and identifying solutions to improve their resilience.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Jenn Richkus, Research Environmental Scientist and Strategist, MITRE
Alex Schlichting, Ph.D, Energy & Environment Research Engineer, MITRE
Ken Harrison, Ph.D., Operations Research Analyst, NIST Community Resilience Group
Moderator
Mike Gremillion, Col USAF Ret, Director of the Center for Global Water Security at The University of Alabama
Session Organizer
Victoria Gammino, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Global Health, MITRE; Alex Schlichting, Ph.D, Energy & Environment Research Engineer, MITRE
January
5
Decision Tools for Systems-of-Systems Approaches to Environmental Security (B)
Policy- and decision-makers need to identify solutions that ensure population health and security to climate risks. This session will discuss tools for examining how climate effects impact the performance of critical infrastructure and services and identifying solutions to improve their resilience.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Jenn Richkus, Environmental Science Researcher and Strategist, MITRE
Alex Schlichting, Ph.D, Energy & Environment Research Engineer, MITRE
Ken Harrison, Ph.D., Operations Research Analyst, NIST Community Resilience Group
Moderator
Mike Gremillion, Col USAF Ret, Director of the Center for Global Water Security at The University of Alabama
Session Organizer
Victoria Gammino, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Global Health, MITRE; Alex Schlichting, Ph.D, Energy & Environment Research Engineer, MITRE
January
5
Smart Systems, People, and the Transition to Decarbonize Energy (B)
Session examines the application of design thinking to address risk mitigation in the interface among smart systems, tools, and users to meaningfully accelerate decarbonization at scale while enhancing value in supply chains.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Cheryl Heller, Ph.D., Director of Design Integration and Professor of Practice in Innovation Design, Arizona State University
Todd Taylor, M.S., Lecturer and Digital Technology Researcher, Thunderbird School at Arizona State University
Andrew Maynard, Ph.D., Director of the Risk Innovation Lab, Arizona State University
Moderator
Edward Saltzberg, Ph.D., Executive Director, Security and Sustainability Forum
Session Organizer
Edward Saltzberg, Ph.D., Executive Director, Security and Sustainability Forum
January
5
RISAs, Climate Hubs & CASCs: Federal Coordination Across Regional Networks (C)
Climate science-to-action networks at USDA, NOAA and DOI share a goal of supporting communities, landscapes, and sectors across the nation in becoming resilient to climate change. This panel will discuss how these three networks coordinate and collaborate at the federal level.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Rachel Steele, Ph.D., National Program Leader, USDA Climate Hubs, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Janet Cushings, Deputy Chief, National Climate Adaptation Science Centers, U.S. Geological Survey
Chelsea Combest-Friedman, Director, Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Moderator
Ariela Zycherman, Ph.D., Social Scientist and Program Manager, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Session Organizer
Ariela Zycherman, Ph.D., Social Scientist and Program Manager, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
January
5
RISAs, Climate Hubs & CASCs: Federal Coordination Across Regional Networks (C)
Climate science-to-action networks at USDA, NOAA and DOI share a goal of supporting communities, landscapes, and sectors across the nation in becoming resilient to climate change. This panel will discuss how these three networks coordinate and collaborate at the federal level.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Rachel Steele, Ph.D., National Program Leader, USDA Climate Hubs, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Janet Cushings, Deputy Chief, National Climate Adaptation Science Centers, U.S. Geological Survey
Chelsea Combest-Friedman, Director, Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Moderator
Ariela Zycherman, Ph.D., Social Scientist and Program Manager, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Session Organizer
Ariela Zycherman, Ph.D., Social Scientist and Program Manager, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
January
7
Climate Change Indicators for Agriculture: Understanding Risks and Impacts (C)
This session will focus on data sets for tracking, understanding, and managing the effects of changing temperatures and water availability on agriculture in the United States and describe results from a new USDA technical report on climate indicators for agriculture.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Lawrence Buja, Ph.D., Director of Strategic Initiatives, University of Nevada, Reno
Arthur Degaetano, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Northeast Regional Climate Center, Cornell University
Peter Backlund, M.A., Associate Director, School of Global Environmental Sustainability, Colorado State University
Moderator
Margaret Walsh, Ph.D., Senior Ecologist, Office of Energy and Environmental Policy, USDA
Session Organizer
Peter Backlund, M.A., Associate Director, School of Global Environmental Sustainability, Colorado State University
January
7
Colorado River Sustainability: Epicenter of Science, Environment, and Policy (C)
After enduring a crippling 20-year drought in the Colorado River basin, stakeholders, including states, U.S. and Mexican governments, Native American tribes, and non-governmental organizations, are finding new and innovative ways to sustain the River. This panel will address those efforts.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Brad Udall, J.D., Senior Water & Climate Scientist/Scholar, Colorado Water Center, Colorado State University
Ted Kowalski, J.D., Colorado River Initiate Lead and Senior Program Officer, Walton Family Foundation
T. Daryl Vigil, Jicarilla Apache, Jemez Pueblo, Zia Peublo, Co-Director Water & Tribes in the Colorado River Basin
Moderator
Jennifer Gimbel, J.D., Senior Water Policy Scholar, Colorado Water Center; Colorado State University
Session Organizer
Jennifer Gimbel, J.D., Senior Water Policy Scholar, Colorado Water Center; Colorado State University
January
7
Communicating in Crisis: Sharing Research Related to COVID-19 (C)
What have we learned about science communication from the COVID-19 pandemic? The panelists will discuss efforts to share research and expertise related to the pandemic and what they teach us about how to communicate science to decision makers and the public in a time of crisis.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Diana Brazzell, Co-founder & Executive Editor, Footnote
Mónica Feliú-Mójer, Ph.D., Director of Communications and Science Outreach, Ciencia Puerto Rico
Elyse Aurbach, Ph.D., Public Engagement Lead at the Center for Academic Innovation, University of Michigan
Moderator
Diana Brazzell, Co-founder & Executive Editor, Footnote
Session Organizer
Diana Brazzell, Co-founder & Executive Editor, Footnote
January
5
The Emergence of Local Scale Climate Action and Policy: Why, How, and Who (D)
This session examines how local institutions are incorporating new strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change in the absence of significant, comprehensive climate policy at the global, federal and state levels.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Stephen Arturo Greenlaw, Ph.D., Research Assistant, Center for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Abigail Steffen, Research Assistant, Center for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alice Laird, Executive Director of Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), based in Carbondale, CO
Moderator
Ana Unruh Cohen, Ph.D., Staff Director, U.S House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
Session Organizer
Maureen Biermann, M.S., Program Coordinator, Center for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks
January
5
The Emergence of Local Scale Climate Action and Policy: Why, How, and Who (D)
This session examines how local institutions are incorporating new strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change in the absence of significant, comprehensive climate policy at the global, federal and state levels.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Stephen Arturo Greenlaw, Research Assistant, Center for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Abigail Steffen, Research Assistant, Center for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Jenna Lozano, Undergraduate Student, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Moderator
Ana Unruh Cohen, Ph.D., Staff Director, U.S House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
Session Organizer
Maureen Biermann, M.S., Program Coordinator, Center for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks
January
5
Learning From Living Labs: Regenerative Social-Ecological Research and Teaching (E)
“Living Laboratories” offer unique ways to research, teach and support regenerative social-ecological systems through interdisciplinary, placed-based experiential learning and action. Our session will highlight the last two years of “living lab” work by our four institutions in partnership with nonprofits, businesses and tribal governments around the Lake Superior watershed.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Charles Levkoe, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Sustainable Food Systems, Lakehead University
Randel Hanson, Ph.D, Co-Director of Eco-Entrepreneurship, Lake Superior Community College
Nairne Cameron, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Geography, Algoma University
Moderator
Kathryn Milun, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Legal Anthropology, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Session Organizer
Kathryn Milun, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Legal Anthropology, University of Minnesota, Duluth
January
5
Learning From Living Labs: Regenerative Social-Ecological Research and Teaching (E)
“Living Laboratories” offer unique ways to research, teach and support regenerative social-ecological systems through interdisciplinary, placed-based experiential learning and action. Our session will highlight the last two years of “living lab” work by our four institutions in partnership with nonprofits, businesses and tribal governments around the Lake Superior watershed.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Charles Levkoe, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Sustainable Food Systems, Lakehead University
Randel Hanson, Ph.D, Co-Director of Eco-Entrepreneurship, Lake Superior Community College
Nairne Cameron, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Geography, Algoma University
Moderator
Kathryn Milun, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Legal Anthropology, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Session Organizer
Kathryn Milun, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Legal Anthropology, University of Minnesota, Duluth
January
5
Key Competencies in Sustainability – Areas of Convergence and Next Steps (E)
A key question for employers, students, educators, and administrators is what competencies sustainability programs develop in students. We present results from research addressing this question: convergence on key competencies in sustainability and its implication for curriculum design and careers.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Christopher Boone, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University
Matthias Barth, Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures Arizona State University, Professor, Institute for Integrated Research, Leuphana University
Katja Brundiers, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University
Moderator
Rod Parnell, Ph.D., Professor Earth Sci & Environ Sustainability, Northern Arizona University
Session Organizer
Katja Brundiers, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University
January
5
Key Competencies in Sustainability – Areas of Convergence and Next Steps (E)
A key question for employers, students, educators, and administrators is what competencies sustainability programs develop in students. We present results from research addressing this question: convergence on key competencies in sustainability and its implication for curriculum design and careers.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Christopher Boone, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University
Matthias Barth, Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures Arizona State University, Professor, Institute for Integrated Research, Leuphana University
Katja Brundiers, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University
Moderator
Rod Parnell, Ph.D., Professor Earth Sci & Environ Sustainability, Northern Arizona University
Session Organizer
Katja Brundiers, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University
January
7
Strengthening Sustainability Programs and Curricula in Higher Education (E)
The National Academies issued a consensus study report with recommendations to strengthen sustainability programs and curricula in higher education. Participants will learn about the recommendations and how they can be applied at their own institutions to advance sustainability education.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Anne Kapuscinski, Director of the Coastal Science and Policy Program, University of California Santa Cruz
Christopher Boone, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, School of Sustainability, Arizona State University
Garrick Louis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Systems and Information Engineering Systems Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Moderator
Erin Bromaghim, Director, Olympic and Paralympic Development and Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Fellow on the Sustainable Development Goals, City of Los Angeles
Session Organizer
Emi Kameyama, Associate Program Officer, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
January
6
After COVID-19, What? Community Colleges from 4 U.S. Regions Respond (G)
This session will be a continuation of a recent NCSE Essay about refocusing the mission of community colleges towards Nature instead of Workforce. Data shows how students have been impacted and how COVID-19 has increased interest in climate change, which must be moved from the margin to the center of college functions.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Maria Boccalandro, Ph.D., Director of Sustainability and Programs, Dallas College-Cedar Valley Campus
Robert Franco, Ph.D., Director, Office for Institutional Effectiveness, Kapi'olani Community College, University of Hawai’i
Stephen Summers, Ph.D., Associate Vice President, Seminole State College of Florida
Moderator
Marianella Franklin, Chief Sustainability Officer, University of Texas in Rio Grande Valley
Session Organizer
Maria Boccalandro, Ph.D., Director of Sustainability and Programs, Dallas College-Cedar Valley Campus
January
6
Evolution of California's Scientific Response in the Wake of a Pandemic (G)
Researchers are collaborating in innovative ways to help detect, monitor, track, and eliminate the spread of COVID-19. This panel will explore topics including: What have we learned about the state-level response to the virus? Do decision makers have access to readily available science they need?
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Kate Gordon, Director, California Governor's Office of Planning and Research
Christopher Cabaldon, Former Mayor, West Sacramento, CA
Susan Bonilla, CEO, California Pharmacists Association and Former CA Assemblywoman
Moderator
Amber Mace, Ph.D., Executive Director, California Council on Science and Technology
Session Organizer
Sarah Brady, Ph.D., Deputy Director, California Council on Science and Technology
January
6
Vision for the Future: How to Steward the American West for the Next 100 Years (H)
Aging infrastructure, persistent droughts, rampant wildfires, and declining fish populations are increasing demands on water resources in the West. This panel will provide examples of successful infrastructure modernization that demonstrate how to bring people together to solve complex challenges.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Dan Keppen, Executive Director, Family Farm Alliance
Thomas Mosier, Energy Systems Group Lead, Idaho National Laboratories
Dave Moldal, Senior Program Manager, Energy Trust of Oregon
Moderator
Julie O'Shea, Executive Director, Farmers Conservation Alliance
Session Organizer
Margi Hoffman, Strategic Operations Director, Farmers Conservation Alliance
January
7
The Costs and Losses of Wildfires – Investment Solutions vs. Reactive Management (I)
Intensifying wildfire seasons pose a growing strain on resources and the well-being of Californians. The panel will discuss our recent report on what we know and what we must learn to make informed decisions about the balance of investment solutions and reactive management of wildfire in California.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Genevieve Biggs, Ph.D., Special Projects Officer, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Teresa Feo, Ph.D., Senior Science Officer, California Council on Science and Technology
Samuel Evans, Ph.D., Professor, Mills College
Moderator
Brie Lindsey, Ph.D., Director of Science Services, California Council on Science and Technology
Session Organizer
Brie Lindsey, Ph.D., Deputy Director, California Council on Science and Technology
January
6
Business Disruption, COVID-19, and Climate: Impacts of Disasters on Resilience (I)
This session highlights research across NIST and NOAA’s RISA programs exploring the complexity of climate resilience for small and medium enterprises in the COVID-19 context. We will discuss the importance of longitudinal research that takes into account regional and social differences and the challenges of research in shifting conditions.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Tamara Wall, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Western Regional Climate Center, Desert Research Institute
Eleanor Davis, Doctoral Candidate, University of South Carolina
Michelle Meyer, Ph.D., Director of the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, Texas A & M
Moderator
Ariela Zycherman, Ph.D., Social Scientist/ Program Manager, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Session Organizer
Ariela Zycherman, Ph.D., Social Scientist/ Program Manager, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
January
6
Research and Practice Connecting Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation Planning (I)
Communities conducting hazard mitigation addressing climate risks have issues accessing clear information and tools. We will explore ways that Federal agencies are co-developing resources to address this issue, reduce hazard risk, and share examples of how information produced advance local action.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Rebecca Lunde, Ph.D., West Coast Regional Coordinator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Shubha Shrivastava, MUP, Mitigation Planner, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Justin Kates, Director of Emergency Management, The City of Nashua, New Hampshire
Moderator
Reid Sherman, Ph.D., Climate Adaptation Lead, U.S. Global Change Research Program
Session Organizer
Christopher Clavin, M.S., Research Environmental Engineer, Community Resilience Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
January
7
Advancing Urban Heat Resilience (I)
This session will explore the current state and innovations in planning, design, and governance for urban heat, including a survey of U.S. planners and review of municipal plans. Attendees will gain insight into challenges and opportunities in research and practice to advance urban heat resilience.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
Ladd Keith, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Planning and Sustainable Built Environments, University of Arizona
V. Kelly Turner, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Urban Planning, University of California, Los Angeles
Sara Meerow, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University
Moderator
Hunter Jones, Master of Env. Management, Climate and Health Project Manager, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
Session Organizer
Ladd Keith, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Planning and Sustainable Built Environments, University of Arizona
January
6
COVID-19 in Indian Country: Challenges and Innovations (I)
This session will illustrate the concurrent impacts of COVID-19 and climate change on Native and Indigenous communities and highlight resilience resulting from weaving native wisdom and western science to produce a shared understanding of the integral relationships of humans, climate and nature.
Thematic Pathway
Presenters
James Rattling Leaf, Ph.D., Climate Partnership Coordinator, Great Plains Tribal Water Alliance, North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center
Kyle Bocinsky, Ph.D., Director, Research Institute, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Vicki Hebb, Extension Agent, Cooperative Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Moderator
Maureen McCarthy, Ph.D., Research Professor, Desert Research Institute
Session Organizer
Maureen McCarthy, Ph.D., Research Professor, Desert Research Institute