Environmental Research Institute Symposium Tackles Climate Change

In February, dozens of students, faculty, and administrators shared ideas on ways to combat climate change at a symposium sponsored by the Vassar Environmental Research Institute. During an hour-long poster session, participants discussed projects including mitigating uranium pollution in hydraulic fracking, collecting information on the diverse population of insects on the Preserve, and more.

There was also a panel discussion featuring Marianne Begemann, Dean of Strategic Planning and Academic Resources; Assistant Professor of Earth Science and Environmental Studies Deon Knights, who focuses on water resources; and Professor of Geography Mary Ann Cunningham, who works on sustainable energy solutions.

Associate Professor of Biology Jodi Schwarz, coordinator of the Environmental Research Institute’s Steering Committee, said “A lot of us on campus are working on addressing environmental issues. The goal of this event was to let each other know what we are doing and to spark conversations about how we can connect and collaborate.”