A Vision for the Future in Three Acts

Julie Zimmerman, Yale School of the Environment professor

Julie Zimmerman, Inaugural Vice Provost for
Planetary Solutions at Yale University

Dr. Zimmerman is a pioneer in the field of green chemistry, serves as Editor in Chief of “Environmental Science & Technology,” is a former program manager for the US Environmental Protection Agency’s P3 – People, Prosperity and the Planet – Program, and works with global firms to address sustainability challenges.  

Join the Center for the Environment, its scholars, students, staff and partners to highlight environmental research across the university and beyond. This half-day, interdisciplinary symposium is designed to bring together WashU’s diverse scholarly community to share knowledge, nurture collaborations, and sparking new ideas to help address our deepest environmental challenges. 

Symposium Schedule:

1:00-2:15pm Welcome and Keynote: “A Vision for the Future in Three Acts,” Julie Zimmerman, Inaugural Vice Provost for Planetary Solutions at Yale University

2:15-3:15pm Panel of Center Scholars: “What is higher education’s role in addressing environmental challenges?” Center for the Environment Scholars will highlight the diversity and impact of environmental research at WashU. Moderated by Lora Iannotti, the Center’s Director for Environmental Justice and Planetary Health, the panel will feature:

  • Kelly Harris – Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Surgery (Public Health Sciences)
  • Bronwen KoneckyAssistant Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
  • Fangqiong Ling– Assistant Professor Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
  • Jonathan MyersProfessor of Biology, Program Director, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
  • Rodrigo Ries– Professor, Brown School

3:15-3:30pm Break 

3:30-4:30pm Graduate student lightning talks: This fast-paced session will showcase the exciting work of WashU’s environmental graduate student community. These 5-minute talks will give brief, impactful glimpses into emerging research. Applications to give a talk are open through Jan. 27

4:30-5:30pm Poster session and Networking reception: Enjoy drinks, light fare, and each other’s company while you explore the diverse environmental research being conducted by our talented community. 

The symposium is open to all members of the WashU community as well as St. Louis’ broader environmental and research communities. 

Registration is required. 

The symposium is part of Environmental Research & Creativity Week Feb. 24-28, a series of events hosted by the WashU Center for the Environment and its partners to showcase the interdisciplinary environmental work at the university. 

2025 Environmental Research Symposium Registration
Environmental Research Symposium Registration
You are encouraged to stay for the entirety of the symposium, but we understand that schedules are busy and we would rather you attend part of the day than nothing at all. Please indicate which portions of the symposium you plan to attend.
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