Talk: Drawdown and Effective Science Communication Strategies
Presented by Dr. Rachel Brennan
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 · 4 - 5 PM
Join us for our virtual Talk Tuesday on September 17, 2024 at 4p.
Guest Speaker
Rachel Brennan, Ph.D., P.E. is a Professor and Interim Associate Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Penn State University. iHARP External Advisory Board Member
Talk Title
Drawdown and Effective Science Communication Strategies
Abstract
There are many proven methods of reducing and reversing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in our atmosphere, spanning technological, ecological, and social solutions across all sectors of the economy and society. Among various efforts, the organizationProject Drawdown has taken a particularly impressive first step toward identifying, modeling, and ranking strategies that can significantly reduce GHGs and reverse global warming when implemented at scale. Penn State University and Project Drawdown are working collaboratively together to advance strategies to reverse global warming with a focus on contextual systems research and effective science communication techniques to make this work easily accessible to the public. One aspect of this partnership is the Drawdown Scholars Program which trains diverse cohorts of undergraduate students to become informed climate action leaders who are adept at both climate solutions and effective science communication. In this presentation, an overview of Project Drawdown, the Drawdown Scholars program, and tips for delivering engaging, dynamic, and memorable presentations will be shared.
Speaker Bio
Rachel Brennan, Ph.D., P.E. is a Professor and Interim Associate Head of
Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Pennsylvania State
University and holds a courtesy appointment in Agricultural and
Biological Engineering. Dr. Brennan’s research expertise is
the development and application of enhanced bioremediation technologies
for restoring environments contaminated with acid mine drainage,
petroleum hydrocarbons, hazardous wastes, nutrients, and trace organic
chemicals. She currently leads several large research
and education initiatives for solving sustainability challenges at the
water-energy-food (WEF) nexus in developed and developing communities
with an emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting
biodiversity, and championing human rights. Leveraging
the power of engineered and natural ecosystems, Dr. Brennan's research
team develops strategies to purify water from complex waste streams and
produce a range of value-added products to support a circular
bioeconomy, including fertilizers, fuels, and food.