SIUE to Host Annual Symposium on “Energy-Water-Food Nexus”

SIUE to Host Annual Symposium on "Energy-Water-Food Nexus"

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting its annual symposium, themed "Energy-Water-Food Nexus" on April 22 from 1-4 p.m. at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, Fuller Dome, on the SIUE campus.

Brought together by the Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board (CASAB) and Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC), the event is all set to bring regional experts, practitioners, and community members together to promote awareness on the requisite topics of energy, water and food.

"Water-Energy-Food, is there a more critical part of our everyday needs? Where would we be as a civilization without these basic needs?" emphasized Ricky Lallish, director of ERTC and CASAB board member.

The symposium will begin with opening remarks from Jennifer Zuercher, PhD, RD, LDN, Associate Professor and Program Director for the Nutrition & Dietetics program at SIUE and chair of CASAB, followed by Benjamin Lowder, director of SIUE Fuller Dome. The event will continue with presentations from the distinguished speakers and will conclude with a question-and-answer session followed by a networking reception.

Symposium presenters are experts in the fields of energy, water, and sustainability. They are the following:

• Connie Frey-Spurlock - Director of Community Engagement, SIUE System

• Donna Mayer - Associate/Acting Director, SIUE Facilities Management

• Matthew Maas - Division Manager, Public Water Supplies, Illinois EPA

• Mike Crawford - Chief Operator, Collinsville Water Department

• Antonio Brazelton - Senior Research Coordinator, Jackie Joiner-Kersey FAN

• Chad Warner - Urban Ag Coordinator, Jackie Joiner-Kersey FAN

"This symposium series started in 2017 and became a signature event in the region, organized by SIUE. So far, we had eight of these events in the U.S. and two symposia in Turkey. I am honored to see how much the event grew over the years. This is a success of all contributors including faculty, students, and administration," noted Serdar Celik, PhD, professor in the School of Engineering (SOE) Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, CASAB board member, and the founder of the SIUE Energy Symposium series.

CASAB board members provide leadership for SIUE's sustainability initiatives by promoting sustainability on campus and engaging SIUE with other institutions in the region and nationwide.

"The committee works diligently throughout the year to coordinate an engaging event. This year's event features speakers from SIU and the Metro East region. From PFAS in the water supply to the work being done at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture, Nutrition Innovation Center, this event is for everyone interested in supporting a healthy planet and population," said Zuercher.

Sustainability awareness and activities at SIUE have been constantly gaining momentum over the past decade with numerous achievements, including the following:

• Founding Member, St. Louis Higher Education Sustainability Consortium
• Silver Rating through the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS)
• Recognition as one of the four Living Architecture Regional Centers of Excellence nationally by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the Green Infrastructure Foundation
• Established bike share program

PHOTO: The Fuller Dome at SIUE