The aim of this session is to present the latest advances in environmental research that address unprecedented climatic shifts, with far-reaching consequences for planet Earth, and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue on the existential threats facing our planet and its inhabitants.

Friday, October 6, 2023

Hillman Hall, Danforth Campus

The 21st century will be defined by unprecedented climatic shifts, with far-reaching consequences for planet Earth. As the average global temperature continues to rise, we are already witnessing sea level rise, extreme weather, and catastrophic biodiversity loss. From providing clean air to preserving the biodiversity of species, this plenary session will foster cross-disciplinary dialogue on the existential threats facing our planet and its inhabitants.

Plenary SessionThe EnvironmentLocation
7:00 – 7:45amRegistration & Continental BreakfastClark-Fox Forum / Balcony & Caleres Lounge
7:50 – 8:00am Welcome Remarks & Session Introductions
Laura Benoist, Director, McDonnell International Scholars Academy
Clark-Fox Forum
8:05 – 10:30amMODERATOR
Daniel Giammar, McKelvey School of Engineering
Washington University in St. Louis

RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTATIONS (8:05 – 9:45)

Biodiversity Challenges & McDonnell Academy Seed Grant Project Insights
Jonathan Losos and Elizabeth Carlen, Washington University in St. Louis

SPARTAN Network
Randall Martin, Washington University St. Louis

Community-based participatory action research for human health and wildlife conservation in Uganda
Krista Milich, Washington University in St. Louis
David Tumusiime, Makerere University

Air Quality in Central Asia
Jay Turner, Washington University in St. Louis
Sagynbek Orunbaev, American University of Central Asia

Improving sustainability of stormwater management through international collaboration and learning: How can St. Louis learn from China’s Sponge City Initiative?
Hongxi Yin and Ian Trivers, Washington University in St. Louis
Zhifang Wang, Peking University


PANEL DISCUSSION and AUDIENCE Q&A (9:45 – 10:30)
Clark-Fox Forum
10:30 – 11:00amBreakBalcony & Caleres Lounge
11:00am – 12:15pm3MT Competition
Please visit the 3MT page for details
Clark-Fox Forum
Review full schedule and please check back often for updates.

Global Research Symposium Workshops: The Environment

Please check back often for updates to available workshops and registration.

The faculty-driven workshops at our symposium offer a unique opportunity for participants to dive deep into specialized topics, guided by renowned experts in their respective fields. These workshops are designed to foster interactive learning, facilitate skill development, and encourage meaningful dialogue among attendees. Join us as we embark on an enriching journey of discovery and growth through our faculty-driven workshops.

Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM

All workshops will be hosted at the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC) at Washington University School of Medicine, unless otherwise noted below.
Mobile Tour: Sponge City in St. Louis – Applying a New Stormwater Management Approaches to Broadway South

Led by: Prof. Hongxi Yin & Prof. Ian Trivers, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Washington University in St. Louis and Prof. Zhifang Wang, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Peking University.

This workshop is a tour (site visit) to the Broadway South development site (riverfront area south of the Arch grounds) to discuss research into how China’s Sponge City approach to storm-water management can inform infrastructural practices in St. Louis. We will tour the Broadway South site to examine existing conditions, including buildings and current storm-water management infrastructure and discuss the planning and plans for advanced interventions. We may also enter some buildings depending on the status of construction.

This is a walking tour and participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and be prepared for uneven surfaces and other potential small obstacles in a redevelopment setting.

Learning objectives: Participants will learn about the storm-water challenges faced by a legacy city, what applying a Sponge City approach to storm-water management in a new development in this context means, and how it might be implemented.

Site: Selected sites in the Gateway South footprint. We will likely focus on the northern half of the site.

Transportation is provided from the EPNEC to the workshop site.