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Situated quite fittingly in the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, Fuller Dome at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, energy specialists convened for a “Energy Water Food Nexus” during an afternoon symposium on April 24. The SIUE School of Engineering’s Serdar Celik, PhD, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and Chair of the Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board and Curtis “Drew” Hoelscher, Interim Director Environmental Resources Training Center and Director of Water Supply Operations, co-hosted the conference which covered all aspects of sustainability, specifically in the Illinois and St. Louis Metro Area.

“We are proud to have successfully hosted another annual symposium which now has become SIUE’s signature event in the region,” said Celik. “The audience consisted of SIUE students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members from both sides of the river. This engagement has allowed fruitful partnerships since the initiation of this symposium series and this year’s event in that regard was another success with all participants and speakers connecting with each other during the networking hour of the symposium.”

Denise Cobb, PhD, SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, welcomed visitors to forum that included unique experts in their field: Courtney DesMarais, Sustainability Project Manager, Harbor Environmental, A Terracon Company; Jackie Becker, Vice President of Engineering & Construction, Ameren Transmission; Danny Rowatt, Sales Representative, Municipal Equipment Company, Inc.; Matt Maas, Division Manager, Public Water Supplies, Illinois EPA; Erin McFarland, Development Coordinator, Urban Harvest St. Louis and SIUE’s Kathy Mora, PhD, RD, Assistant Professor, Nutrition.

“It was a pleasure having the opportunity to raise awareness about food sustainability and where food, energy, and water environmental sustainability are completely interconnected,” said Mora. “The symposium was collaborative, and I enjoyed the networking session where I could ask questions of other speakers and share thoughts about how our professions intersect, such as around the recent media attention about fluoridated water.”

Hoelscher said, “The symposium speakers did a fantastic job explaining their respective challenges regarding sustainability. The explanation of PFAS in Edwardsville’s source water from IEPA was well received and needed due to the recent public notification.”

Mora added, “I think the diverse group of speakers showed there is vast interest in sustainability beyond just a catchy term, and that real work is being done across industry, government agencies, and SIUE. I appreciate being able to present the connection between community resources, student advocates, and faculty who have come together this year to improve campus food waste reduction and composting. The symposium highlights the excellent work being done at all levels to address environmental sustainability.”

As part of SIUE’s contribution to membership in the Midwest Climate Collaboration, SIUE faculty and students have been involved with the annual summits. This allows the participants to contribute to the collaboration while expanding the energy and sustainability network.

The Energy Water Food Nexus was sponsored by Illinois American Water Company and the SIUE Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board. 
  
PHOTO: SIUE School of Engineering’s Serdar Celik, PhD, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and Chair of the Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board, introduces “Energy Water Food Nexus” symposium at SIUE's Fuller Dome