What value can the study of classical literature, history, and philosophy contribute to the modern world’s ecological and economic challenges? Are older ways of thinking and living worth our time to consider, or reconsider? Are they viable modes of engagement with the world today? Mark thinks so, and his talk – a /précis/ of my latest book – aims to explain how and why. 
 
Mark Usher is a Lyman-Roberts Professor of Classical Languages and Literature and a faculty member in the Department of Geography and Geosciences, The Environmental Program, and the Food Systems Graduate Program. In addition to his day job at UVM, Usher and his wife built and operate Works & Days Farm in Shoreham, where they raise sheep, and Scottish Highland cattle, manage a sugarbush and dote on two lovely donkeys. 

Usher spoke at UVM on April 15th, 2022. Read more about Mark: https://www.uvm.edu/cas/geography/profiles/m-d-usher 

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Mark Usher: Following Nature’s Lead: Ancient Ways of Living in a Dying World – An Origin Story

Elizabeth Palchak leads the Office of Sustainability, connecting academics, research, operations, and engagement to amplify UVM’s impact and contributions to sustainable solutions. Elizabeth earned her BA from The College of Wooster and her Ph.D. from the Rubenstein School of Natural Resources, with a focus on social science and the clean energy transition. Prior to her work in the Office of Sustainability, Elizabeth was a Senior Energy Consultant with VEIC, a sustainable energy company based in Vermont. At VEIC, she worked on sustainable energy projects throughout the country for municipalities, utilities, and universities, highlighting the human perspective in program and policy development. She is an active contributor to the Energy Equity Project, a national effort to address energy justice. 

Palchak spoke at UVM on April 22nd, 2022. Read more about Elizabeth: https://www.uvm.edu/gund/profiles/elizabeth-palchak 

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Elizabeth Palchak: The Sustainability Imperative at UVM – Research, Partnerships and Measurement

Growing variability in the natural environment is anticipated to increase the burden of infectious diseases, including diarrheal diseases, worldwide. The implications of this complex web of factors contributing to diarrheal disease are particularly concerning for the highest-risk populations, such as those living in refugee camps. As climate change and deforestation threaten to disrupt ecosystems globally, and as the burden of refugees continues to grow, a better and more comprehensive understanding of the association between the environment and diarrheal disease in complex humanitarian crises is necessary. This talk will give an overview of the nexus dynamics surrounding human health at the intersection of the environment and complex humanitarian crises with a particular focus on Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. 
 
Kelsey Gleason is an Assistant Professor in the Larner College of Medicine, though will be transitioning to a new role as an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences in the fall. Her work focuses on the intersection of human health and the environment in complex humanitarian settings. An environmental epidemiologist by training, much of Kelsey’s work has focused on disaster risk reduction efforts, particularly related to climate change, in low- and middle-income countries. She has conducted research all over the world, though her travel has slowed down a bit due to the pandemic and two pandemic babies who have kept me closer to their home in Moretown, Vermont. 

Gleason spoke at UVM on April 29th, 2022. Read more about Gleason: https://www.uvm.edu/publichealth/faculty/kelsey-gleason/ 

Learn more about the Gund Institute: www.uvm.edu/gund 

Explore Gund events: www.uvm.edu/gund/events

Kelsey Gleason: Human Health at the Intersection of the Environment and Humanitarian Crises

The Gund Institute is a leading center for sustainability research and education at the University of Vermont.

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