SYMP 11 - Applied ecology for 21st-century environmental solutions requires the need for diverse perspectives

Organizer(s)

• MM

  Matthew McCary, PhD

  Assistant Professor of BioSciences
  Rice University, Texas, United States

Moderator(s)

• MM

  Matthew McCary, PhD

  Assistant Professor of BioSciences
  Rice University, Texas, United States

Global change threatens ecological functioning and human health and is considered one of the primary challenges of the 21^st century. These changing environments are driven by ecological disruptions that can manifest through several forms, such as drought or increased exposure to infectious diseases. As global change progresses, ecological disruptions are projected to increase in frequency and intensity. Often, the outcomes of these disruptions disproportionately impact Black people, populations of color, and other marginalized communities. Thus, applied ecology for 21st-century environmental problems requires solutions that consider ecological disruptions within the context of broader society and impacts on vulnerable and historically marginalized communities. In this symposium, we explore (1) why it is essential to re-frame our conceptions of nature to support equitable, inclusive, and just social-environmental science, (2) how can historically marginalized communities be included in ecological monitoring research, and (3) what potential insights can be gleaned from including these communities in applied ecology. This symposium will enhance awareness regarding the need to address complex environmental challenges within the framework of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Presentations:

• 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM EDT

  Redefining environment for equity and inclusion in social-environmental research
  

  Presenting Author: Nia Morales – University of Florida

  Co-author: Jordan Lee – University of Colorado Boulder

  Co-author: Karen Bailey, PhD – University of Colorado Boulder

  Co-author: Milton Newberry III – Bucknell University
• 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM EDT

  Operationalizing the tenets and practices of civic ecology in urban wildlife research and community outreach programming
  

  Presenting Author: Micah Miles – Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore
• 2:10 PM – 2:30 PM EDT

  Spatial-temporal patterns of urban mosquitoes are modulated by socioeconomic status and environmental traits in the United States
  

  Presenting Author: Senay Yitbarek, Yitbarek – University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

  Co-author: Kelvin Chen – Rutgers University

  Co-author: Modeline Celestin – Rice University

  Co-author: Matthew McCary, PhD – Rice University
• 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM EDT

  Won't you be my neighbor? Morning Glory endosymbiosis facilitates neighboring crop interactions
  

  Presenting Author: Lekeah Durden – Indiana University

  Co-Author: Keith Clay – Tulane University

  Co-Author: Quynh N. Quach – Tulane University
• 2:50 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

  Discussion