Sustainability Digest 031620

The Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability provides this list to announce seminars, meetings, colloquiums, lectures, brown bags, announcements of interest, and job opportunities to the Institute community. If you have items you’d like to add please submit them to Cindy.Zisner@asu.edu before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday. This Digest is sent out on Friday morning. You may subscribe, unsubscribe, or change subscriber settings at http://lists.asu.edu/archives/giosasu.html on the menu on the right of the page at Subscribe or Unsubscribe. You can also view archives here.

Please note that the delivery of the Digest was delayed until today, due to ASU announcements concerning the COVID-19 virus on Friday (see ASU Novel Coronovirus for more information).

COVID-19 update for ASU events

All events not directly related to the educational or research mission of the university are canceled. Check with event organizers before attending events.
More information at coronavirus.asu.edu/faqs

NEW ITEMS

(Current items remain in the Digest until they happen so don’t forget to peruse the web listing in case you missed something in the previous week.)

Institute Events

1. Center for Biodiversity Outcomes: Plastic Pollution: Emissions and Mitigation Strategies

2. PhD Prospectus Defense: Sarra Tekola

3. Frasier Global Mentorship Program Presentations

Other Events - On Campus

4. Earth Month Learning Series – Produce Rescue: A Deliciously Ugly Truth by Kendon Jung

5. Sun Devil Giving Day

6. Produce On Wheels - With Out Waste (Produce Rescue)

Other Events - Off Campus

7. Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn: Arizona's Water Future: Challenges and Opportunities

8. GreenBiz Webcast: How Retailers can Embrace the Circular Economy

9. Maricopa Smartscape: Advanced Irrigation 2020

News and Announcements

10. ASU celebrates 50 years of Earth Day with 50 days of sustainability events

11. Layered solar cell technology boosts efficiency, afford ability

12. ASU professor's unintended dive into water research leaves lasting impact

13. Price volatility, consumer expectations drive massive food waste on the farm

14. Qlik Academic Program Datathon: Solving the Climate Crisis

15. Arizona Department of Water Resource Drought Program

Institute Jobs

16. Student, Events Coordinator Aide

Other Jobs

17. Water Resources and Conservation Planner, Flood Control District of Maricopa County, Phoenix, AZ

18. Research Specialist, Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO

19. Dean and Wyoming Excellence Chair, Helga Otto Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

20. Community Engagement Coordinator VISTA, Reno, NV

21. Aquatic Invasive Species Project Manager, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

22. Rural Community Development Program Manager, Sierra Institute for Community and Environment, Taylorsville, CA

EVENTS

Institute Events

Sustainability Series: Fostering a Local Regenerative Food Movement

(Tuesday, March 17, 2020) Edmund Williams, Lehr Innovations, LLC, will present “Fostering a Local Regenerative Food Movement” from 12:00-1:15 p.m. in Room 481, Wrigley Hall, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information and registration.

NEW!

Center for Biodiversity Outcomes: Plastic Pollution: Emissions and Mitigation Strategies

(Tuesday, March 17, 2020) Stephanie B. Borrelle will present “Plastic Pollution: Emissions and Mitigation Strategies” from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in room 481, Wrigley Hall, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information.

PhD Defense: Neda Yousefi Movahed

(Thursday, March 19, 2020) Neda Yousefi Movahed will defend her PhD dissertation “How We Wear Water: Creative Learning for Sustainability”. Faculty, students and the public are invited. From 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Empty Space, ASU Performing and Media Arts Building, 970 E University Dr, Tempe. More information.

NEW!

PhD Prospectus Defense: Sarra Tekola

(Thursday, March 19, 2020) Sarra Tekola will defend her PhD prospectus, “Climate Change and Colonialism: Exploring Decoloniality as a Response to Climate Change”. Faculty, students and the general public are invited. At 12:00 p.m. in room 80 (MEChA Room), Memorial Union, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information.

Global Drylands Center Seminar: Control of Ecosystem Processes by Soil Microbial Communities

(Friday, March 20, 2020) Francisco Pugnaire, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Almería, Spain, will present “Control of Ecosystem Processes by Soil Microbial Communities” from 2:00-3:00 p.m. in room 202, E-wing, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information.

NEW!

Frasier Global Mentorship Program Presentations

(Tuesday, March 24 2020) In fall 2019, The Frasier Global Mentorship Program supported seven School of Sustainability majors paired with professional mentors from Johnson & Johnson, Intel, Aramark, and Freeport McMoRan. Students engaged in virtual mentoring experiences throughout the semester, culminating in individual site visits to Los Angeles, UC Irvine, and Paris, France. In this presentation, students will share their experience and what they learned. From 12:00-1:00 p.m. in room 481, Wrigley Hall, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information and registration.

Environmental Humanities Initiative Distinguished Lecture: Elizabeth Hoover

Tuesday, March 24, 2020) Elizabeth Hoover, Brown University, will present “From Garden Warriors to Gastrodiplomacy: Farmers, Chefs and Water Protectors Working toward Food Sovereignty” from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Marston Exploration Theater, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information and registration.

Sustainability Certificate Program at ASU

(Thursday-Saturday, April 2-4, 2020) Earn a certificate in sustainability strategy from the W. P. Carey School of Business and School of Sustainability at Arizona State University. Join this cohort and connect with a network of sustainability professionals. Sessions focus on organizational opportunities that accompany sustainability challenges. Participants learn how to make the business case for sustainability projects to minimize wasted resources, time and talent. More information at sos.asu.edu/opportunity.

Other Events

On Campus

Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy Seminar: Enhancing Immune Tolerance in Autoimmune Diseases and Transplantation

(Wednesday, March 18, 2020) SanKon Oh, Mayo Clinic-Phoenix, will present “Enhancing Immune Tolerance in Autoimmune Diseases and Transplantation” from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the auditorium, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information.

ASU Fulbright Day 2020

(Wednesday, March 18, 2020) Have you ever thought about applying for a Fulbright? If so, join us for ASU Fulbright Day! Featuring workshops and events, this is a great opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to learn about Fulbright program options and the best strategies for applying. Guests may attend any or all of the day’s events to be held From 12:00-5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. Some sessions will be available via webcast. More information and registration.

NEW!

Earth Month Learning Series – Produce Rescue: A Deliciously Ugly Truth by Kendon Jung

(Thursday, March 19, 2020) Join the ASU Staff Council Sustainability Committee for an engaging and thought-provoking series of talks centered around sustainability topics voted on by fellow ASU faculty and staff. Learn how you can seamlessly incorporate sustainability initiatives into your everyday life. 51% of food is wasted in the US annually. 51%! Celebrate Earth Day by learning how you can help change that. Produce On Wheels - With Out Waste (P.O.W.W.O.W.) disperses fresh produce to communities at churches, schools and other entities throughout Southern Arizona and the Metropolitan Tucson and Phoenix service areas. From 12:00-1:00 p.m. More information and Zoom link.

NEW!

Sun Devil Giving Day

(Thursday, March 19, 2020) Support what you care about at ASU on Sun Devil Giving Day. The Sun Devil family will join together for the eighth annual Sun Devil Giving Day, a one-day celebration of generosity in which Arizona State University supporters give to their passions through the university. Last year, more than 9,300 supporters gave a record-breaking $11.4 million to support ASU students, faculty, staff, programs and causes. Read more.

NEW!

Produce On Wheels - With Out Waste (Produce Rescue)

(Saturday, March 21, 2020) Produce On Wheels - With Out Waste (Produce Rescue) disperses fresh produce to communities at churches, schools and other entities throughout Southern Arizona and the Metropolitan Tucson and Phoenix service areas. 10 million lbs. of fresh nutritional rescued produce annually are delivered to agency sites for distribution to supporters. Anyone can contribute $12 to shop for up to 70 lbs. of fresh produce, to share with neighbors, friends, family or someone who's in need. Get 70 lbs for $12 or 35 lbs for $6 (with student ID), CASH ONLY. Locations: Polytechnic campus: 6935 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212; Tempe campus: ASU Parking Lot 59, 201 S. Packard Dr, Tempe AZ 85281; and West campus: North Parking Lot, 4701 W Thunderbird Rd Glendale, AZ 85306. More information.

Biodesign Institute Seminar: The Cheating Cell: How Evolution Helps Us Understand and Treat Cancer

(Tuesday, March 24, 2020) Athena Aktipis, Arizona State University, will present “The Cheating Cell: How Evolution Helps Us Understand and Treat Cancer” from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the auditorium, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information and registration.

Staff Event Planner Sustainability Certification Training

(Wednesday, March 25, 2020) Become a Sustainability Certified Event Planner and help Arizona State University meet its university-wide sustainability goals. Join Aramark, The College of Health Solutions, University Sustainability Practices and Zero Waste to learn how to become more ecologically and socially conscious in your event planning. From 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in room 242 (La Paz), Memorial Union, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information and registration.

Call for Abstracts for the UCRC Annual Poster Competition

(Wednesday, March 26, 2020) The Urban Climate Research Center hosts an annual poster event that allows graduate students and postdoctoral scholars working on urban climate topics to present their research to the UCRC community. This event provides the participants with valuable experience and also helps to facilitate cross-campus interaction and collaborations. It will be held in he Alumni Lounge, Memorial Union, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. The poster session is intended to highlight urban climate research from undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. Completed research is preferred. Posters outlining research not yet conducted must provide sufficient details on research design. Abstract requirements: Maximum 250 words. Important dates: Abstract submission deadline: Monday, February 10, 2020; Notification of acceptance: Monday, February 17, 2020; and electronic poster submission and printing deadline: Monday, March 16, 2020. Submit your poster abstract here. UCRC will print your poster for you (at no charge) if you submit by Monday, March 16, 2020. Monetary prizes will be awarded in multiple categories. See https://sustainability.asu.edu/urban-climate/events/ for examples of winning posters from last year.

2020 Social Embeddedness Network Conference

(Tuesday, March 24, 2020) Since 2014, the annual Social Embeddedness Network conference has convened community-engaged faculty and staff from a variety of disciplines and units throughout ASU to build connections and share strategies and best practices for advancing ASU as a socially embedded institution. From 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in the Memorial Union, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. ASU's Office of University Initiatives and Educational Outreach and Student Services (EOSS) invite you to submit a proposal to share how you are partnering with community organizations in your socially embedded research, teaching or practice to achieve positive outcomes at the local, regional and global level. The deadline for conference proposals is Friday, January 10, 2020. More information.

21st Century Research – Moving Beyond Animals through In Vitro and In Silico Toxicity Testing

(Friday, March 27, 2020) Advances in 3D and in vitro models have led to fundamental improvements in human disease modeling, drug development, toxicology testing, and more. As technology advances scientists are integrating human-relevant methods such as tissues-on-chips, 3D bioprinting, organoids, and other in vitro and in silico models into research to produce more reliable results. This seminar series features field leaders discussing the application of these approaches to their research. Expert speakers for this seminar are Erin Hill, Institute for In Vitro Sciences and Michael Lawless, PhD, Simulations Plus. From 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the auditorium, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information and registration.

21st Century Research – Moving Beyond Animals in the Neurosciences and Infectious Disease Research

(Friday, April 24, 2020) Advances in 3D and in vitro models have led to fundamental improvements in human disease modeling, drug development, toxicology testing, and more. As technology advances scientists are integrating human-relevant methods such as tissues-on-chips, 3D bioprinting, organoids, and other in vitro and in silico models into research to produce more reliable results. This seminar series features field leaders discussing the application of these approaches to their research. Expert speakers for this seminar are Lena Smirnova, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing; Cleber Trujillo, PhD, University of California San Diego; and Cheryl A. Nickerson, PhD, Arizona State University. From 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the auditorium, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe campus. More information and registration.

Off Campus

CORRECTED DATE!

Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn: Arizona’s Water Future: Challenges and Opportunities

(Tuesday, March 17, 2020) Jim Holway, Babbitt Center for Land and Water Use Policy, will present “Arizona's Water Future: Challenges and Opportunities” from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, 11010 N Tatum Blvd, Ste D-101, Phoenix. More information and registration.

Audubon Arizona: Food as Medicine Workshop

(Thursday, March 19, 2020) Come join Audubon Arizona for a special Food as Medicine Workshop with renowned chef Maria Parra Cano of Sana Sana Foods to learn about the importance of our food systems, make a few delicious dishes, and share some memories! From 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S Central Ave, Phoenix. More information and registration.

Intermountain Sustainability Summit

(Thursday-Friday, March 19-20, 2020) The Intermountain Sustainability Summit is an annual benchmark event where sustainability professionals from business, non-profits, government, and education come together, along with the next generation of leaders, to learn, share, network and build momentum as we work to improve our communities, environment and economy. There is a student poster contest and students whose posters are chosen to be displayed will receive free admission on the main Summit day, March 19, and be entered to win cash-card prizes. Poster submission deadline February 15, 2020. Join us at Weber State University, Ogden UT. More information.

Emerge 2020: Eating at the Edges

(Saturday, March 21, 2020) Explore this question at Emerge 2020: Eating at the Edges. Bring your hands, noses and mouths — they are critical tools! Together, we will think and taste our way through asking what alternative forms of food production, distribution and consumption we should consider to build a more inclusive, equitable and delicious culinary world. From 4:00-10:00 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center Lot, 46 E W 1^st Ave, Mesa. Presented by Arizona State University in partnership with Mesa Arts Center and Leonardo: The International Society for the Arts, Sciences and Technology. More information and registration.

Meet MarCo

(Tuesday, March 24, 2020) The Maricopa County Food Systems Coalition in collaboration with Mesa Community College will have coffee and snacks, multiple guest speakers who will share their food assessment stories, a keynote storyteller, a raffle, and even a tour of MCC's Sustainable Agriculture program's new state-of-the-art greenhouses that! You won't want to miss this event, so show some support for your local food policy council by RSVPing and helping us spread the word! To be held from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Room LB 145, Mesa Community College, 1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa. Registration.

NEW!

GreenBiz Webcast: How Retailers can Embrace the Circular Economy

(Tuesday, March 24, 2020) This hour-long webcast will build on the basics of zero-waste operations and explore how retailers are turning to innovative business models such as rental and resale, swapping single-use packaging for reusables and establishing product take-back programs - all while strengthening consumer relationships. From 1:00-2:00 EDT (10:00-11:00 PDT). More information and registration.

WWW Earth Hour 2020

(Saturday, March 28, 2020) This Earth Hour, millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to show their steadfast commitment to protecting nature. Together we’ll speak up for wildlife and forests. We’ll show our support for rivers and oceans. And we’ll rally around crucial actions needed to curb climate change. Join us at 8:30 p.m. for one hour to show your support for a healthy planet! More information.

2020 University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability

(Tuesday-Friday, March 31-April 3, 2020) The 11th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability will take place at the Hyatt Regency Guam, with pre-conference events on March 30 and 31. For the first time in conference history, the Governor of Guam, Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, will serve as co-chair alongside UOG President Dr. Thomas W. Krise. This year's theme is "Island Wisdom for a Global Future." Together with strategic partners, the Local2030 Islands Network and Global Island Partnership (GLISPA), the conference aims to gather representatives from at least 20 islands in 2020 to share progress, innovations, and strategies to collectively move toward a sustainable global future. Sustainability leaders from around the globe are also invited to share innovations and partnership opportunities that will contribute to island sustainability. More information and registration.

2020 Southwest Extreme Precipitation Symposium: Sharing Knowledge about Extreme Precipitation in the Southwest Region of North America – Droughts to Floods

(Thursday, April 2, 2020) 2020 SWEPSYM will be held in conjunction with the 17th Biennial Symposium on Managed Aquifer Recharge (BSMAR 17) in Tempe, AZ. BSMAR 17 is organized by the Arizona Hydrological Society (AHS) and the Groundwater Resources Association (GRA) of California. The theme this year is integrating water, flood, and stormwater management infrastructures with enhanced observations and forecasting. More information and registration.

NEW!

Maricopa Smartscape: Advanced Irrigation 2020

(Thursday, April 2, 9, and 16, 2020) Registration is open for The University of Arizona, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension 2020 Advanced Smartscape: Irrigation course. Classes will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The University of Arizona, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension office: 4341 E Broadway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85040. Seats are limited and fill fast, so sign up today!

More information and registration.

Arizona Bicycling Summit 2020

(Friday, April 3, 2020) The Arizona's Bicycling Summit, to be held in, gathers leaders, educators, planners, public health professionals, event promoters, and cyclists of all kinds to discuss current issues related to bicycling in Arizona. Registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and all sessions - Student registration $10; Professionals register by March 1 for discounted early bird rate. At the Nile Theater, 105 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85210. More information.

18th Annual Climate Prediction Applications Science Workshop

(Tuesday-Thursday, April 14-16, 2020) The 18th Annual Climate Prediction Applications Science Workshop (CPASW) will bring together a diverse community to share developments in research and application of weather and climate information for societal decision-making. Participants will include researchers, service producers, resource managers, planners, practitioners, social scientists, and others making weather and climate-sensitive decisions. NOAA’s National Weather Service Climate Services Branch, Arizona State University, the Arizona State Climate Office, and many climate services partners are collaborating in the organization of the 2020 CPASW. The workshop will be held in Phoenix, AZ. Registration will open in February 2020. More information.

2020 National Watershed & Stormwater Conference

(Tuesday-Friday, April 14-17, 2020) The 2020 Watershed and Stormwater Conference in Austin, TX will provide a forum for watershed and stormwater professionals throughout the nation to learn how to increase the resiliency of our communities in response to emerging and persistent threats to our water resources — from headwaters to coasts. Network with water resource managers, practitioners, researchers and regulators from all over the United States. The conference will include technical presentations, case studies, panel discussions, workshops and field trips. To be held at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX. More information and registration.

STGlobal Conference

(Friday-Saturday, April 17-18, 2020) The STGlobal Consortium is a group of universities with students interested in science & technology studies (STS), science & technology policy (STP), and other related topics. Each year, graduate students from the member schools organize a graduate student-centered international conference in Washington, DC. The conference provides students with an opportunity to present their original research within a supportive community, gather critical feedback on works-in-progress, network with students in related fields, and attend professional development lectures. The 20th annual STGlobal Conference will be held at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, DC. The STGlobal 2020 conference planning committee is extending the proposal submission deadline until February 14, 2020. Please note that this extension includes travel grant applications. More information and registration.

Phosphorus Forum 2020

(Thursday, April 30, 2020) Arizona State University's Sustainable Phosphorus Alliance will host its 4th annual Phosphorus Forum in Washington, DC. Professor Don Boesch of the University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science will be providing the keynote at this day-long knowledge-sharing and networking event. Participants will include scientists, NGOs focused on water quality issues, nutrient recovery technology companies, fertilizer manufacturers, food producers, water utilities, farm consultants, government regulators, agricultural suppliers, phosphate mining companies, and others. There is no streaming of this event. More information and registration.

European Sustainable Phosphorus Conference

(Monday-Wednesday, June 15-17, 2020) Registration is now open for the 4th European Sustainable Phosphorus Conference, Vienna. This 4th ESPC will centre in plenary on business models, company success stories and city and regional actions towards nutrient circularity. Parallel sessions will mix research with application (see below, call for papers). The third day will be the 4th European phosphorus R&D day, showcasing R&D into phosphorus recycling and recycled products and new approaches. Deadline for submission of presentations, success stories, posters is extended to January 31, 2020 (as several authors requested more time). Fifty presentations are already registered, but some opportunities remain. Hotels are beginning to fill up in Vienna. Register and book now to get better prices! Full details.

PSID Data User Training Workshop

(Monday-Friday, June 15-19, 2020) This five-day workshop will orient participants to the content and structure of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, its special topics modules, and the PSID Child Development Supplement and PSID Transition into Adulthood Supplement. The workshop pairs instructional sessions led by experienced PSID researchers and staff with guided lab sessions in which users construct their own analytic data files. The workshop is open to predoctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, college and university faculty, and professional researchers. Admitted predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows may request to be considered for a stipend to help with travel and housing costs. Applications received by April 17 will be given priority for enrollment. More information about the workshop and application to participate through the ICPSR Summer Program. Support is provided by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Science Foundation.

SISE 2020: Resiliency: Climate Change and the Power of Data + Response

(Thursday-Wednesday, July 9-22, 2020) Join us in Chicago for our 10th annual program focused on resiliency — Resiliency: Climate Change and the Power of Data + Response. There is no program fee, everyone that participates receives lodging on campus free of charge, and there are travel scholarships available for most traveling to Chicago. Application Deadline: All applications are due May 30. Interviews must be conducted by June 9. Final decisions sent June 10. More information.

Circularity 20: Accelerating the Circular Economy

(Tuesday-Thursday, August 25-27, 2020) Circularity 20 is the largest circular economy conference in the United States. Building on the success of a sold-out launch event, Circularity 20 will bring together more than 1,000 thought leaders and practitioners across industries and functions to accelerate the circular economy. Through inspirational plenaries, interactive breakouts, deep-dive tutorials, networking opportunities and a solutions-focused showcase, Circularity 20 will inspire, inform and empower participants to turn circular economy concepts into profitable opportunities for companies and cities. To be held at Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta, 3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326. More information and registration.

URP 2020: Sustainable & Resilient Urban-Rural Partnerships

(Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27, 2020) Regions are of critical importance to achieve the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda including the Sustainable Development Goals and the HABITAT III objectives. By focusing on sustainable and resilient urban-rural partnerships, the international URP2020 conference aims at developing new urban-rural imaginaries, integrating strategies and projects that explore present and future potentials in terms of sustainability and resilience. The URP2020 will bring together and connect scientific insights and enlightening experiences of on-going projects in practice. We offer a forum for exchange and support the co-design of ideas to tackle the challenges for sustainable and resilient regional development. The conference will be held in Leipzig, Germany. More information.

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW!

ASU celebrates 50 years of Earth Day with 50 days of sustainability events

The first Earth Day in 1970 was catalyzed at college campuses. The event was launched after Americans were horrified by a massive oil spill off Santa Barbara, California, that killed thousands of animals, as well as the publication of the ground-breaking book “Silent Spring,” by Rachel Carson. Read more.

NEW!

Layered solar cell technology boosts efficiency, afford ability

The future’s getting brighter for solar power. Researchers from Arizona State University and the University of Colorado Boulder have created a low-cost solar cell with one of the highest power-conversion efficiencies to date, by layering cells and using a unique combination of elements. Read more.

NEW!

ASU professor’s unintended dive into water research leaves lasting impact

Pat Gober became a water researcher by accident. For 25 years, as a population geographer and demographer at Arizona State University, she focused on migration patterns and urban planning issues in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Pat Gober, a research professor in ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, will be retiring as full-time faculty after 45 years to focus on research and professional service projects. Then came an email from the National Science Foundation. Read more.

NEW!

Price volatility, consumer expectations drive massive food waste on the farm

Currently, nearly a third of the food produced in the United States never makes it to the grocery aisle — creating a huge waste problem. Two Arizona State University professors worked on a new federal report that highlights the complicated reasons for the losses and some potential solutions. The research shows that the entire food chain is fraught with unpredictability, from how much it rains to how many farm workers show up for harvest to which apple will be plucked from the bin. Literal tons of food are thrown away at nearly every step of the way. Read more.

UA Science: Sky School Instructor Positions for 2020-21

For the 2020-21 academic year, UA Sky School will be offering several opportunities for instructor positions. The fellowships connect graduate students with K-12 students as research mentors and educators during residential or daytime educational programs. The fellowship is a unique opportunity to gain experience with science education and communication. Sky School staff will provide training for effective mentoring of students. Instructors will mentor groups of K-12 students on 1-4 day programs throughout the year at our Mt Lemmon campus and other field sites in the Santa Catalina Mountains and/or at local schoolyards in Tucson. Programs include instruction on general themes relevant to sciences in the sky island region-ecology, geology, hydrology, environmental sciences, dendrochronology, soil science, astronomy, and cultural history-as well as opportunities for students to conduct inquiry projects on topics of their choice. Sky School leadership will provide feedback to instructors on improving their facilitation and teaching skills. ASU graduate students are eligible and welcome to apply. Review begins March 30, applications close April 17, 2020. More information or uaskyschool@gmail.com.

Students! Share your sustainability story

Earth Day's 50th anniversary is coming up and the Zero Waste Department at ASU wants to celebrate it by sharing YOUR story. They're looking for 50 students that are passionate about sustainability and have a deep love for Mother Earth. They want to give you the space to talk about you and the projects that you've been working on or will be working on in the future to help us change the world. Getting to know you will inspire others to join our green movement and to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Fill out the form so Zero Waste can contact you, and feel free to share the link with your friends.

Community Exchange needs booth managers!

Community Exchange, a cooperative network of small growers selling at the Phoenix Uptown Farmer's Market (Bethany Home and Central) is in need of booth managers for Wednesday and Saturday markets. The Exchange has been a good source of income for many backyard gardeners, small-scale growers and food and crafts artisans but without this help, it may not be able to continue. Booth managers receive a commission on sales paid monthly. The Uptown Market is at 5757 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. The hours of operation for Wednesday are 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Oct. - April) and 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (May - June); Wednesday Market closes (June - September) Please contact Chip Satturlund for more information (chipsatt@cox.net).

Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy Dissertation Fellowship Program

The Babbitt Center’s Dissertation Fellowship Program invites applications from doctoral students who are writing dissertations in fields that address the Babbitt Center’s interest in improving the integration of land use and water management and policy in the Colorado River Basin. This fellowship program provides an important link between the Lincoln Institute’s educational mission and its research objectives by supporting scholars early in their careers. Application deadline is April 1, 2020. More information and application guidelines.

CivicSpark Fellow Applications

CivicSpark is a Governor's Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address the most pressing community resilience issues relating to the environment and social equity. CivicSpark is recruiting 90 Fellows for the 2020-21 Service Year. Projects for the 2020-21 service year will begin to be posted late-March 2020. More information and application.

Spring 2020 Research Study Opportunity for Undergraduate Students

Take part in a paid focus group study (small discussion group) about how college students define and understand dating relationships and hooking up being conducted by Dr. Lauren Reed, MSW, PhD, School of Social Work. An hour and a half of your time will earn you a $25 Amazon gift card for your participation! The discussion will be confidential, will focus on your ideas about college students as a whole rather than your personal experiences, and no identifying information will be collected. You must be 18 years old or older to participate, and you must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at ASU. Focus groups will be led by one of your fellow ASU students and a member of our research team (a graduate student or AmeriCorps staff member, no faculty!). You have the opportunity to sign up for a focus group that most closely matches your gender identity and the groups you belong to on campus. There are groups for International students, student athletes, LGTQ+ students, those in Greek life, and open groups if you do not closely identify with any of the categories. Groups are being held on multiple campuses. Your views will help us to better understand how college students define and think about dating relationships to help inform services and programs for students on ASU campuses. More information will be sent to those who sign up. Signing up is confidential through this Google form link. Do not hesitate to email Lauren.A.Reed@asu.edu with any questions you may have.

Call for Submissions: Page Prize for Sustainability Issues in Business Curricula

The Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina is honored to announce the 12th annual Dr. Alfred N. and Lynn Manos Page Prize for Sustainability Issues in Business Curricula. Faculty, doctoral students and others are invited to submit non-published materials related to innovative curricula (program design and core components), courses (including full syllabuses) or substantial course components (case materials, simulations and course segments) appropriate for rigorous and relevant teaching about sustainability and business. The deadline for submittal is March 15, 2020. More information.

Charles Redd Center for Western Studies, Brigham Young University Awards Available

The Charles Redd Center for Western Studies is pleased to announce multiple awards for 2020 that are available for scholars, students, or organizations conducting research or producing public programming related to the Intermountain regions of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming. Applications for 2020 are due by 11:59 p.m. MST on March 15, and awardees will be notified by May 1. More information and application instructions.

Study Abroad – Antarctica: The Frozen Continent 2020!

Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore and experience first-hand the physical, ecological, social, and political landscape of Antarctica. Starting from Ushuaia, Argentina, you’ll be accompanied by scientists and naturalists as you cross the famous Drake Passage on your voyage to the frozen continent. Once there, you'll explore the human and natural environment up-close, from icebergs and penguins, to old research and whaling buildings. You may even spot whales! The preceding fall semester will be spent meeting once a week learning more about the history, climate, and environment of Antarctica that will prepare us for our two-week (December 17 through December 29, 2020) trip to the continent itself. For more information please visit our website or contact Dr. Andrew Maynard at amaynar2@asu.edu.

Arizona State University President’s Award for Sustainability

The President’s Award for Sustainability recognizes ASU faculty and staff who have worked as departmental, interdepartmental or transdisciplinary teams that have demonstrated excellence in fostering sustainability at Arizona State University. This award recognizes the development, implementation and promotion of sustainability principles, solutions, programs and services. The award application has detailed information and instructions on the entire process. The 2020 application deadline is March 20, 2020. More information and application.

NEW!

Qlik Academic Program Datathon: Solving the Climate Crisis

Qlik and C40 Cities have launched a Datathon, a series of challenges to help solve some of the issues at the heart of our current climate crisis. We are inviting our Qlik Academic Program students across the globe to develop data and analytic solutions for a climate resilient earth to support healthy ecosystems in multiple geographies. Learn more and how to become a Qlik Academic Program student. There are four challenges, all related to a global set of cities, plus an additional “choose your own challenge” option. All entries will be reviewed and judged by Qlik, C40 Cities and other experts from climate organizations. A winner will be selected for each challenge. Challenge winners will be announced in April and presented at QlikWorld in Phoenix, AZ, in May with an overall winner announced at QlikWorld! Submission deadline April 3. More information.

Foundations of Sustainability Online Course for Professionals

How are companies applying sustainability strategies for long-term success? How can incorporating sustainability in organizational strategy positively impact revenue and reduce risk? Learn how in this 6-hour online self-paced course from the ASU School of Sustainability. Questions? Contact SustainabilitySkills@asu.edu. Learn more and enroll.

NEW!

Arizona Department of Water Resource Drought Program

February 2020 drought summary is online.

February Southwest Climate Outlook

The February 2020 Southwest Climate Outlook is online.

CLIMAS Podcast: January 2020: Bold Predictions, Plus “Are We (still) in a Drought”

Tune into the Southwest Climate podcasts on Apple Podcasts or Southwest Climate Change Network.

OPPORTUNITIES

Institute Job Openings

Faculty Associate Pool, School of Sustainability, Arizona State University

Application open until filled. More information.

Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Center for Biodiversity Outcomes