Each year at Homecoming, we invite alumni to return to the classroom to hear from one of our professors. This year, to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the School of Environment, we are presenting a lecture by Dr. Cathy Conrad, Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and Coordinator of the Bachelor of Environmental Studies.
The Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree is an interdisciplinary program providing exciting opportunities to draw upon social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences to develop solutions to complex environmental challenges. The Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree is a part of the Saint Mary's University School of Environment, connecting students, faculty and the community to the hub for environmental education, research and outreach at SMU.
THE LECTURE
Climate change research is very active at SMU. Across all disciplines and faculties, we have researchers and students undertaking critical research in this field. Dr. Conrad will bring her research from the front lines of climate change in rural West Africa home to SMU with the stories of how people's lives are being gravely impacted by the climate crisis.
The lecture will be followed by a short Q&A.
Please note that this event is $10 and includes a full breakfast.
DR. CATHY CONRAD
Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and Coordinator of the Bachelor of Environmental Studies
Dr. Conrad’s research background is in community-based environmental monitoring and water security, having founded the Community-Based Environmental Monitoring Network (now the Atlantic Water Network). Through this work, she has conducted research around the world, assisting communities in better understanding a variety of environmental concerns, often employing citizen science.
As more recent research shifted to water and food security in West Africa, particularly The Gambia, new questions around environmental migrants and migration in general has emerged. She is now working on irregular migration in West Africa, migration as a rite of passage and climate change migration on the African continent.
