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Join Pratt Institute's Delta Cities Coastal Resilience advanced studio as we host the Pratt Earth Action Week panel discussion, "Delta Cities Deep Dive - Participatory Science and Education on the Water."

In this virtual discussion, practitioners and researchers working with waterfront communities and inhabitants (human and non-human) will share their experiences, lessons and best practices for mutual learning, co-creation, collaboration, and shared stewardship of our waterfronts, waterways, and water resources - in the New York - New Jersey Harbor, Hudson River Estuary, and beyond!

The Pratt Sustainability Center is delighted to announce that this Fall's Pratt Earth Action Week will take place from November 4th through November 9th. This week-long series of sustainability events celebrates the creative collaborations of the Pratt sustainability community and networks and offers us the opportunity to connect, across groups, disciplines, and initiatives. The week’s programming continues to address the intersecting crises of climate change and the racial and social justice issues that have brought into relief systemic inequalities and unsustainable systems but also seeks to highlight successes and ongoing progress made by our students, faculty, staff, and partners in response to these challenges. Events throughout the week provide a framework for conversation, debate, and the development of art and design solutions that can be best accomplished when we connect and work together.

Panelists:

Sara Eichner

Researcher, Hudson Access Project

Co-founder, Studio 2263

Sara, a designer and cartographer, works at the intersection of data analysis and design. She explores creative and pragmatic methods of data interpretation using data visualization and interactive tools to tell the stories found within data and the people they represent. Sara has a masters in fine arts from Syracuse University and a certificate in GIS from Pratt institute. She has taught Spatial Thinking, GIS and Design at Pratt Institute's School of Information as well as User Centered Design for GIS in the Pratt School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Jennifer Kepler

Education Programs Senior Manager, Gowanus Canal Conservancy

Jen is the Education Programs Senior Manager (grades K-12) at the Gowanus Canal Conservancy. Jen has a B.S in Zoology. from Oswego State University and a M.A. in Science Education (Biology grades 6-12) from Brooklyn College. Jen has been with GCC since 2022, previously she worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society in various capacities. One of the projects she is most excited to be working on with GCC is the Mussel Habitat Project which involves students in community science along the Gowanus Canal.

Shino Tanikawa

Executive Director, New York City Soil and Water Conservation District

Steering Committee member, Stormwater Infrastructure Matters (SWIM) Coalition

Shino oversees the District’s green infrastructure, urban soils and environmental education programs. She has led outreach and education projects on stormwater management through green infrastructure. As part of this effort, she organizes the District’s annual green infrastructure bus tour, which features green infrastructure projects in NYC and beyond. Most recently she conducted an outreach project in the south Bronx informing residents of green infrastructure incentives and requirements. She has also worked on policies that promote green infrastructure on private properties, such as the Green Roof Tax Abatement program.

Moderated by:

Franklin Kirimi

Senior Design Associate, Kounkuey Design Initiative

Pratt MS in Sustainable Environmental Systems - NATURA Network Fellow

Mr. Kirimi is a Kenyan Landscape Architect focused on co-producing contextualized nature-based solutions (NBS) in collaboration with at-risk communities. At Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI), he has worked on community-focused participatory planning and design of urban public spaces, particularly within informal and refugee settlements across East Africa. Through the 15-week NATURA Network’s Early Career Fellowship, Franklin is diving into the complexities of participatory design and planning strategies in NYC.

Co-sponsored by:

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The Master of Science in Sustainable Environmental Systems (SES) is one of the nation’s most innovative, interdisciplinary, systems-based sustainability programs. This STEM certified degree program is designed to meet today’s increasing demand for environmental professionals, uniquely combining environmental science, sustainable design, and climate policy. Students learn the interdisciplinary skills and systems-thinking approach needed to assess contemporary environmental issues; catalyze innovative environmental problem-solving; uphold environmental and social justice; and engage diverse stakeholders in designing and developing sustainable communities.

Faced with climate change, systemic racism, and growing inequity, communities need forward-thinking approaches to urbanism now more than ever. Practice-based and rooted deeply in the network of communities we serve, our alliance of four graduate-level programs works to address these evolving threats, working in partnership to build asset-based solutions at the intersection of environment, equity, culture, and economy.

The Pratt Sustainability Center serves as a physical and virtual hub for Pratt’s commitment to educating environmentally and socially responsible citizens. The Center’s core mission is to coordinate and develop resources to further integrate sustainability into the academic experience of all Pratt students.