SIUE to host Water and Energy Symposium

SIUE to host Water and Energy Symposium

April 22, 2024, 2:23 PM

"Water-Energy Nexus" is the theme of the upcoming Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ‪‪Water and Energy Symposium. The event will take place on April 23 from 1-4 p.m. in the Legacy Room at Morris University Center.

"The challenges and uncertainties in availability of water and energy can only be overcome with an initial step of understanding the relation between the two essential elements of our everyday life," said Serdar Celik, PhD, professor in the School of Engineering (SOE) Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, chair of the SIUE Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board (CASAB) and co-director of SIUE Living Architecture Center of Excellence.

Matthew Maas, director of Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) and CASAB board member, added, "Substantial amounts of energy are used when treating, distributing, or collecting water. Finding ways to reduce this energy consumption will not only protect the environment by reducing emissions, but will also benefit customers with reduced water utility costs."

The symposium will begin with opening remarks from Maas and Celik followed by presentations from the distinguished speakers. The event will conclude with a question and answer session followed by a networking reception.

The symposium will host experts in the fields of energy, water, and sustainability. The panelists are:

• Will Wilson, Leidos Inc.
• Adam Nutt, Illinois EPA
• Ashlynn Stillwell, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Heather Navarro, Washington University in St. Louis
• Taylor Flynn-Elhoffer, Missouri American Water

Celik, Maas and other CASAB board members provide leadership for SIUE's sustainability initiatives by promoting sustainability on campus and engaging SIUE with other institutions in the region and nationwide.

Sustainability awareness and activities at SIUE have been constantly gaining momentum over the past decade with numerous achievements. They include the following:

• Founding Member, St. Louis Higher Education Sustainability Consortium
• Recognition as one of the four Living Architecture Regional Centers of Excellence nationally by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the Green Infrastructure Foundation
• Invitation to membership in the Midwest Climate Collaborative
• Established bike share program
  

"A symposium like this will not only promote awareness on the two requisite topics of water and energy, but will also pave the path for new collaborations between faculty, professionals, and community members," said Celik.

This event is open to the public and free of charge. Parking will be available for guests. For more information, please contact Matt Maas ([email protected]) or Serdar Celik ([email protected]).

PHOTO: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus; Serdar Celik, PhD, professor in the School of Engineering (SOE); Matthew Maas, director, Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC)