August 29, 2022

Happy Autumn Semester 2022!  

The Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) turns 10 years young next month and we are thrilled to kick off the new academic year on Tuesday, September 13 with an EPN Breakfast focused on a topic that is globally and locally pertinent during very hot summer days and disproportionately impacts many of our most vulnerable neighbors, family members and fellow residents here in central Ohio. For this event, co-designed with Kimberly Ordonez and Harrison Fried (current SENR PhD students), we will explore cost-effective measures and adaptation strategies with Dr. Mayra Rodríguez-González (University of Connecticut Extension) imperative to alleviate the severity of extreme heat events on residents. This program will showcase her application of GIS systems to map tree canopies, measure urban heat island effects, and draw upon organizational networks to inform improved service provision. Ordonez and Fried, along with Rohit Basu, their research colleague (and local high school student!), will link these strategies to specific organizations and activities ongoing in central Ohio. Learn more and register at go.osu.edu/epnsept22 

At our September Breakfast the EPN will officially host its 6,000th unique individual program attendant since launching in 2012. In July we released a video to recognize the participation of over 1,800 unique attendees during our first ‘hybrid’ year of ten in-person and virtual EPN events. We compiled highlights of professional video recordings, photographs, and topic areas, and edited them into a six-minute video, which will undoubtedly bring smiles, recognition, and inspiration as we grow forward in our work in our communities! View here. A link to the EPN’s 2021-2022 academic year written report is available here.  

You will notice that our cost for registration has increased slightly, up to $25, in recognition of the many changes we have seen in recent years for food and related event costs, and we are going to require students to contribute $5 for their participation. We do our best year-round to fundraise, partner and collaborate with likeminded organizations and individuals to offset production and event costs, while also maintaining a presence at welcoming and affordable community facilities, and with vendors who help us keep our events zero-waste and accessible. After consistent monthly survey feedback during our hybrid series last year, it is clear attendees want full breakfast options (which we are returning to), engaging speakers and in-person social interaction, and livestream options. We are accommodating these and expanding our programs through change.  

We appreciate your participation with the thousands of environmental professionals we work with through our School, College and beyond, and the assurance that the connections you engage in through EPN programs will help you and your team members grow your network, knowledge and access to skilled experts and fellow professionals across our state and region.  

Here is to a great semester and wishing you all the best!  

Joe Campbell 
265 Kottman Hall  
Environmental Professionals Network