Sustainability Talks: Faculty & Alumni experts
Alumni from the classes of '76 and '86 have collaborated to line up Princeton faculty and alumni experts in sustainability, climate change, water cycle, trees, soil, and related environmental topics. Our theme is "Making Peace with Nature." Our speakers will present short talks at Reunions as follows:
> Thursday - May 21, 2026: 2:00-4:00 p.m., McCosh 10, When Will Average Temperatures Bend Downward?
> Friday - May 22, 2026: 12:30 - 2:00 pm, McDonnell A01, Sustainable Practices for Home and Community (note: McDonnell is near the Stadium across Washington Road)
Lillie Szemraj '26
Astrophysics major and EcoRep
Perspectives and thoughts from graduating seniors
Thursday, May 21, 2026
McCosh 10 at 2 pm
Collin Guedel ’26
Geosciences major and EcoRep
Perspectives and thoughts from graduating seniors
Thursday, May 21, 2026
McCosh 10 at 2 pm
James Waltman '86
The Watershed Institute
"We're in Hot Water! (What can we do about it?)"
Thursday, May 21, 2026
McCosh 10 at 2 pm
Reed Maxwell
Professor, High Meadows Environmental Institute ("HMEI")
"Where Did All the Water Go? High-tech hydrology in the American West"
Thursday, May 21, 2026
McCosh 10 at 2 pm
Jonathan M. Conway
Assistant Professor, HMEI
"Tiny Partners, Big Impact: Beneficial microbes and the future of farming"
Thursday, May 21, 2026
McCosh 10 at 2 pm
Jonathan Levine
Professor of Environmental Studies and HMEI
"Biodiversity impacts of land-based climate mitigation efforts including reforestation and bioenergy cropping"
Thursday, May 21, 2026
McCosh 10 at 2 pm
Allison Carruth
Professor of American Studies and HMEI
"Environmental media trends and Princeton's climate story incubator"
Thursday, May 21, 2026
McCosh 10 at 2 pm
David Antonioli ’86
David specializes in harnessing the power of markets to solve critical environmental issues.
"Financing innovation: Lessons from the carbon markets."
Friday, May 22, 2026
McDonnell A01 at 12:30 pm
Paul Hutton '76
Architect with a sustainability focus throughout his 50 year career.
"Renewables for your home: plug-in solar, batteries, heat pumps, EVs"
Friday, May 22, 2026
McDonnell A01 at 12:30 pm
Jamie Hess '76
Advisor to municipal officials on energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, such as rooftop and ground-mount solar arrays, LED lighting upgrades, and energy-efficient heating and transportation.
"Renewables for your home: plug-in solar, batteries, heat pumps, EVs"
Friday, May 22, 2026
McDonnell A01 at 12:30 pm
Satish Myneni
Professor of Geosciences and HMEI
"Farming Healthy Soil"
Friday, May 22, 2026
McDonnell A01 at 12:30 pm
Katya Burns '86
International consultant and independent researcher with 20 years of global experience at the intersection of public health, human rights, and health equity.
"Saving Wild Tigers from Extinction"
Friday, May 22, 2026
McDonnell A01 at 12:30 pm