Academic Year 2013-2014

In late October 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey -- impacting New Jersey in profound ways. This conference, open to the public, was held in commemoration of the first anniversary of that event and examined the factors leading up to the storm, its impacts, the response and recovery, and the implications for future vulnerability.
 
The conference highlighted the scholarship that Rutgers' faculty and staff continue to bring to the climate change arena. The keynote address was delivered by Joseph J. Seneca, professor of environmental economics and policy at the  Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, on "Sandy, Climate Policy, and Rutgers: An Overview."  
 
Panelists represented a wide cross-section of faculty and staff from such departments as Marine and Coastal Sciences, Human Ecology, Social Work, Geography, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Latino and Hispanic Caribbean Studies, and Mathematics. The welcome was delivered by Richard L. Edwards, executive vice president for academic affairs.

 

Agenda and Presentations

9:30 Welcome
Richard L. Edwards, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rutgers University
 
9:45-10:15

Sandy, Climate Policy, and Rutgers: An Overview
Joseph J. Seneca, University Professor,
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy

pdf Seneca Presentation (pdf)

 
10:15-11:20

Panel 1
Against All Odds: How Well Do We Understand the Factors That Led to Hurricane Sandy and Associated Impacts?

Moderator:
Jennifer Francis, Research Professor, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences

Panelists in order of presentation: 
David A.  Robinson, Professor, Department of Geography
Joshua T. Kohut, Assistant Professor, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Benjamin P. Horton, Professor, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Robert Kopp, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Kenneth G. Miller, Distinguished Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Cymie Payne, Assistant Professor, Department of Human Ecology

pdf Panel 1 Presentation (pdfs)

 
11:20-11:35 BREAK  
11:35-12:40

Panel 2
Hurricane Sandy Response and Recovery: Experiences From The Field

Moderator:
James K. Mitchell, Professor, Department of Geography

Panelists in order of presentation:
Patricia Findley, Associate Professor, School of Social Work
Michael J. Kennish, Research Professor, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Richard G. Lathrop, Jr.,  Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources
Ali Maher, Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
David Bushek, Associate Professor, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Tony Nelessen, Professor, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy

pdf Panel 2 Presentation (pdfs)
Nelessen Presentation (short video)

 
12:45-1:45 LUNCH  
1:45-2:50

Panel 3
What Does Climate Change Indicate For Future Vulnerability of
Natural and Social Systems?

Moderator:
Pamela McElwee, Assistant Professor, Department of Human Ecology

Panelists in order of presentation:
Anthony J. Broccoli, Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences
Åsa Rennermalm, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography
Norbert P. Psuty, Professor Emeritus, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Malin L. Pinsky, Assistant Professor, Department of Ecology Evolution and Natural Resources  
Tania del Mar Lopez-Marrero, Assistant Professor, Departments of Geography & Latino and Hispanic Caribbean Studies
Oscar Schofield, Professor, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Fred S. Roberts, Distinguished Professor, Department of Mathematics

pdf Panel 3 Presentation (pdfs)

 
3:00-3:30

Ask The Experts:  What Are Your Questions About Climate Change?

Co-Moderators:
Professor Anthony J. Broccoli, Co-Director Rutgers Climate Institute
Professor Laura C. Schneider, Department of Geography

 

 This event co-sponsored by the Cook Campus Dean

Media

Read more about the conference in the news:

Daily Targum: Conference looks at Sandy's aftermath

 

NJ Spotlight: Rutgers conference questions what New Jersey learned From Sandy
 

Press of Atlantic City: Experts: Rebuild from sandy with climate change in mind
 

Rumson - FairHaven Patch: Rutgers: NJ not prepared for another Sandy