In March, students, faculty and guests gathered in Kasser Theater to learn about sustainability and the environment at the College of Science and Mathematics’ annual Margaret and Herman Sokol Science Forum. Featuring a keynote address by global warming expert Michael Oppenheimer, Ph.D., a member of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Committee on Climate Change and a professor at Princeton University, the forum explored the theme: “The Environment and Sustainability: The Next 100 Years.”

Following the keynote address, Oppenheimer was joined—for a panel discussion—by Andrés Edwards, founder and president of EduTracks, a firm specializing in green building and sustainability education; Lisa P. Jackson, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Eric Svenson, vice president of environment, health and safety, PSEG Services Corporation; and moderator, Ira Flatow, NPR Science Correspondent and host of “Talk of the Nation: Science Friday.”

“We are proud to present this esteemed group of experts to discuss one of the most critical issues of our times,” said Robert S. Prezant, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. “We have a special obligation to this and future generations to address this issue and seek answers from recognized authorities such as those featured at this year’s forum.”

Established with a generous gift from benefactors Margaret Sokol ’38 and Herman Sokol ’37, the Sokol Science Forum annually provides an opportunity for members of the University and surrounding communities to gain a greater appreciation and expanded knowledge of important issues in science. Each semester, a speaker of national or international renown is invited to the University to meet with faculty and students to conduct a seminar.  The forum provides members of the University community with a rare opportunity to meet and speak with some of science’s top experts.