2026 ESDRI Forum: Sustainability in Community

The Environmental Science and Design Research Institute presents the 2026 ESDRI Forum: Sustainability in Community on Monday, Oct. 26, at Kent State’s Kiva Auditorium. The forum will feature a discussion with three experts whose work shapes sustainability and engagement in Northeast Ohio communities. Julie Morris, sustainability coordinator for the City of Kent; Deepa Vedavyas, director of resiliency and sustainability at the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC); and Greg Peckham, president and CEO of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, will speak on their career pathways and current work.

A panel discussion will follow, moderated by professor Jennifer Mapes, Ph.D., director of Kent State’s Community Geography Lab and author of “The New American Small Town: Lessons for Sustainable Urban Futures.”

The event showcases how cities can collaborate to meet their sustainability goals, how collective action helps secure environmentally friendly and affordable resources and how partnerships among governments, nonprofits, businesses and residents support thriving communities and resilient landscapes.

This event is supported by Kent State’s Community Engaged Research Institute and Healthy Communities Research Institute.

There are also opportunities to sponsor the forum, directly investmenting in sustainability education in our region. Please visit our sponsorship page for more information.