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The Honors College

Programs & Minors

Energy and Sustainability Co-Curricular Programming

Energy and Sustainability Co-Curricular Programming

Students interested in issues around energy and sustainability can join the students minoring in Energy and Sustainability and UH faculty as they take excursions and study abroad. These opportunities are open to all University of Houston students, with preference given to students pursuing the minor when spots are limited. Upcoming opportunities will be announced on this website. Check back regularly for updates.

Conference on Food Sustainability and Security 

A conference on food sustainability and security will be held November 12-13, 2021. Faculty from the Honors College, the coordinator of UH Sustainability and the director of the PEEPS program in the College of Education are collaborating on this exciting project that will bring together faculty conducting research in this area from a broad variety of disciplines, community leaders, non-profit organizations and businesses to discuss current issues in food sustainability and security. Students will be able to attend the conference. 

Conference Schedule*

Wednesday, November 10

Farmer's Market at Lynn Eusan Park

Thursday, November 11

Screening of Food, Inc. at Student Center Theater, in collaboration with UH Student Centers

Screening begins at 6 p.m., followed by panel discussion

Friday, November 12

1–2 p.m. Grand Challenges Forum Presentation, 100D CEMO Hall 
Panel Discussion on Food Insecurity featuring Brandi McInnis from the Houston Food Bank, Alison Reese from the Souper Bowl of Caring, and Laura Lee, Director of the PEEPS Pantry at UH
2–2:30 p.m. Check-in at Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion, M.D. Anderson Library
2:30–3 p.m. Welcome Remarks
3–3:30 p.m. William Rodney, Coastal Ecologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife, "Evolution of Sustainability Strategies in TPWD Oyster Restoration Projects"
3:30–4 p.m. Haille Leija, Habitat Restoration Manager, Galveston Bay Foundation, "From Restaurants to Reefs: Returning Recycled Oyster Shell to Galveston Bay"
4–4:45 p.m. Katie Stone, President of The Cleverly Stone Foundation which operates Houston Restaurant Weeks for the benefit of Houston Food Bank
4:45–5:15 p.m. Break and Student Posters
5:15–6 p.m. Student Presentations

Saturday, November 13

8:30–9 a.m. Conference Check-In
9–9:30 a.m. Lesli Vollrath, Instructional Assistant Professor, UH, "Appetites of Desire: Poetic Reflections on Food"
9:30–10 a.m. Ioannis Kakadiaris, Professor, UH, "Equitable and Resilient Food Distribution during Pandemics and Extreme Weather Events"
10–11 a.m. Student Presentations
11–11:30 a.m. Venkatesh Balan, Assistant Professor, UH, "Shelf stable nutritious mushroom snack, a healthy alternative to conventional starch rich snacks"
11:30 a.m.–noon Jessica Haney, UH Wellness, "Beyond the Pantry: Creating a Hunger-Free Campus Together"

 

Register to the attend the Conference on Food Sustainability and Security.

 

Case Competition:

Students have the opportunities to work in a small group to develop a plan that addresses food sustainability or security in the local community. Winning presenters will be awarded a stipend to implement their solution. Guidelines and rules will be posted here. Check back here for information on the Case Competition for students.