Throughout her 75-plus years at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Ruth M. Patrick, PhD, pioneered the study of freshwater and the organisms that depend on it. She proved that biological diversity holds the key to understanding the environmental problems affecting an ecosystem. Her research enabled her to provide policymakers with accurate information about the environment and the benefits derived from its protection. Her tireless efforts to raise awareness about this crucial issue motivated generations of young scientists to explore sustainability and environmental research. Today the Academy's Patrick Center for Environmental Research serves as a fitting tribute to this pioneer, who died in September 2013 at the age of 105.

 

Join fellow scientists and environmental advocates for a free symposium on Tuesday, April 22. We will explore how Patrick launched the field of environmental science, as well as her many contributions. Finally, we will take a close look at how her work has spurred the grand evolution of the field in the 21st century.

 

Presenters:

• Carol Collier, Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission
  
• Ellen Gilinsky, PhD, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  
• Thomas Lovejoy, PhD, Biodiversity Chair of the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment
  
• Rex Lowe, PhD, Professor of Biology at Bowling Green State University
  
• Gustave Speth, JD, former Dean of the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Professor at Vermont Law School
  

The Symposium is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, visit ansp.org/symposium.