Systems thinking, sustainability, public health, and green chemistry

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University of Washington professors Grace Lasker and Rick Morgan are a power team on the topic of green chemistry, with many outlets for their interests and passions. A public health professional with multiple certifications (nutrition, master health education and health coaching), Grace focuses on the intersection of toxicology, green chemistry, and public health and the role of social and environmental justice. In addition to teaching, Rick is also a senior research chemist in nanotech at Modumetal, a consultant on hazardous clinical waste issues for the CDC, and president and CEO of Immaculate Comics. He understands that the best way to connect data to decisions is to build a model. And he understands how to optimally assess tradeoffs. Check out their really well-designed, online Green Chemistry and Chemical Stewardship Certificate Program.

The next episode of Statistically Speaking is relevant to all of us, since we all use products that are made from chemicals. Years ago, while watching a compelling interview with John Warner, one of the founders of green chemistry, his comment about why chemists studied chemistry, was memorable. It’s not because they want to work with toxic chemicals. Of course not! 

Don’t miss the chance to hear our brilliant guests explain how systems thinking, sustainability, green chemistry, and social and environmental justice are so interconnected. While they may refer to it as the “atom economy,” it is also like the circular economy; both require systems thinking. Grace sets the stage so well:

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Please join us for what promises to be a fascinating discussion on May 19 at 1:00pm ET and see how we can all get some green!