ESPP Weekly Update (09/14/2026)
ESPP News & Announcements
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ComSciCon-Michigan 2027 is recruiting graduate students for its organizing committee. ComSciCon is a national organization that runs science-communication workshops organized by graduate students, for graduate students. The Michigan chapter is planning a workshop at MSU for graduate students throughout the state in March/April 2027 and is looking for students to serve as panel leaders, write-a-thon leaders, catering manager, or to shadow current members (see position descriptions). Committee members attend bi-monthly meetings starting in October. Apply via this form by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 25; questions to michigan@comscicon.org.
Seminars, Workshops & Other Events
Hanover Forest Science Seminar: “Forests as Social-Ecological Systems: People, Institutions, and the Future of Forestry” — Emily Silver
The first of six in the Hanover Forest Science Seminar Series. Seminars are Mondays from 11:30–12:30 PM ET in Room 338 of the Natural Resources Building, and all seminars are broadcast over Zoom. Speakers are available for questions immediately following their presentations.
Seminar: Growing Aquaculture in the Great Lakes
Hosted by the MSU Water Alliance. This seminar will connect national and regional perspectives on U.S. aquaculture growth. Aquaculture supplies most of the world’s seafood (57%), yet the U.S. produces only 11% of its seafood through aquaculture and carries a $24.2 billion seafood trade deficit; recent analysis shows U.S. aquaculture contributes $4 billion annually in production with several-fold broader economic impacts. Register here.
Hanover Forest Science Seminar: “Strengthening Evidence for Nature, Place, and Health” — Samantha Gailey
Second of six in the Hanover Forest Science Seminar Series (Mondays, 11:30–12:30 PM ET, Room 338 Natural Resources, broadcast over Zoom).
Hanover Forest Science Seminar: “Emerald Ash Borer Biological Control: History, Status, and Impacts” — Toby Petrice
Third of six in the Hanover Forest Science Seminar Series (Mondays, 11:30–12:30 PM ET, Room 338 Natural Resources, broadcast over Zoom).
IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition (October 4–8)
The 15th World Water Congress will take place in Glasgow, UK, with around 10,000 participants expected from around the world. It brings together thought-leaders, decision makers, top researchers, and business innovators from across and beyond the water sector to shape the future of water. More information.
Hanover Forest Science Seminar: “Building a Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy through Forest Economic Modeling, Market Innovation, and Decision Support” — Raju Pokharel
Fourth of six in the Hanover Forest Science Seminar Series (Mondays, 11:30–12:30 PM ET, Room 338 Natural Resources, broadcast over Zoom).
Community Sustainability, Hamm-Norris Seminar: “The Role of Restaurants and Chefs in Addressing the Climate Crisis” — Taylor Reid
Taylor Reid, Professor of Applied Food Studies at the Culinary Institute of America, will present on the food system’s one-third share of the global climate footprint. The talk examines both the effects of climate change on restaurants and chefs and the impacts of the decisions made within restaurants on the size of their climate footprints, discusses how forward-thinking restaurants and chefs are addressing their contributions to climate change, and concludes with thoughts about how restaurants, chefs, and eaters might work together to address the climate crisis. Reid holds an M.S. in Botany and Plant Pathology and a Ph.D. in Community, Food, and Agriculture from Michigan State University. Zoom login information is available here.
2026 Great Lakes Microplastics Summit (October 7–8)
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy hosts this dynamic two-day virtual event uniting scientists, professionals, policymakers, and community members to explore the growing impact of microplastics on our freshwater systems, including advances in detection methods, risks to human and environmental health, and strategies to regulate, reduce, and replace. Register here.
Hanover Forest Science Seminar: “Lignin Valorization: From Scientific Discovery to Industrial Impact” — Mojgan Nejad
Fifth of six in the Hanover Forest Science Seminar Series (Mondays, 11:30–12:30 PM ET, Room 338 Natural Resources, broadcast over Zoom).
Scholarships, Fellowships, & Funding Opportunities
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This fellowship supports students enrolled in a graduate program at MSU who are performing research related to the sustainability of fish, wildlife, or water resources using an integrated or joint approach that links humans with their natural environment. Open to graduate students in any MSU program.
Job and Training Opportunities
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The ComSciCon-Michigan chapter is recruiting graduate students to serve on the organizing committee for its March/April 2027 science-communication workshop at Michigan State University. Positions include panel leader, write-a-thon leader, catering manager, and shadow/support roles (see position descriptions). Members attend bi-monthly meetings starting in October 2026 and must be available to assist with the event in March or April. Apply via this form by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 25; questions to michigan@comscicon.org.
Environment News
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E.P.A. Expected to Erase Limits on Climate Pollution From Power Plants (The New York Times)
The E.P.A. is expected to announce it will no longer limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, undoing a key clean-energy rule; electricity generation is the second-largest source of U.S. carbon dioxide and other planet-warming gases.
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As the Fight for a Key Climate Goal Falters, Some Begin a Fight for Survival (The New York Times)
As global temperature increase shoots past 1.5 degrees Celsius, the vulnerable countries that fought for that Paris Agreement target face a brutal new reality.
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'Tidal wave' of PFAS being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn (The Guardian)
Campaigners warn a "tidal wave" of new PFAS ("forever chemicals") is being developed to meet soaring data-center and AI-industry demand, with fresh environmental and health risks.
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Federal court rejects Trump order keeping Michigan coal plant open (The Guardian)
A federal court has rejected an executive order that would have kept a Michigan coal plant operating, a win for climate advocates opposing the revival of coal-fired power.
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August ties the record for Earth's hottest month on the books (The New York Times)
Sweltering summer temperatures put August on par with July 2023 for global warmth, scientists said; more records could be broken in the months ahead amid the record El Niño.