As sustainability continues to evolve in response to global challenges, addressing them at the intersection of energy, policy, and society requires collaboration and new approaches. The Baker Institute’s Center for Energy Studies hosted its second Annual Sustainability Summit in partnership with the University of Houston and Recycling Science Council (RSC), convening researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and students to examine sustainability challenges through a systems-level perspective.
The summit explored sustainability’s three core dimensions — environment, economy, and society — highlighting research, policy insights, and emerging technologies shaping the energy and sustainability landscape. Discussions focused on interdisciplinary collaboration and the identification of actionable, evidence-based sustainability strategies. This event showcased Houston's leadership in sustainability while emphasizing the vital role of student-driven initiatives in addressing today’s most pressing multidisciplinary challenges.
As part of the summit, we also hosted an e‑waste collection to help attendees responsibly recycle old electronics and support a more circular materials system. Common items such as laptops, phones, tablets, keyboards, monitors, chargers, and batteries will all be accepted and managed with RAKI, Rice University’s official certified vendor for responsible e-waste management.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: If you are a Rice University or University of Houston graduate student interested in participating in the student poster session, please complete the online registration form. Once registered, you will receive more information regarding the session.
This event is free and open to the public.
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Agenda
| 8:30 am | Registration & Networking Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Welcome RemarksRachel Meidl, LP.D., CHMM Reginald DesRoches Debalina Sengupta, Ph.D. |
| 9:30 am | Keynote: Balancing Sustainability in a Complex SystemAdam Wozniak |
| 10:00 am | Panel: Moving Beyond China and Rare Earths–Materials, Energy Security, and Supply Chain ResilienceModerated by: Gabriel Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute Peter Ladwig, Ph.D. Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes Bryant Fulk |
| 10:50 am | Break |
| 11:05 am | Panel: Wildlife, Waste, and Conservation. Linking E-waste to Species ConservationModerated by: Rachel Meidl, LP.D., CHMM, Fellow in Energy and Sustainability, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute Lillie Stockseth Natalie Messer Betts Jian Shi, Ph.D. Tilsa Oré Mónago, Ph.D. |
| 12:05 pm | “Claim vs. Constraint” Live Adjudication on Advanced Recycling of PlasticsJackie deGroot Clint Thompson Aaron Doughty Marco Castaldi, Ph.D. Debalina Sengupta, Ph.D. |
| 1:05 pm | Network LunchGraduate student poster session with Rice University and the University of Houston. |
| 2:00 pm | Fireside Chat: Science, Scale, and Scrutiny: Corporate Sustainability in a Complex SystemModerated by: Rachel Meidl, LP.D., CHMM, Baker Institute Matt Kolesar |
| 2:30 pm | Panel: Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities in the Houston RegionModerated by: Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D., James A. Baker, III, and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics; Senior Director, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute Sophia Cunningham Ed Emmett |
| 3:00 pm | Break |
| 3:15 pm | Panel: Advancing Sustainability and Reducing Plastic Waste in HealthcareModerated by: Hardeep Singh, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Safety, Quality and Well-Being Institute, Houston Methodist Katherine Hofmann, Ph.D. Jason Fischer Robert Render Peylina Chu |
| 4:15 pm | Closing Fireside Chat: From Signals to Capital: How Financial Markets Are Pricing Sustainability Trade-offsModerated by: Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D., James A. Baker, III, and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics; Senior Director, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute Ben Ratner Amanda Halter |
| 4:45 pm | Closing Remarks and Key TakeawaysRachel Meidl, LP.D., CHMM Debalina Sengupta, Ph.D. |
| 5:00 pm | Networking Reception & Graduate Student Poster Session |
