Name: Sustainability Summit: Building a Resilient Energy and Materials Future
Start: 1745341200
End: 1745362800
Location: James A. Baker III Hall

As global sustainability challenges become increasingly complex, finding solutions at the intersection of energy, policy, and society requires innovative thinking and collaboration. The Baker Institute’s Center for Energy Studies will host the inaugural Sustainability Summit, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, and students to explore innovative solutions through a systems-level approach.

The summit will examine sustainability’s three core dimensions — environment, economy, and society — highlighting cutting-edge research, policy insights, and emerging technologies. Discussions will focus on advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and developing actionable strategies that balance ambition with real-world feasibility. This event underscores the Center for Energy Studies’ leadership in sustainability and the vital role of student-driven initiatives in addressing today’s most pressing multidisciplinary challenges. The event will feature posters of graduate student research, where students will engage with participants on the practical application of their research.

GRADUATE STUDENTS: If you are interested in participating in the student poster session, please complete the online registration form. Once registered, you will receive more information regarding the session.

It is free and open to the public; Lunch will be provided.

Follow @CES_Baker_Inst on X to join the conversation online with #BakerEnergy.

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Agenda

12:00 pm	Lunch
12:30 pm	Welcome Remarks The Honorable David M. Satterfield Director, Baker Institute for Public Policy; Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy; Former Ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey Rachel Meidl, LP.D., CHMM Fellow in Energy and Sustainability, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute
12:45 pm	Fireside Chat: The Complex Reality of “Sustainable” Packaging Rachel Meidl, LP.D., CHMM Fellow in Energy and Sustainability, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute Marcu Alexander Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives, US Plastics Pact
1:15 pm	Regional Perspectives of Sustainability: A Special Session Featuring CES Experts Moderated 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 Gabe Collins Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute Peter Hartley, Ph.D. George A. Peterkin Professor of Economics, Rice University; Rice faculty scholar in Energy Economics, Baker Institute Francisco Monaldi, Ph.D. Wallace S. Wilson Fellow in Latin American Energy Policy, Director, Latin America Energy Program, Baker Institute Jim Krane, Ph.D. Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies, Co-director, Middle East Energy Roundtable, Baker Institute
2:15 pm	Break
2:30 pm	The Multifaceted Lens of Sustainability: The Intersection of Environment, Economy, and Society Moderated by: Gabe Collins, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute Benigna Cortés Leiss Nonresident Fellow, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute; Former General Director, Chevron Energía de México Michelle Foss, Ph.D. Fellow in Energy, Minerals and Materials, Baker Institute for Public Policy Ted Loch-Temzelides, Ph.D. George and Cynthia Mitchell Professor in Sustainable Development, Rice University; Rice Faculty Scholar, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute
3:15 pm	Sustainability Across Rice University Moderated by: Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Research, Professor of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University Matteo Pasquali, Ph.D. A.J. Hartsook Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Professor, Rice University; Chemistry and Materials Science and Nanoengineering Director, Carbon Hub Carrie Masiello, Ph.D. W. Maurice Ewing Professor of Biogeochemistry, Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Professor of Chemistry and Biosciences, Director, Sustainability Institute, Rice University
3:55 pm	Break
4:10 pm	Armchair Discussion: Creating Circularity in Medical and Healthcare Plastics Jason Fischer System Director of Sustainability, Houston Methodist
5:05 pm	Closing Remarks Rachel Meidl, LP.D., CHMM Baker Institute Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D. Baker Institute
5:15 pm	Networking Reception & Graduate Student Poster Session