The Art of Environmental Health: Bridging the Gap Between Art, Science, and Community Action | November 14, 2013
See All Photos From The EventThis Inspire Speakers Series lecture featured an artist and engineer whose innovative and moving approach to creating healthy communities offers a perfect introduction of all that is to come in this lecture circuit’s sophomore year. Named one of the most influential women in technology in 2011 (by Fast Company), Natalie Jeremijenko is an associate professor in New York University’s Visual Arts department and also directs the school’s Environmental Health Clinic (The X Clinic). The clinic’s model is similar to other universities’, except that students and community members make appointments to discuss environmental health concerns and leave with prescriptions for action (instead of pharmaceuticals).
Natalie’s unique combination of experience and education has allowed her to view environmental and human health issues through the lens of both an artist and scientist. With degrees in biochemistry, engineering, neuroscience, and history & philosophy of science, she led audience members through an exploration of the connections between art, science, and community action in creating healthy communities.
Natalie also took audiences on an Adventure in Wonderland, where she talked about socio-ecological systems designs, the sport of wrestling rhinoceros beetles, and other strategies to measurably improve our shared environmental health and increase urban biodiversity.