Section 4: TRACK 5

Ecologies, Becoming, Networks, and Value


← Return to Seizing an AlternativeSection IV

Track 5: Ecologies, Becoming, Networks, and Value

In this track we explore relationally-based ecological models and their implications for human life within ecosystems. Sessions will use non-reductive paradigms to illustrate new work on ecological processes and discuss the fruitfulness of these models, translating the science into value-infused narratives that can aid in forming an ecologically based civilization.


Track Heads

Robert Ulanowicz

Professor Emeritus of Theological Ecology with the University of Maryland’s Chesapeake Biological Laboratory and Courtesy Professor with the Department of Biology, University of Florida.

Robert E. Ulanowicz is Professor Emeritus of Theoretical Ecology with the University of Maryland’s Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. He is a 1961 graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and received a B.E.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University in 1964 and 1968, respectively. He served as Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Catholic University of America before joining the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in 1970. He is fluent in German, conversational in Ukrainian and has a reading knowledge of Polish, French and Spanish. Earlier at CBL, Prof. Ulanowicz pursued research into the estuarine hydrography of Chesapeake Bay and on methods for inverse modeling of ecological systems. His current interests include network analysis of trophic exchanges in ecosystems, information theory as applied to ecological systems, the thermodynamics of living systems, causality in living systems, and modeling subtropical wetland ecosystems in Florida (ATLSS) and in Belize. He has applied ecological principles to economic systems and participated in the ongoing dialog between science and religion. Upon retiring, Ulanowicz moved with his wife to Gainesville, Florida, where he is Courtesy Professor with the Arthur R. Marshall Laboratory of the Department of Biology, University of Florida.

umces.edu

Elizabeth McDuffie

Student-Religion, Ethics, and Society

Beth McDuffie is a doctoral student in Religion, Ethics, and Society at Claremont School of Theology and an instructor at Augustana College Sioux Falls. Her research covers the areas of religion and science, religion and ecology, ecofeminism, and the roles of religion in responses to climate change.

linkedin.com


Suggested Resources

Links to Section-related books and media for pre-conference preparation include:


Related Posts

Letter from Tokyo

Join Me for EXPEDITION: Pando!

Public Radio Explores Hidden Connections

Massive Organism Is Crashing on Our Watch