SEAS Events

Join us on Friday, October 23 from 4:30-6:30pm ET for a virtual screening of the documentary Brave Blue World. Narrated by Liam Neeson, this documentary challenges some of the commonly held myths and assumptions about water, and introduces the pioneers and innovators at the front-line addressing global water and sanitation challenges in new and creative ways. The film includes interviews with leading water activists and researchers, including Matt Damon and Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Glen Daigger.

After the screening, a panel of experts on water and policy will answer questions and discuss their vision for the future of water in Michigan and beyond.

RSVP here to receive Zoom information the week of the event.

This event is hosted by Civil and Environmental Engineering in partnership with Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, the Graham Sustainability Institute, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, and the School for Environment and Sustainability.

Panel

Eleanor Allen

CEO, Water For People

Eleanor Allen is the CEO of Water For People, a nonprofit whose mission is to develop sustainable water and sanitation services globally. Eleanor is a social entrepreneur recognized by the Schwab Foundation, a TEDx speaker, and an influential Women of Water. She serves on the board of Parametrix and the University of Colorado. Eleanor is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a distinguished alumna of the University of California at Berkeley. Eleanor is a PE and BCEE. Her passions include STEM and JEDI (justice/diversity/equity/inclusion). Eleanor enjoys ultra-cycling, hiking, and traveling with her husband and two boys.

Glen Daigger

Professor, University of Michigan Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dr. Daigger is currently Professor of Engineering Practice at the University of Michigan and President and Founder of One Water Solutions, LLC, a water engineering and innovation firm. He previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for CH2M HILL (now Jacobs) where he was employed for 35 years, as well as Professor and Chair of Environmental Systems Engineering at Clemson University. A Past President of the International Water Association (IWA), among other recognitions he is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineers and the Chinese Academy of Engineers.

Debbie Dingell

U.S. Congresswoman (MI-12)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell represents Michigan’s 12th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she has made it a priority to be a voice for the Midwest on issues that matter most to working families.

A member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Debbie is a leader on efforts to grow manufacturing, improve access to quality affordable health care, support seniors and veterans and protect the Great Lakes. Recognized as one of the 25 hardest-working Members of Congress, Debbie is focused on forging bipartisan solutions that support Michigan’s families and economy, including improving long-term care and ushering in the future of the American auto industry.

Before being elected to Congress, Debbie worked in the auto industry for more than three decades, where she was President of the General Motors (GM) Foundation and a senior executive responsible for public affairs. She was also Chairman of the Wayne State University (WSU) Board of Governors, and continues to fight to make education more affordable and accessible in Congress.

Rebecca Esselman

Executive Director, Huron River Watershed Council

Rebecca started at the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) as a watershed planner, leading HRWC’s work in climate adaptation and water conservation and began in her role as Executive Director in 2019. Prior to joining HRWC, Rebecca spent ten years with the Nature Conservancy working in conservation planning and knowledge sharing. Rebecca holds a Master of Science in Conservation Ecology from the University of Georgia where she focused on watershed issues and a Bachelor of Science in Botany from Michigan State University. She joined HRWC in 2012 and lives near the Huron River in Dexter.

Paul O’Callaghan

CEO, BlueTech Research; Producer, Brave Blue World

After being awarded a bio-chemistry degree, Paul’s first role was for the Body Shop working alongside the pioneering environmentalist Anita Roddick. Paul then volunteered for the World Wildlife Fund in Malaysia, and after completing a Master’s degree he later returned to research the effects that deforestation was having on water quality. Paul’s next role was with Atkins, one of the globally leading engineering management consultancies who are pioneering in their approaches to projects. Whilst working as an engineering consultant, he observed the prolonged length of time it took to bring water technologies to the marketplace, so he founded BlueTech Research in 2011 to support innovation. Paul’s latest project “Brave Blue World” is designed to increase awareness of existing solutions to the water crisis; he co-produced the documentary that has attracted support from a host of A-list celebrities. Paul regularly lectures and has recently spoken at Davos 2020, Web Summit 2020 and at Harvard and Cambridge Universities. Paul now advises many global Fortune 500 corporates including L’Oréal, Microsoft and PepsiCo on their water strategy policies and is currently studying for a PhD in Water Innovation.

Jen Read (Moderator)

Water Center Director, Graham Sustainability Institute

Jen Read directs the University of Michigan Water Center where she provides intellectual and programmatic leadership. Jen networks with regional partners from all sectors — public, private, and non-governmental — to identify their water-related priorities, then works with faculty to develop and facilitate multidisciplinary teams addressing those priorities. Recent work includes processes that provided clarity on the Detroit River watershed’s nutrient contribution to Lake Erie, and supplied pregnant moms, caregivers of young children and elected officials with information to help assess and manage risk from lead in drinking water. Jen’s knowledge of water-related governance and policy, insights into collaborative processes, and extensive network on and off campus make her a sought after collaborator in the region.