Providing a Forum for Analysis & Dialogue on Critical Global Issues Fostering Educational & Professional Networks Among the St. Edward’s University Community, Austin & the World

On Monday October 17, the Kozmetsky Center will host Dr. Gregory Jenkins, Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences, Geography and Director of the Alliance for Education, Sciences, Engineering and Development in Africa (AESEDA) for a lecture/discussion session entitled “Understanding Climate Crisis, Slavery and Social Justice Linkages." Dr. Jenkins received his BS in Physics from Lincoln University and his MS and PhD degrees in Atmospheric and Space Sciences from the University of Michigan.  In 1996, Dr. Jenkins joined the faculty at Penn State University in the department of Meteorology and joined Howard University in the department of Physics and Astronomy and the Howard University Program in Atmospheric Sciences (HUPAS) in 2003.  He was the director of HUPAS from 2004-2007 and chair of the department of physics and astronomy from 2007 through 2010.  He was a recipient of the NSF Career award and was selected as a Fulbright Senior Research Fellow in 2003/2004.  Dr. Jenkins has taken part in NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis field campaign in Cape Verde and Senegal. Dr. Jenkins will offer his research insights and perspective on the ways vulnerable populations are especially adversely affected in climate crisis situations.   The session will be held in the Carter Auditorium at 12:00 noon.

On Wednesday November 16, 12:00 noon St. Edward’s University Professor of Political Science and Associate Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS), Dr. Brian Smith and his colleagues will offer analysis on the 2022 U.S. mid-term elections.  Dr. Smith is a specialist on American and Texas/local politics and a highly sought-after media commentator on contemporary issues in Texas/Austin politics, public policy and campaigns and elections. This session not only promises to provide valuable insights for U.S. citizens, but also for our colleagues and students of the international community seeking better understanding of the American political process at a time of serious global tensions and domestic polarization within U.S. society.  Please check our websites and announcements later in the semester for details and further information on this upcoming session.

The Kozmetsky Center will greatly benefit by having our SEU Senior Intern, Emma Viquez [eviquez@stedwards.edu] returning to work with us during AY 2022-2023. Emma is an SEU senior majoring in International Business with minors in French and Global Studies.  She will continue to support Kozmetsky Center programs this year concentrating especially on campus outreach.

Beginning in 2023, the Kozmetsky Center will initiate a new global internship program in support of the St. Edward’s University 2027 Strategic Plan offering SEU Junior and Senior students unique experiential internship opportunities with subject experts of the Kozmetsky Center professional speaker network in the United States and throughout the world community.  Additional information on the Kozmetsky Center global experiential internship program partnering with our colleagues in research, policy, diplomacy, private sector and non-profit organizations will be available later this semester at:  https://kozmetskycenter.org/overseas-study/