Abstract
Another monumental shift in our collective experience seems to have emerged. Since February 2020 when we last published our Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) newsletter, the world as we knew it has been changed. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, interact, and work. It has altered our profession, forcing us to figure out new and creative ways to teach, carry out our research, disseminate our knowledge and scholarship. The blatant and racist killings of too many African Americans, from Breonna Taylor to Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and so many others, have renewed a call to action to turn around our 400+ year problem of racism in the United States. It has forced us into the streets to demand not only justice to those killed and for their family's pain, but a commitment that enough really is enough and we cannot rest until there is systemic change and evidence that we have actually achieved that change.
I have been and remain so proud to be a part of AEESP. Our members have been leaders in providing science-based evidence around the public health implications of coronavirus, battling misinformation and serving the public and local and federal agencies with our expertise. We have also stepped up to stay connected with our students and support each other with materials and ideas for continuing our educational mission. It is going to be a strange Fall 2020 semester by any measure, and AEESP will continue to support our faculty as we learn together.
Our mission at AEESP has taken on more meaning for these past few months. We on the board have done a lot of reflection around issues of harassment, sexism, academic bullying, diversity, inclusion, racism, and our privileged roles in the system that perpetuates these numerous injustices. We have a responsibility to lead by example. As noted in our joint “AEESP Presidents respond to social and racial strife” statement after the killing of George Floyd, “We recognize our privileged role as professors and influencers of young minds and hearts.” This gives us some power to work to help change society toward one of less fear, and more acceptance and inclusion. Our association has led by example. It is not lost on me, a white male, that my AEESP term as president falls just after Dr. Maya Trotz, the first black female to serve as AEESP president and just before Dr. Joel Ducoste, the first black male to be AEESP president. And although this and the diverse makeup of our AEESP Board does demonstrate that we as an organization have come a long way, we must continue to work hard toward being more inclusive and never rest until all forms of biases and harassments are eliminated. It is within our power, and our responsibility, to take this momentum and use it to improve our recruiting of people of color and first-generation college students. In my first address as AEESP president during our 2019 conference at ASU, I challenged you all to “broaden participation in our profession, … reach out to a local high school …. Connect with students in your community.” It all happens by intentional little steps. AEESP and our environmental engineering profession has not always been like this. For decades we were a mostly white male organization. But we changed, we adapted, we nurtured new and diverse talent, and we opened up—we are better for it. It is single actions by individuals, like you and me, conscious actions, that do make change—systemic change.
I am so proud to be a board member of AEESP. It has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my professional career, and personally. Volunteering for something you believe in and being able to make real change in people's lives is something that money cannot buy—it is earned with sweat equity; time and attention. In these past few months under stay-at-home orders, I have worked to take stock of our profession and think about the people that have influenced me and created opportunity for me. I have reached out and written to them and set up Zoom calls with former professors, graduate school mentors, and close colleagues—mostly to just check in and say hi and share stories, but inevitably we diverge into deeper questions and topics. It is very gratifying, and I encourage you all to reach out to those who have made important contributions to your growth as a professor, to your development as a thoughtful person. Some of my outreach was motivated by the loss of a few of our cherished AEESP colleagues this year, and I do not want to miss connecting with people and reminding them that they are appreciated and their efforts had impact.
As we look back and honor those that have shaped us, we also must look forward. We are planting the seed of our organization's future now. We are setting examples and standards for the future of our profession. So, also take the time to hang out with your students; be present for them—graduate, undergraduate, and postdocs—appreciate them. They make us who we are—we would not be here without them. After all, it is all about the relationships we make. Of course, the science and engineering are exciting and awesome, but it is good because along the way, we help shape someone's career, we help them follow their dreams and we impact their lives, as they do ours. So, thank you Maya for continued mentorship by example, and setting the bar for AEESP presidents to come, and to Joel, who has been a great colleague and friend and will help AEESP reach even further. The collective efforts of the board, our committee chairs, committee volunteers, administrative staff, and you—our members—are what makes us a great association and a true role model for our related organizations. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and look forward to continued engagement; and hopefully seeing you all soon at Wash U in 2021!
As always, I appreciate your feedback and comments about my newsletter column or anything going on with AEESP. Contact me by e-mail at karl.linden@colorado.edu or on twitter @waterprof. You are what makes our organization amazing and impactful and I want you all to be proud of your AEESP membership.