From Highlands, North Carolina to the highlands of the Galápagos, Carolina’s communicators have stories to tell. During this panel, venture outside the confines of Chapel Hill to learn about the students and faculty conducting community-based research projects for a better future. We’ll discuss light pollution in the Outer Banks, hemlock health in the Appalachian Mountains, water security in the Galápagos and much, much more. These discussions are especially exciting as the UNC Institute for the Environment celebrates the 25th anniversary of its field site program in 2026.

This panel will be recorded for a special episode of the Sustainable Carolina Podcast. At the end of the panel, we’ll invite questions about the research discussed and podcasting in general.

Presenters:

• Alyssa LaFaro, Research Communications Manager, UNC Office of Research Communications, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
• Kelly Weaver, Deputy Director, UNC Center for Galapagos Studies
• Emily Williams, Director of Communications, UNC Institute for the Environment
• Abigail Brewer, Communications and Engagement Specialist, Sustainable Carolina