Theme: Paradigm Shift for Sustainability

This conference theme embraces a holistic view of sustainability--not just the importance of environmental & climate factors, but all ideas that take us to a future world in which everyone can live comfortably within the planetary boundaries. Our featured 2023 conference talks touch on the themes of mental health & compassion, growing authentic community, re-connecting with what makes us human, sustainable agriculture, sustainability in theater, and the future of economics from a human-rights perspective.

Driscoll Hall
800 E Lancaster Avenue
Villanova University, Driscoll Hall
Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
United States

Alissa Welker

Since graduating from Villanova University, Alissa has spent her time working in a variety of roles for food and agriculture start-ups. She has lived and traveled all over the U.S. and the world with the goal of learning more about our food and agriculture systems. Alissa enjoys bringing her background in food systems, social justice, and business operations to her day-to-day work. Outside of work, you can find Alissa backpacking, biking, and often traveling with a carrot or two as her favorite go-to snack - and favorite vegetable! You can learn more about her work at cultivateconversation.com.

C. 'Nat' Nataraj

C 'Nat' Nataraj is the Moritz Endowed Professor in Engineered Systems at Villanova University and leads the Villanova Center for Analytics of Dynamic Systems (VCADS). Dr. Nataraj’s primary research interest is nonlinear dynamics of engineering and biomedical systems spanning over vibration, unmanned systems, autonomy, control and diagnostics. He has authored a textbook and 250+ articles on these research topics. In addition, he has supervised numerous research projects with a total funding amount of over $14 million. Dr. Nataraj is a Life Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and recipient of several prestigious national and international research awards.

Chris Jeffords

Chris Jeffords is an Associate Teaching Professor of Economics at the Villanova School of Business. Jeffords obtained his PhD in 2012 in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Connecticut where he remains a faculty affiliate of the Economic and Social Rights Group at the Human Rights Institute. He currently serves as an Assistant Editor at the Journal of Human Rights and the Environment, an Associate Editor at the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, and as the Executive Secretary for the Association for Social Economics. His research has been published in outlets such as Ecological Economics, KYKLOS, Sustainability and Climate Change, Empirical Economics, Global Environmental Politics, Journal of Environment and Development, Review of Social Economy, Human Rights Quarterly, and Journal of Human Rights and the Environment, and in edited book volumes through Edward Elgar Press, Cambridge University Press, and Oxford University Press. Jeffords recently founded and presently directs a monthly series of community-focused, science education conversations in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania called Science on Tap – Phoenixville.

Corie Alicea

Corie Alicea serves as the Assistant Director for Graduate Admission in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Villanova School of Business in 1996 and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree from the Villanova College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Corie is passionate about lifelong learning, relationship building, and the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in building more productive and successful communities.

Father David Cregan

Father David Cregan, OSA, PhD, is an Augustinian priest and university professor at Villanova University, where his commitment to the fullness of the human person guides his life of learning and teaching.

Leeanne R. Hay

Leeanne R. Hay is an award-winning freelance journalist based in Texas and author of the book NPE* A STORY GUIDE FOR UNEXPECTED DNA DISCOVERIES (2021) about navigating the shock and trauma one in ten people experience when an at-home DNA test reveals a parent is not biological relative. She is one of this group. Hay is a graduate of Villanova University with a BA in History, and minors in Sociology and Criminal Justice. While researching her book, she earned professional certificates from the Florida State University, College of Social Work in Trauma & Resilience.

Qianhong Wu

Dr. Qianhong Wu is a full Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Villanova University (VU). He is the director of Villanova Cellular Biomechanics and Sports Science Laboratory (CBMSS), and the director of the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programs. Dr. Wu received his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering from The City College of The City University of New York in 2005 working with Prof. Sheldon Weinbaum, and subsequently joined the faculty of Mechanical Engineering at VU. Dr. Wu applies fundamental principles of fluid dynamics to the bio and bio-inspired applications. His research interests include porous media flow, fluid dynamic and transport aspects of biological systems, cardiovascular engineering, brain biomechanics, hemodynamics, biomimetics, soft/super lubrication, and fluid-assisted nano manufacturing. Supported by federal, state and industrial grants, Dr. Wu has published extensively on these topics and been widely reported in Physical Review Letters®, Science®, Nature®, Science Daily®, The Doctor’s Channel® and NBC 10 Morning Report ®, etc. Dr. Wu serves on the editorial board as the Associate Editor for three International Peer Review Journals, ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering, Journal of Porous Media, and Special Topics & Reviews in Porous Media: An International Journal.

Shannon Connaghan

Shannon Connaghan, a Villanova University alumna, boasts a strong background in business administration and accounting. She began her career in public accounting at PwC, later transitioning to in-house roles. With extensive experience in global tax and technology, Ms. Connaghan has excelled in roles at multinational corporations. Her track record includes delivering substantial savings, process streamlining, and enhanced compliance. As a trusted advisor and cross-functional team leader, she collaborates with diverse stakeholders to optimize tax strategies. Presently, she serves as a Strategic Tax Planning Manager at Haleon, a consumer healthcare leader known for trusted brands like Advil and Tums. Ms. Connaghan's expertise spans international taxation, tax accounting, and transfer pricing, complemented by her adeptness in cross-functional project management. She has overseen pivotal initiatives such as global ERP system implementations and corporate restructurings. Recently earning her MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler, Ms. Connaghan's intellectual curiosity and passion for public speaking have led her to engage in conferences within her domain. Her upcoming TED Talk will explore themes of mental resilience and second-stage muscle failure, inspired by her dedication to marathon running. Anticipate an engaging and enlightening presentation that transcends expectations.

Sharon Ngunu

At the time of this talk, Sharon Ngunu was a nursing student at Villanova University, class of 2023. Originally, born in Cameroon, her family immigrated to Minnesota when she was four years old. Ms. Ngunu was raised by her inspiring single mother and her grandmother. With great ambition and passion for creating a healthier and safer future, Ms. Ngunu will be working as a Pediatric ER nurse in Washington DC. During her dynamic time at Villanova, Ms. Ngunu became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and was an active member of the Multicultural Student Nurse Organization.

Sloan Elle Garner

Sloan Elle Garner (she/her) is a production dramaturg and director whose practice relies on offering tangible experiences to casts, crews, and audiences to deepen relationships to text and narrative. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from The University of Southern Mississippi and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Theatre at Villanova University, where she explores survivors’ art and the intersection of ethnomusicology and dramaturgy.