NW Nature and Health Symposium | April 29
Since 2016, Northwest Nature and Health symposia have served as a dynamic gathering space for students, researchers, healthcare providers, community members, and decision-makers to connect, learn, and collaborate. Together, we explore cutting-edge research, innovative policies and programs, and the power of reciprocal relationships. Invited speakers collaborate closely with communities disproportionately affected by health and environmental injustices, work to address green space inequities, and bring vital historical and cultural perspectives to environmental history and outdoor recreation.
 
 
Invited Speakers
  • Courtney Aber, national director, Outdoor Initiatives, YMCA of Greater Seattle
    The Nature of the Outdoors: Stronger Youth Development Through Exploration

  • Aileen Cassinetto, Laureate Fellow, Academy of American Poets

    Building Regenerative and Equitable Communities Through Poetry

  • Sasha Chavez, MS, PhD student, University of Maryland

    Community Wellness Spaces and the History of Parks and Playgrounds

  • Anders Rydström, PhD, postdoctoral scholar, Natural Capital Project

    Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial to Study the Effectiveness of Nature Prescriptions
 
A Panel on Restorative Justice
 
Student and Recent Graduate Speed Talks
  • Stacey Alfonso, PhD, nature-based curriculum content specialist
    How Young Children Build Relationships With the Natural World Through Their Daily Interactions in an Outdoor Preschool

  • Connor Lashus, PhD student, UW Environmental & Forest Sciences

    The Mechanisms by Which Olfaction and Human Microbiomes Mediate or Moderate Effects of Natural Environments on Health and Well-Being

  • Soteria Li, undergraduate student, UW Department of Psychology

    Nature Walking, but Not Urban Walking, Reduces Depressive Symptoms at One-Month Follow-Up: Interaction Patterns with Nature Show Added Benefits for Anxiety and Negative Affect

  • Sarah MacFarland, PhD student, UW Environmental & Forest Sciences

    Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Mobile App Designed to Increase Children’s Time in Nature and Their Connectedness With Nature

  • Jingjing (Tina) Tao, PhD student, UW Environmental & Forest Sciences

    Quantifying the Cost Savings of Spending Time in Nature in Washington State
 
 
 
 
We’re happy to answer any questions about the event—just email us at natureandhealth@uw.edu.