In this episode of Talking Environment, Gevorg Ghazaryan speaks with Dr. Frederick Steiner, Dean of the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania, about the urgent role of ecological planning in shaping cities of the future.

Dr. Steiner unpacks the core principles of ecological design, explains why cities are critical to climate adaptation, and highlights the importance of integrating equity into urban planning. The episode touches on current planning mistakes, emerging models of resilient design, and how educators and institutions can prepare the next generation of environmental designers.

Tune in to hear how systems thinking, collaboration, and visionary planning can transform the built environment for people and the planet.

In this episode of Talking Environment, host Gevorg Ghazaryan is joined by Dr. Laura Toran, Professor of Earth and Environmental Science at Temple University, for a deep dive into one of the most essential but often overlooked topics in environmental science - urban water systems.

From stormwater to sinkholes, Dr. Toran explains how water moves through cities, why flooding is getting worse, and what urban planners and everyday citizens can do to manage water more sustainably. The conversation also explores karst hydrology, pollution pathways, groundwater risks, and how science and technology are helping us better understand what happens beneath our feet.

Whether you’re interested in climate resilience, infrastructure, or just curious about where rainwater really goes - this episode will change how you think about water in cities.

In this episode of Talking Environment, host Gevorg Ghazaryan sits down with Dr. Sean O'Donnell, Professor of Biodiversity, Earth & Environmental Science at Drexel University, to delve into the fascinating world of social insects and their responses to environmental stressors.

Dr. O'Donnell shares insights from his research on insect behavior and neuroecology, focusing on how species like ants, bees, wasps, and termites exhibit complex social structures that enable them to adapt to challenges such as climate change and habitat loss.

The conversation explores the concept of "thermal sociobiology," examining how rising temperatures impact insect colonies and what these changes mean for broader ecosystems.

Dr. O'Donnell discusses the resilience of social insects, their role in maintaining ecological balance, and the lessons humans can learn from their adaptive strategies.

Tune in to Talking Environment to discover how the smallest creatures on our planet offer significant insights into resilience, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of life.