Monthly Newsletter


A newsletter published by the
Macalester Environmental Studies Department

October 10, 2023


Any upcoming events, job opportunities, conferences, or other environmental news received by the ES Department are included in this newsletter. More information on the items listed in This Just In! can be received by contacting the ES Department. Current and archived issues.

In This Issue….

1.  “Agrobotics and Resistance” Presentation – October 12
2.  Celebration of Environmental Justice Action Event – October 14
3.  Mac GPT:  Generating the Policy of Tomorrow – November 4
4.  Lake Minnetonka Garden Club Scholarship
5.  Job Opening at Kohler Co-op
6.  Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

1.  “Agrobotics and Resistance” Presentation – October 12

Thursday, October 12, 2023
8:30-9:30 a.m
Weyerhaeuser Boardroom

Over the past 30 years, Agro-bots have increased the precision and efficiency of food production, expediting tasks such as harvesting and picking, pest-control, and improving the quality of crop monitoring. This AI revolution has challenged the way that food producers have historically engaged with sustainability, efficiency, and land stewardship. This session will investigate how Artificial Intelligence and automated agricultural technology have shaped our global food production systems. We hope to investigate the ethics of using AI-assisted agriculture to feed the world’s population, and understand the impacts of this exponential technological development on farmers, rural community livelihoods, and consumers around the world.

We have invited Professor David Mulla, director of precision agriculture at the University of Minnesota and Dr. Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos, director of the Minnesota Robotics Institute to speak on our panel.

This presentation is part of Macalester’s 2023 International Roundtable.

2.  Celebration of Environmental Justice Action Event – October 14

Outing Club, Sunrise, and MacBike will be hosting a cookout on Shaw Field on Saturday, October 14, from 1-3 pm to educate ourselves on local environmental justice issues. There will be several activities set up including: a station to take action to shut down the HERC trash incinerator by calling/emailing Hennepin county commissioners, an art build, and a talk with activist-in-residence, Roxanne O’Brien.

There will be food (hot dogs! veggie kebabs! veggie dogs! veggie dogs on a kebab!), fun bikes, yard games, tunes, and really really awesome cool people ready to talk and educate each other on the most pressing issues impacting our community.

We are hoping to celebrate the power of a united Macalester community, working to stand in solidarity with those most impacted by environmental injustices.

3.  Mac GPT: Generating the Policy of Tomorrow – November 4

Interested in creating public policy solutions? Join Mac GPT: Generating the Policy of Tomorrow on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, in the lower level of Kagin and Alexander Hill Ballroom.  This is a hackathon-style event, where you’ll work with teams of 4-5 to tackle real-world environmental policy issues through policy solutions. In addition to hands-on policy experience, this event includes a cash prize for top teams, free food, mentorship from faculty, and an opportunity to network informally with alumni working in environmental public policy in the Twin Cities. All majors and class years are encouraged to participate!

Sign up by filling out this form, or going to the website, macgpt.weebly.com, by 11:59 pm on October 20, 2023.

If anyone has questions, please direct them to [email protected].

4.  Lake Minnetonka Garden Club Scholarship

The Lake Minnetonka Garden Club has increased its merit based scholarship to $3,000.  They are considering undergraduate and graduate scholars studying in the areas listed below.  Applicants work within the field, and research experience will be of interest.

  • Botany
  • Conservation and Ecological Restoration
  • Garden History and Design
  • Horticultural and Related Fields
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Native Bird Habitat
  • Pollinator Research
  • Urban Forestry
  • Coastal Wetlands

Eligible candidates must submit one letter of recommendation from an employer or professor, a transcript and a letter describing why they  should receive the scholarship.  The recipient may be asked to speak to the Garden Club.

Scholars may apply by going to Lake Minnetonka Garden Club website and clicking on Scholarships.  Candidates need to submit all paperwork, including a reference letter by Wednesday, November 22. 2023.  The scholarship will be awarded in early 2024.

Larger scholarships are available for both graduate and undergraduate students through the Garden Club of America.  Students can investigate the National GCA scholarships.  Application forms, due December 31. 2023, are available by emailing [email protected].

5.  Job Opening at Kohler Co-op

Would you like to be involved with an organization committed to having a positive impact on the planet?  If you want to be part of a high performing team to make a positive social and environmental impact, this role is for you! The Sustainability Co-op at Kohler Co-Op is responsible for supporting Sustainability and Waste LAB.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Environmental sustainability data collection, data analysis, progress measurement and reporting.
  • Design for Environment development and support. (DfE is a Kohler Co. innovation and decision making process that is based on Life Cycle Inventory. DfE is used for both operations and new product development.)
  • Climate change and water stewardship leadership support. 
  • Project leadership/support examples: identify and enable innovation projects, establish internal cost of carbon, Scope 3 GHG goal setting and action planning, water risk assessment and other projects as assigned.
  • Waste LAB production support including tile pressing, inspection, glaze production and bisque processing.

Work Mode:  Hybrid

Location:  Kohler, Wisconsin

Timeframe: May 2024 through December 2024

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to their associates and communities.  They invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.kohlercompany.com..

6.   Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

Handshake at Macalester is our career services platform.

Students:  Handshake is preloaded with your basic profile data. Simply log in with your Macalester user id and password.

Read Getting Started with Handshake Guide for Students

The more you use Handshake, the better it works for you. Personalize your experience by filling out career interests and profile. As you choose opportunities and events that interest you, Handshake will learn to present you with opportunities best suited to your needs.

Any questions regarding this newsletter or to be removed from the mailing list, contact Ann Esson at [email protected].