Speaker: Maggie Leon-Corwin, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, University of Oklahoma
This talk explores how people navigate disasters, infrastructure disruptions, and energy futures at the intersection of society and environment. Drawing on three interconnected projects, León-Corwin demonstrates how centering community voices and fostering collaboration can promote equitable pathways forward. Lived experiences from Texans who endured Winter Storm Uri show how households adapted amidst cascading crises. Partnerships with Oklahoma utilities highlight how technical tools and cross-sector collaboration can turn climate uncertainty into actionable strategies. Co-design rooted in shared values offers a new approach to siting energy facilities, strengthening both legitimacy and trust. Together, these cases illuminate hopeful, interdisciplinary approaches to building durable resilience in the face of complex, compounding environmental risks.