2026 Symposium Speakers
Additional speaker photos and biographic statements coming soon.
Keynote Speakers
Awaiting Confirmation
Naomi Oreskes
Panel Sessions
Climate Science Data
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Duke Energy Hall, James B. Hunt Library
Ask our panelists your questions about the future of climate science data collection, storage, public access and more.
Jared Bowden
Otis Brown
Michele Schroeder-Moreno
Rebecca Ward
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 3:45 – 5:15 pm
Duke Energy Hall, James B. Hunt Library
Learn how to put your great ideas for climate solutions into practice.
Lawson Carmichael
Matt Fox
Deb Wojcik
Kairavi Garde
Buildings
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Duke Energy Hall, James B. Hunt Library
Learn the role materials, construction processes and energy provisions have in the future of climate solutions in buildings.
Pam Janney
Jessica Kaminsky
Frederik Laleicke
Brian Vaughn
Textiles
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 2:45 – 4:15 pm
Duke Energy Hall, James B. Hunt Library
Engage with groups partnering with communities in Western North Carolina to provide resilient energy options before and after disruptive events.
Inka Apter
Holden Bierman
Colin Holloway
Zahra Saki
Climate Leaders Program – Cohort Lightning Talks
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 4:30 – 5:15 pm
Duke Energy Hall, James B. Hunt Library
| De’Asia Brodie | Bhavya Jain |
| Mikayla Carrier | Catie McKinney |
| Juan Chala | Laura Mora |
| Addison Copeland | Caroline Parker |
| Alan Ferris | Abby Studnek |
| Revy Godehn | Kenna Talhelm |
| Alyssa Griffin | Kathryn Turner |
| Toufiq Huq Sowrov |