Justin Taylor of Attleboro and Brian Conz, Ph.D., co-presented their research at the American Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting Conference in Washington, D.C. April 3–7.
Taylor, a senior majoring in environment science and regional planning, attended the conference with three faculty members of the University’s Department of Geography, Planning & Sustainability: Chair and Associate Professor Dr. Conz; Associate Professor Timothy LeDoux, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor Dristi Neog, Ph.D.
The Conference hosted over 7,000 geographers from around the world, highlighted by 5,000 presentations, posters, and workshops from leading scholars, experts, and researchers in the fields of geography, sustainability, and GIScience.
“As the largest gathering of geographers in the world, the conference provide a unique opportunity [for students] to network with sustainability professionals, academics, organizations, non-profits, and possible employers [in the field],” said Dr. Conz.
Taylor and Dr. Conz presented their research, titled “Residential Green Building for Net Zero Emissions: Lessons from a Case Study in Western Massachusetts.”
“[The presentation] analyzes the efforts to achieve net zero emissions in the construction of a new [single family] house in Western Massachusetts,” said Dr. Conz. “‘Net zero emissions’ means the energy produced on site is equal to or greater than the greenhouse emissions of the site. We centered our research in Russell, Massachusetts.”
Taylor’s travel to the conference was supported by a University travel grant, the SMARTS Grant, or Seed Money for Academic or Research Travel for Students. SMARTS is a competitive grant program sponsored by Westfield State for all students working on research or other scholarly and creative activities off-campus beyond the materials and curriculum of their typical undergraduate coursework.
“It was an honor to represent Westfield State at the conference,” said Taylor. “It was amazing to meet fellow geographers from around the world and to see their fascinating work on display alongside my own research. Working with Dr. Conz widened my perspective and knowledge on sustainable building practices, and I’m so grateful for the experience.”