IGS 555 Collaboration for a Better World Seminar Series (Cat. I, 0 credits) This is a faculty directed seminar series open to all faculty, students, and staff at WPI. The series features talks and presentations by scholars, teachers, and practitioners from within and outside of WPI on their interdisciplinary, collaborative work that addresses and links issues of environment, health, community development, and justice. The seminar series gives graduate students from interdisciplinary programs, alongside faculty, an opportunity to integrate and contextualize their individual experiences, perspectives, and scholarship within the broader global context. The seminars will help students engage with 1) intersectoral and transdisciplinary themes that relate to global issues of health, environment, development, and justice in the broader context; 2) discuss the intersections of societal needs and technological responses and, 3) critical approaches to technology and expertise.. The seminar also aims to develop habits of lifelong learning as students articulate strategies for translating their global health experiences and expertise into personal values and professional opportunities in their future careers. The format of the series is a 45-minute talk with 45 minutes for discussion. Each year, the CFBW committee develops the year’s program of 6-8 speakers who speak on a range of issues of broad interest to the WPI community. Past speakers have addressed topics around urban planning and environment (Dr. James Evans); politics, justice, and energy transitions (Dr. Jennie Stephens); multi-cultural approaches to health and hazards (Dr. Lily Balloffet); and politics and community development in the context of extractive economies (Dr. Thea Riofrancos). Recommended background: Any – the seminar is open to all.