Dr. Amy Townsend-Small is a Professor of Environmental Science at University of Cincinnati. She has a Ph.D. in Marine Science from The University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. in English and Biology from Skidmore College. She is a service-driven researcher, teacher, and mentor in environmental science and policy, with a research focus on environmental impacts of the oil and gas industry. Together with her collaborators and students, she has published dozens of peer-reviewed articles and raised millions of dollars in research funding. She also works with local, national, and international governments on greenhouse gas emissions reductions policies based in science. She served in the Biden-Harris Administration as the Senior Climate Advisor in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, United States Department of State. She is the recipient of the Science and Community Award from the Ohio Environmental Council and the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the President of the United States, and currently holds the UNESCO Chair in Water and Climate Change at University of Cincinnati.

Join us to hear Dr. Townsend-Small's seminar:

Methane emissions from the oil and gas supply chain and other sources: Finding best targets for emissions reduction

Methane is a greenhouse gas that is most effective right after it is emitted.  This means that rapid action to reduce emissions can help reduce the rate of anthropogenic climate warming.  Methane also has multiple sources from human activities, as well as some sources that are enhanced in a warmer and wetter world.  Current research from my group involves identifying methane sources that are the best targets for reducing emissions, with a focus on the largest source in the United States, the oil and gas supply chain.