University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Cancer survivor and ecologist Sandra Steingraber (Ph.D. Biology 1989) is featured in the LSA Magazine Spring 2012 issue on what is threatening our food system and our health --  and what we can do about it. Read “Something’s in the Water” on Page 41.

While calling for chemical reform - including a ban on fracking and an agricultural system void of pesticides - Steingraber says that environmentalism isn’t about “doom and gloom.” It’s about innovation in design based on systems thinking.

In other news, Steingraber founded the organization New Yorkers against Fracking with money from her 2011 Heinz Award. Established by Teresa Heinz in 1993 to honor the memory of her late husband, U.S. Senator John Heinz, the awards celebrate the accomplishments and spirit of the senator by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of individuals in the areas of greatest importance to him: arts and humanities, environment, human condition, public policy, and technology, the economy and employment.

See the poster for the upcoming New Yorkers against Fracking event featuring Yoko Ono, Mark Ruffalo, other celebrities and musical guests. "Working with Mark Ruffalo is one of the very few truly fun aspects of fighting the world's largest corporations (oil and gas companies)," Steingraber said. "Mark is terrifically knowledgeable about the economic irrationalities of fracking and, conversely, about financial investments in renewable energy. I do the public health angle. I think we make a good team. Who knew that training in field biology could lead to a collaboration with 'The Avengers?'” Steingraber is referring to Ruffalo’s role as The Hulk in the new movie.

Read Steingraber's latest article on fracking from Orion Magazine, January/February 2012, "It's Alive! In defense of underground organisms."