Local riverkeeper, water experts to present at Winthrop conference

Winthrop University is encouraging public participation in an academic conference next month focused on sustainability and access to water worldwide.

The Nov. 7 campus event is the first interdisciplinary conference of its kind at Winthrop, bringing together professors, students and researchers from various fields of study including biology, fine arts, history, environmental studies and social work.

School officials say the conference will tackle topics surrounding one of the most pressing global issues: water conservation, scarcity and access to clean and secure water sources. Local resident Sam Perkins, Catawba Riverkeeper, will deliver a keynote address.

Students, faculty and staff members, and researchers will present on specific issues throughout the day through lectures, performances and group discussion. Topics include water quality in countries such as Costa Rica, water shortages in South Carolina, the rise of sea levels, and water as depicted in art.

The conference includes art exhibits and two documentary screenings, with documentary discussions planned for Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 in Winthrop’s movie theater.

Registration is $25 for students and $35 for others. The cost includes lunch, admission reception in the Winthrop galleries and a water conference bag.

Tickets may be purchased online by visiting the Eventbrite website and searching for “Water in the World Conference.”

For more information, contact professor Ginger Williams at 803-323-4680, or by email at williamsv@winthrop.edu. The conference website is winthrop.edu/cas/interdisciplinary/waterconference2015.

This story was originally published October 21, 2015 at 4:28 PM with the headline "Local riverkeeper, water experts to present at Winthrop conference."