Immersion
Immersion is an annual event meant to connect you with leading conservationists taking action for aquatic life. Join us for a conversation that will highlight the connection and significance of our local to global freshwater systems and the precious biodiversity within these ecosystems. Leave ready to take action to support a thriving and more sustainable blue planet.
Tickets to this event include a pre-program reception in the Aquarium galleries with appetizers and two drink tickets toward a selection of wine and beer; the program featuring a panel discussion and audience Q+A; and access to Oceanarium exhibits until 8:30 PM.
Tickets
1 ticket - $50
2 tickets - $90
3 tickets - $135
4 tickets - $180
10 tickets - $400
Date
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Our region has a unique relationship with fresh water—from Lake Michigan to the Chicago River and its many tributaries, these spaces and the precious natural resource they provide can be easily taken for granted.
While freshwater represents just 1% of earth's surface water, 51% of all fish species can be found in these ecosystems - and freshwater species overall are declining at a faster pace than their marine or terrestrial counterparts. This conversation will shine a light on these critical ecosystems and how key partnerships work towards healthier freshwater ecosystems for ALL organisms –humans included! -- who rely on them.
Shedd is thrilled to welcome Dr. Jon Paul Rodriguez, who chairs the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), to be in conversation with our own Vice President of Conservation Research Dr. Chuck Knapp and moderated by Dr. Rachel Havrelock, Director of UIC's Freshwater Lab.
Read more about Shedd’s new Species Survival Center: Freshwater.
This year we will focus on the importance of freshwater biodiversity and the role organizations like Shedd can play in repopulating endangered species to stem (and, ultimately, reverse) the flow of species onto the IUCN Red List.
Meet the speakers
Jon Paul Rodriguez
Jon Paul Rodríguez has been working for the conservation of Venezuelan species and ecosystems since he was a biology undergraduate at Universidad Central of Venezuela (UCV) in the late eighties. With other students he co-founded Provita in 1987, an NGO that has championed numerous evidence-based projects, including several editions of the Red Book of the Venezuelan Fauna and of the Red Book of Terrestrial Ecosystems of Venezuela. After graduating from UCV in 1991, he went to Princeton University for a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology (1999), and a Certificate on science, technology and environmental policy from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs (2000). He currently Chairs the IUCN Species Survival Commission, is Professor at the Center for Ecology of the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Investigations (Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas ― IVIC), and continues to be active in Provita as the organization’s President. He defines himself as a biologist that is interested in generating information useful for informing conservation policies, without being a politician. Jon Paul is author in more than 250 publications, including books, chapters, and peer-reviewed articles in major international scientific journals.
Chuck Knapp
Chuck Knapp oversees Shedd's conservation research programs with the goal of saving wild animals and imperiled ecosystems. His programs support Shedd’s mission to protect the aquatic animal world and inspire the public to become environmental stewards who protect aquatic life for future generations. He also oversees the crew, scheduling and budgeting for Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II.
Rachel Havrelock
Rachel Havrelock is a Great Lakes enthusiast and open water swimmer. She is a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where she directs the Freshwater Lab. The Freshwater Lab generates research and policy on transboundary water systems and climate change adaptation; trains a new generation of water leaders; and creates public-facing media like the Freshwater Stories and Backward River digital platforms. Rachel grew up on the Great Lakes, received a B.A. from the University of California Santa Cruz, and earned her PhD at the University of California Berkeley. Her initial research focused on the Middle East where she learned the art of environmental peacebuilding from the NGO Ecopeace Middle East. Following a fellowship with the U.S. State Department, Rachel brought together mayors from cities around the Great Lakes and the Jordan River Valley to share best practices and sign a Sister Waters Agreement. She has worked with elected officials and community leaders to promote access and water justice across these regions. An active scholar and voice in the media, Rachel’s current research considers water recycling as a solution to depleted watersheds.
Accessibility
We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us at [email protected]
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The panel discussion portion of this event will be recorded and available by request after the event.
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The Abbott Oceanarium will be open to guests before and after the program.