04/09/2026
What an incredible night for the Geography department at our Annual McConnell Lecture. We had the pleasure of hosting Aaron Wilson, Ph.D, OSU-Extension Assistant Professor and State of Ohio Climatologist. PI at Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center.
Aaron and faculty spent the day exploring The Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park, Miami's Geothermal Energy Plant, the Miami Farm and Acton Lake at Hueston Woods. Students joined Aaron for lunch at the Western Dining Commons here on campus as well.
This talk took a look at how changing temperatures and rainfall have been affecting communities across Ohio. It started with the bigger global climate picture, then zoomed in on what we’ve been seeing locally over the past few decades. Along the way, it touched on things like water quality and availability, impacts on farming and local businesses, and what it all means for community health in both rural and urban areas.
We truly enjoyed having Aaron here at Miami and are hopeful he can join us again in the future, the faculty and students were all impressed with him. Thank you for taking the time to join us, Aaron!