Rationale and methods for revitalization of agricultural grasslands

Spring 2026 Harry ’51 and Joshua ’49 Tsujimoto Perspectives in Global Development Seminar Series Speaker: Rebecca Schneider, Cornell University About the speaker: Rebecca Schneider’s program focuses on integrated, watershed-based, and sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change. Her research, extension, and teaching all revolve around different facets of this topic. Currently, her primary research program is focused on how networks of roadside ditches that criss-cross watersheds contribute to flooding, droughts, and degraded water quality in downstream waters. A second effort is investigating how restoration of organic matter in wetland and terrestrial soils can help to improve hydrologic and biogeochemical functions.Over the past several years, she has worked with students and collaborators and developed a successful research-extension program that addresses both the theoretical and applied sides of plant-water interactions. The research findings have been translated into several extension programs aimed at improving management of roadside drainage networks to reduce flooding and water pollution, improving watershed management as a buffer against climate change, a sustainable approach to managing aquatic weeds, and improving streamside protection. She has also developed a successful companion undergraduate course that teaches the broader set of ecological issues associated with water resource management. About the seminar series: The Harry ’51 & Joshua ’49 Tsujimoto Perspectives in Global Development Seminar Series showcases innovative approaches to development with experts from around the globe. Each year, the series attracts online registrants from over 45 countries and more than 350 organizations. Seminars are held Wednesdays from 12:20-1:10 p.m. eastern time during the semester in Warren Hall 175. Students, faculty and the general public are welcome to attend in-person or via Zoom. The series is co-sponsored by the Department of Global Development, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, and the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management as part of courses GDEV 4961, AEM 4961, NTRES 4961, GDEV 6960, AEM 6960, and NTRES 6960.