Scholarly Colloquia and Events

  • 9/17 PSLA Seminar: NatureRx by Cynthia Jones (EEB)

    Fall 2021 PSLA Seminar Series

    Date: Friday, September 17, 2021

    Time: 12:15 -1:15 pm

    Venue: Floriculture Room 101

    Title: NatureRx at UConn: Engaging with nature for well-being

    Presenter: Dr. Cynthia Jones, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UConn

    Abstract: Over the last ten years, numerous evidence-based studies have shown that spending time in nature increases mental health and well-being.  Nature Rx is a national movement across college campuses that draws on this literature to build awareness of the psychological value of being in nature to improve mental health among college students.  Nature Rx originated at Cornell through the engagement of multiple entities across that campus, including mental health providers who "prescribe nature" to students.  My presentation will describe some of the research supporting the Nature Rx initiative, my motivation as a scientist for starting a program at UConn, and progress we have made to date.  I will conclude with an invitation to participate to anyone who is interested.

    Biography: Cynthia Jones is a Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, the Director of the Plant Biodiversity Conservatory and Research Core (aka. the EEB Greenhouses) and the EEB Associate Dept. Head for Undergraduate Affairs.  She is also currently Past-President of the Botanical Society of America, a member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, and winner of a 2019 CETL Teaching Innovation Award and a 2019 AAUP Teaching Innovation Award.

    For more information, contact: Dr. Sohyun Park at sohyun.park@uconn.edu