Jennifer Kroeger's Qualifying Exam

Jennifer Kroeger will stand for the Qualifying Examination for acceptance into candidacy for the Ph.D. degree on Tuesday, May 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the 380 Edwards St classroom. All faculty (only faculty) are welcome and invited to attend. Copies of Jennifer’s dissertation prospectus and qualifying exam questions and answers can be obtained from the Doctoral Program Office (contact: elisabeth.barsa@yale.edu).

Committee members:
• Prof. Yuan Yao (Chair)
• Prof. James Saiers
• Prof. Noah Planavsky

Topic 1.

As the world seeks sustainable solutions to combat climate change, nature-based solutions (NBS) such as reforestation/afforestation, biochar, and restoration of natural ecosystems have emerged as promising strategies. These approaches leverage the power of nature to sequester carbon, enhance biodiversity, and provide essential ecosystem services. However, the implementation and outcomes of NBS are complex, sparking vibrant and sometimes controversial debates within the scientific community and among policymakers. Answer the following questions:

(1)   Do you think nature-based solutions always bring benefits in the context of climate change mitigation? Please discuss your perspective and consider 2 or more specific NBS.
(2)   What potential risks or drawbacks could arise from implementing nature-based solutions for climate change? Consider aspects such as ecological implications, socio-economic impacts, and long-term sustainability for 2 or more specific NBS.
(3)   In your opinion, how can the effectiveness of nature-based solutions be evaluated against their potential to cause unintended negative consequences? What factors should be considered to avoid or minimize these risks?

Topic 2.

Recent interest in life cycle assessment (LCA) and water impact assessment has surged due to growing concerns over water scarcity, water quality degradation, and the broader environmental impacts associated with water use in various industries. Innovations in LCA methodologies have led to more detailed and comprehensive water footprint assessments, enabling researchers and practitioners to quantify and evaluate the direct and indirect water use throughout the life cycle of products and services. This has been complemented by advancements in water quality assessment techniques, which now incorporate more nuanced indicators of ecological and human health impacts.

(1)   What methods have been explored to incorporate water-related impacts into LCA? Discuss and describe the methods being developed, including examples. Specific topics of interest include methods related to water use and water quality impacts. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and your opinions on future needs.
(2)   Given the significant implications of many NBS for water use and quality, how are the methods identified in the first question applicable to NBS assessment? You are encouraged to discuss the potential opportunities and challenges of applying these LCA methods to assess 1 or more specific NBS.

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