![\"CFI](\"https:\/\/cde.nus.edu.sg\/cfisg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2025\/01\/CFI-Seminar-24-Jan-25-2.png\" "\\"CFI")
\n\tRegistration is on a first come first serve basis. Light refreshments will be served.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Please be advised that there is limited visitor car parking at the venue. You are strongly encouraged to use the public transport.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n PDU Points Pending.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegister Here\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n <\/p>\n Speaker:<\/em><\/p>\n Professor Helen Nguyen<\/strong><\/p>\n University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign<\/strong><\/p>\n Abstract<\/em><\/p>\n Warmer temperatures and higher humidity accelerate bacterial growth and gene transfer vertically and horizontally among bacteria. Flood water can spread fertilizer (natural, like manure or synthetic) widely, allowing higher bacterial growth. Drought may worsen access to clean water and adequate sanitation, leading to higher exposure by humans to pathogens. At the same time, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a “silent pandemic” that poses a global threat to human and animal health, as well as threats to food safety and security, crop-based fuel production, and the environment. The emergence of resistance is accelerated by the widespread overuse of antibiotics in clinical and especially agricultural settings in many countries worldwide. These two crises are in a collision course and requires a GeoHealth solution. Currently, the emergence of resistance is almost exclusively monitored in acute hospital settings and misses the long-term and invisible evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment.<\/p>\n I will present recent research on using environmental surveillance to study the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. We used a combination of quantitative gene tracking and high-fidelity whole genome sequencing to understand the prevalence of Salmonella enterica<\/em> and associated ARG in flood water samples collected near pig farms right after Hurricane Florence in 2018. We also set up a year-long surveillance of wastewater from a pork processing facility and the nearby communities. We found shared genetic similarities of E. coli<\/em> isolates from the pork plant and Salmonella, Shigella, and Klebsiella<\/em> isolated from human samples from other countries, suggesting potential horizontal gene transfer among bacteria species. We also use CRISPR combined with next generation sequencing to overcome the challenge of missing ARG in complex environmental samples. This method allows us to identify a higher number of ARG with clinical importance compared to regular next generation sequencing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t5:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Building with Nature: A Pathway to Sustainable Coastal Management and Climate Resilience | Mr. Jair Smits<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t Speaker:<\/em><\/p>\n Mr. Jair Smits<\/strong><\/p>\n Witteveen+Bos South-East Asia<\/strong><\/p>\n Abstract<\/em><\/p>\n In the realm of coastal and flood protection, traditional approaches have predominantly relied on engineered solutions, such as levees and seawalls, to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. However, the increasing intensity of rainfall and rising sea levels due to climate change have underscored the limitations of these purely engineering-based methods. As a result, there is a growing recognition of the need for more integrated strategies that incorporate natural processes into coastal management.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Building with Nature<\/strong>\u00a0is an approach that emphasizing the importance of working with natural systems rather than attempting to control them. Pilots and initiatives implementing this approach have been conducted in the Netherlands and across the globe, providing valuable insights into how to effectively integrate nature-based solutions into existing frameworks. These pilots demonstrate that while nature is inherently less predictable than engineered systems, it offers significant potential for enhancing resilience when approached thoughtfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To harness this potential, continuous experimentation and monitoring are essential. Embracing the principles of Building with Nature represents a critical step toward sustainable coastal management that recognizes nature as an ally in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t5:30 pm – 6:00 pm | Water Quality Modelling and Hybrid Coastal Protection Solutions | Professor Karina Gin<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t Speaker:<\/em><\/p>\n Professor Karina Gin<\/strong><\/p>\n National University of Singapore<\/strong><\/p>\n Abstract<\/em><\/p>\n Understanding the intricate interactions within coastal ecosystems is paramount for the success of nature-based solutions in mitigating sea-level rise. While mangroves and seagrass play a pivotal role in coastal resilience, they often face competition from fast-growing algae for essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Algae can outcompete these vital plants, hindering their growth and effectiveness. Moreover, some algae can produce toxins that are detrimental to the overall health of the ecosystem. To enhance the efficacy of these solutions, it is essential to implement strategies for nutrient management, conduct regular monitoring and research, develop plans to address algal blooms, and prioritize restoration efforts that consider nutrient dynamics and potential algal interactions. By taking a holistic approach to coastal management, we can safeguard these vital ecosystems and their capacity to withstand sea-level rise along with other factors of climate change.<\/p>\n Our project focuses on developing better ways to protect coastlines and marine environments from climate change and human activities. We are particularly interested in ‘hybrid solutions,’ which blend natural elements like seagrass and mangroves with man-made structures. A key part of our research is determining the right mix of these natural (‘green’) and artificial (‘gray’) components for effective coastal protection. Our goal is to understand how seagrass, mangroves, algae, environmental factors and man-made structures interact. We will use the insights from these studies to build the Integrated Coastal Ecosystem Model (ICEM). Through ICEM, we aim to test and refine these hybrid approaches to coastal protection. Ultimately, our research will guide us in creating effective, sustainable coastal protection strategies that are well-suited to the challenges posed by a changing climate and human impacts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t6:00 pm – 6:30 pm | Q & A<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t6:30 pm | End of Workshop<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegister Here\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n Dr. Helen Nguyen<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign<\/strong><\/p>\n Dr. Helen Nguyen is Ivan Racheff endowed professor of environmental engineering at University of Illinois. She is the recipient of the AEESP\/CH2M Hill Outstanding Dissertation Award, NSF CAREER award, ASCE\/EWB Sustainable Development Award, 2012, and University of Illinois College of Engineering Dean’s Award for Research Excellence, University of Illinois award for Excellence in advising undergraduate students. She was also awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to Israel and two Visiting Fellowships from the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science. She recently received an award from US Mission to ASEAN as a Fulbright scholar to Southeast Asia and a grant prize from the Trinity Challenge in UK to develop a technological solution for antimicrobial resistance at livestock farm in low- and middle-income countries.<\/p>\n Prof Helen has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers on a wide range of topics related to pathogen control and detection, the human health impact of water reuse, food safety, impacts of the extreme floods on pathogen spreading, pathogens in drinking water distribution systems, and water quality after natural disasters. Her research has been featured on Washington Post , New York Times, and BBC.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Mr. Jair Smits<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Managing Director,\u00a0Witteveen+Bos South-East Asia<\/strong><\/p>\n Jair Smits is a Dutch Professional Civil Engineer and obtained his MSc degree in Water Resources Management at the Delft University of Technology in 2008. He has over 15 years of experience in engineering consulting and is Managing Director of Witteveen+Bos South-East Asia since 2020. He is the former chairman of the Singapore-Netherlands Water House and former Managing Director of the Hydroinformatics Institute in Singapore. Jair is a systems thinker, innovator and is passionate about sustainability. He is the co-author of Witteveen+Bos sustainable design principles.<\/p>\n Under his leadership, Witteveen+Bos South-East Asia applied several innovative applications of nature-based solutions in Singapore and Indonesia.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Dr. Karina Gin<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Professor, National University of Singapore<\/strong><\/p>\n Professor Karina Gin is the Provost Chair Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore. She received her Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Melbourne (1988), M.Eng Degree from the National University at NUS (1991) and Doctor of Science (ScD) Degree jointly from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (1996).\u00a0 Her research specialisation is in the area of water quality and ecosystem processes, with particular interest in understanding the fate and transport of emerging microbial and chemical contaminants of concern including antimicrobial resistance in the urban water cycle and harmful algal blooms in tropical waters. Her research focuses on developing sensitive detection methods to study the prevalence of target contaminants; elucidating their mechanisms of action and interactions with other chemical\/biological species in natural water bodies through field and laboratory experimentation; and subsequently, to use this knowledge to develop environmental models for prediction and management purposes.<\/p>\n Prof Gin received the Provost Chair (NUS) (2025), National Public Administration Medal (Bronze) (COVID-19) (2023), the COVID Resilience Medal (2023) and Dean’s Chair (NUS) (2017-2019). She is co-author of a book on ‘The Environment in Asia Pacific Harbours’ which received a UN Atlas of the Ocean award (2006) and is co-recipient of the Technology Enterprise Challenge (TEC) Innovator Award (2005). She has also served on several WHO Expert Panels\/Meetings to address the issue of antimicrobial resistance, pathogens and microbial safety of water in food, drinking water and water reuse.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegister Here\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n National University of Singapore, Block SDE 3, Level 4, Lecture Theatre 423 (LT423), 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566<\/p>\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProgramme\n\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t3:15 pm – 4:00 pm | Registration<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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![\"Prof](\"https:\/\/cde.nus.edu.sg\/cfisg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2025\/01\/Prof-Helen-1.png\" "\\"Prof")
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![\"CDE-Coastal](\"https:\/\/cde.nus.edu.sg\/cfisg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/09\/CDE-Coastal-Protection-N-Flood-Resilience-Institute-SG_H-final-2.png\" "\\"CDE-Coastal")
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