Event Details

The NJIT President's Office of Community and Public Affairs (Dr. Angela Garretson) and the Center for Natural Resources (Dr. Michel Boufadel) successfully hosted the highly anticipated Jersey Fest 2024, an inaugural event that brought together visionary leaders from academia, industry, and government. The groundbreaking event was designed to foster transformative change through collaboration and technological innovation, positioning New Jersey at the forefront of sustainable development and community resilience.

The primary goal of Jersey Fest 2024 was to create a dynamic ecosystem that accelerates technological advancements, addresses complex societal and environmental challenges, and generates tangible solutions. By uniting key stakeholders, the event laid the groundwork for breakthrough discoveries, entrepreneurial ventures, and actionable recommendations that can be pursued by interested parties in the future. Throughout the event, the focus remained on building stronger, more resilient communities through the integration of cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and cross-sector partnerships. Keynote speakers and panelists highlighted innovative approaches to pressing issues such as climate change, urban development, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management.

Among the distinguished guests was Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who provided valuable insights into the future of Newark and the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability, economic growth, and community well-being. His participation underscored Newark’s commitment to embracing technological advancements to benefit its residents and the broader New Jersey region. "We are truly honored to have had Mayor Baraka join us and share his vision for Newark," said Dr. Michel Boufadel. "His leadership and insights were a vital contribution to the discussions on how we can collectively create a more sustainable and equitable future."

The success of Jersey Fest 2024 would not have been possible without the unwavering support of NJIT’s leadership: President Teik C. Lim, alongside First Lady Gina Lim and NJIT’s Board of Trustees, Ms. Norma J. Clayton. 

As Jersey Fest 2024 concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable recommendations to continue driving innovation and collaboration in New Jersey and beyond. The event set the stage for future gatherings that will continue to address the evolving challenges facing communities while leveraging the power of technology to build a brighter, more resilient future.

 

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Event Highlights

Community Sustainability
Community Resilience - Flooding
Fireside Chat with Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka

Community Sustainability Panel

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

One of the key sessions of Jersey Fest 2024 focused on community sustainability, emphasizing the critical role that community-based organizations and universities play in advancing local initiatives and fostering long-term resilience. This session brought together leaders from both sectors, showcasing how grassroots efforts and academic research can collaborate to create sustainable, impactful change.

Moderated by Dr. Omowunmi Sadik, a distinguished professor from NJIT, the panel featured influential voices including:

• Ms. Nicole Hewitt-Cabral, representing the Newark Office of Sustainability, who shed light on Newark’s ongoing sustainability efforts and the city’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its residents through sustainable urban planning and community engagement.
• Ms. Kim Gaddy, Executive Director of the South Ward Environmental Alliance, highlighted the crucial role that community organizations play in addressing environmental justice, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable populations from the adverse impacts of pollution and climate change in Newark’s South Ward.
• Dr. Dibyendu Sarkar and Dr. Rosita Nunez from the Stevens Institute of Technology contributed their extensive research and expertise on the intersection of environmental science, technology, and policy, offering insights on how universities can serve as hubs for innovation that benefit local communities.

Throughout the session, panelists discussed a range of topics, from environmental justice to the integration of clean technologies into urban settings, highlighting the importance of local partnerships in addressing these complex challenges. The speakers underscored the significance of empowering residents and local organizations to lead these efforts, as they are often the most impacted by environmental challenges like pollution, inadequate access to clean water, and the effects of climate change.

 

 

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Community Resilience - Flooding Panel

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

The session on Community Resilience tackled one of the most pressing issues facing cities today: flooding risks and the need for proactive strategies to enhance resilience in the face of environmental challenges. The panel brought together a diverse group of experts from local government and emergency management agencies to discuss innovative approaches for mitigating flood risks, strengthening community preparedness, and improving infrastructure to withstand future climate-driven events.

Moderated by Dr. Michel Boufadel, a renowned expert in environmental engineering and resilience from NJIT, the panel included:

• Mr. Chris Testa, representing the Office of Emergency Management, who shared insights into disaster preparedness and the critical role emergency management plays in ensuring that communities are ready to respond to and recover from flooding events.
• Mr. Robert Hoffman, from the City of Englewood, who discussed Englewood’s approach to infrastructure development, zoning regulations, and urban planning aimed at reducing flooding risks in both residential and commercial areas.
• Mr. Kareem Adeem, Director of Water and Sewer from the City of Newark, who highlighted the challenges and ongoing efforts to upgrade Newark’s aging water and sewer infrastructure to better handle stormwater management and mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding on vulnerable communities.

The session began with a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in New Jersey and beyond, particularly in urban areas where outdated infrastructure and overburdened stormwater systems exacerbate flooding risks. Each panelist brought a unique perspective, underscoring the necessity for a multi-faceted, community-wide approach to managing these risks.

 

 

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Fireside Chat with Mayor Ras J. Baraka

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

One of the key highlights of Jersey Fest 2024 was a dynamic Fireside Chat with Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, moderated by Dr. Michel Boufadel, which provided attendees with valuable insights on leadership, economic development, and addressing critical environmental and housing challenges. Mayor Baraka discussed Newark’s ongoing efforts to stimulate inclusive economic growth, emphasizing the importance of attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and ensuring equitable development across the city. On the environmental front, he highlighted Newark’s approach to tackling issues like flooding, poor air quality, and urban heat islands, noting his administration’s initiative to plant thousands of trees. This urban greening effort is aimed at reducing air pollution, managing stormwater, and creating cooler, more livable spaces in Newark’s most heat-affected neighborhoods.

The conversation also touched on the need for regional partnerships to address broader challenges. Mayor Baraka stressed the importance of industry-government-academia collaborations, where each sector plays a crucial role in driving sustainable development. He highlighted how such partnerships could be instrumental in solving issues like housing affordability, where Newark is working to increase affordable housing options for residents of varying income levels. The Mayor’s vision for a resilient Newark centered on leveraging innovative solutions, community engagement, and collaborative efforts to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

 

 

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Events hosted by CNR at NJIT

For more information, Contact:
Dr. Michel Boufadel
Director of Center for Natural Resources, NJIT
boufadel@njit.edu
973-596-5657