Brookdale Community College invites the community to its Spring 2026 Science Mondays lecture series, a long-standing program presented in collaboration with the Jersey Shore Chapter of the New Jersey Sierra Club. The series brings leading scientists, researchers, and policy experts to campus and provides a welcoming forum for community members, students, and faculty, to engage in meaningful dialogue on timely issues in environmental science, sustainability, and conservation.

Science Mondays lectures are held at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month in January, February, March, and April. All lectures take place in the Twin Lights Rooms of the Warner Student Life Center at Brookdale and are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Spring 2026 Science Mondays Schedule

Watershed Management: Green and Sustainable Infrastructure for Stormwater Management
January 26, 2026 
Speaker: Christopher C. Obropta, Ph.D., P.E., Professor of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University
Dr. Obropta will present All About Rain Gardens, exploring how green infrastructure reduces flooding, improves water quality, and strengthens community resilience. He will also highlight the Green Infrastructure Champions Program, which supports municipalities and residents across New Jersey in implementing sustainable stormwater solutions.

Habitat Conservation for Endangered Species in New Jersey
February 23, 2026 
Speaker: William “Bill” Pitts, Senior Zoologist, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife, Endangered & Nongame Species Program
This lecture examines how emerging tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and GIS habitat modeling are advancing conservation efforts for species including the American kestrel, bog turtle, and eastern tiger salamander.

Creating Healthier, Sustainable Communities Through Clean Energy and Community Planning
March 23, 2026
Speaker: Ben Haygood, Director, Johnson Center for Learning & Policy
Haygood will discuss community-based planning approaches that support clean energy infrastructure, affordable and healthy housing, and equitable neighborhood redevelopment. Please note: this lecture date may shift due to legislative scheduling; updates will be posted if needed.

Oyster Breeding Program at the Rutgers Cape Shore Laboratory
April 27, 2026
Speaker: Samuel Ratcliff, Operations Manager, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory, Rutgers University
Ratcliff will share insights into disease-resistant oyster breeding, genomic research, and the environmental benefits of aquaculture, highlighting work conducted at the Rutgers Cape Shore Laboratory in Cape May.

Science Mondays reflects Brookdale’s commitment to lifelong learning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement by connecting the public with experts shaping the future of science and sustainability.

For more information, visit the Brookdale website.