Nature and Narrative: Series of Environmental Humanities Events with Professor Ursula Heise, UCLA

The Environmental Humanities interdisciplinary research cluster at NTU School of Humanities hosted a three-day series of events with invited guest Professor Ursula K. Heise, UCLA. Spanning a A three-day Environmental Humanities (EH) programme at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) brought together scholars, students, and members of the public, anchored by a visit from Ursula K. Heise. Spanning a research seminar, roundtable, public lecture, and field excursion, the events created space for conversations across disciplines—from literature to ecology. 

Starting with a research seminar titled "Stories of Environmental Futures: From Apocalypse to Survivance and Optopia", Professor Heise discussed how storytelling is moving beyond apocalyptic visions toward ideas of coexistence and ecological resilience. This was followed by a roundtable co-led with Assistant Professor Chu Kiu-wai (SoH Environmantal Humanities). Conversations focused on how to strengthen regional networks and grow interdisciplinary collaborations, including joint research, teaching initiatives, and future conferences across Southeast Asia and beyond.

 

A public lecture on Multispecies Justice and Narrative continued the theme of bridging disciplines. Professor Jon Wilson, Dean of the NTU College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, highlighted NTU's push towards sustainability and interdisciplinary work. Prof. Heise explored how narratives can reshape how we think about justice for both humans and non-human life. Her talk drew a diverse audience of academics, students, and professionals, reinforcing how Environmental Humanities. connects across fields and speaks to real-world environmental concerns.

Prof. Heise's visit wrapped up with a nature walk at Marina Grove led by local conservation biologist Dr Ding Li Yong, author of Birds of Singapore. The event offered Prof. Heise and participants an opportunity to experience Singapore’s urban biodiversity and conservation initiatives firsthand.

Wildlife photo taken during the event by Ganesh Thayagarajan (Student of HV5001 Introduction of Environmental Humanities)

A Multispecies Nature Walk at Marina Grove with Dr. Ding Li Yong and Professor Ursula Heise