Ever think a city river could tell a story? Our next speaker shows how human choices—some made over a century ago—still shape the world around us. In this talk, Dr. Bailey explores the hidden ripple effects of history on the Chicago River and what that says about people, nature, and the future of urban life. Our second speaker is Dr. Shawn Bailey, a member of the History/Social Science faculty here at IMSA. Dr. Bailey has a strong background in history, earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Montana. His research focuses on the intersection of modern U.S. history and environmental history, specifically looking at public land use and national parks, and is currently working on a book titled Worth a Dam: Glacier View and the Preservation of Wild America. Dr. Bailey recently contributed a chapter titled “Neon River” to the book Rewilding the Urban Frontier (2024), which forms the basis for his talk today. Dr. Bailey’s talk will explore the history and environmental impact of the Chicago River, delving into the lasting consequences of human action in the early 1900s and how it continues to shape the river’s ecological health. This discussion will tie into the theme of “Ripple,” showing how decisions made long ago still affect us today. Please welcome Dr. Shawn Bailey with his talk titled “Neon River: Rethinking Chicago Environmental History and Hope in the Age of Humans.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx