"The Shell Center creates an interdisciplinary program of research, outreach and education to address actions that can be taken to ensure the sustainable development of living standards, interpreted broadly, to encompass all factors affecting the quality of life including environmental resources. It supports the efforts of Rice University's faculty, staff and students to better our planet's economy, society and environment."
I think that having a speaker would be good. And since it's so close by it is very convenient that we could personally go to the campus and maybe even sit in on one of their lectures or talks over this project.