August 2026
How does language shape the way we understand science, nature, and one another?
Most of us think of language simply as a way to communicate what we already know, but language also shapes what we notice, who feels welcome to participate, and even how we care for the natural world.
"Nature offers a common experience to start the conversation." —Diego Román
In this thoughtful conversation, our host Gerry Ellis speaks with Dr. Diego Román, whose work brings together language, science, and environmental education in ways that are helping reshape how many educators think about learning.
Their discussion moves from classrooms to agriculture, curiosity, belonging, and the importance of genuine dialogue. Along the way they explore why knowledge alone rarely changes behavior, how community influences the choices we make, and why nature may be one of the last places where people with different experiences and perspectives can still learn from one another.
Rather than offering simple answers, this conversation invites us to consider how listening, respect, and shared experiences might help create the kind of world we all hope to build.
About the Guest Speaker: Diego Román
Dr. Diego Román is an associate professor of bilingual/bicultural education at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Román holds a B.S. degree in Agronomy from Zamorano University in Honduras and a M.S. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He also earned a M.S. degree in Biology, a M.A. in Linguistics, and a Ph.D. degree in Educational Linguistics, all from Stanford University. At the K–12 level, Dr. Román taught middle school science to Emergent Bilinguals for seven years, first in rural Wisconsin and then in San Francisco, California. Dr. Román's research interests are located at the intersection of applied linguistics, bilingual education, and science education. Specifically, he investigates the implicit and explicit ideologies reflected in the design and implementation of bilingual and science education programs, particularly on how environmental topics are taught to multilingual students. Dr. Román has researched the language used to teach climate change at the middle school level and is currently examining science, environmental, and bilingual programs (Spanish/English and Kichwa/Spanish) in rural Wisconsin and in Ecuador.
Transcript coming soon
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About The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast
Imagine a world where communities thrive, curiosity sparks change, and hope fuels action. Welcome to The World We Want, the NAAEE podcast that's bringing a better future to life, one inspiring story at a time.
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Join us as we chat with people across continents and cultures who care about education and the environment. Season two of The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is produced by NAAEE, in partnership with GLOBIO, and funded by ee360+.
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