Sustainability Symposium highlights student sustainability achievements; Campus Catalyst awardees honored
Source: IU Office of Sustainability
On April 30, 2024, the annual Sustainability Symposium celebrated the achievements of the IU students, staff and faculty who have dedicated themselves to advancing sustainability on campus and in communities across the state. From tackling emissions reductions to informing the management of IU’s woodland campus, these students' endeavors exemplify the spirit of innovation and collaboration crucial for building a more sustainable world.
Remarks were given by Vice President of Capital Planning and Facilites Tom Morrison, Director of the Integrated Program in the Environment (IPE) and Managing Director of the Enviromental Resilience Institute (ERI) Sarah Mincey and Chief Sustainability Officer Jessica Davis, highlighting student contributions to campus climate solutions.
Student speakers Cooper Sykes and McKenzie Bennet spoke about their experiences attending COP28, and the impact it had on their sustainability education and professional development. The Symposium was supported in part by IU Global, linking local student efforts to the global challenges addressed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The poster sessions offered the opportunity for Sustainability Scholars, sustainability interns, McKinney Climate Fellows, and previous Sustainability Research Development Grant awardees to share their research and accomplishments. Topics of study ranged from extreme heat, sustainable transportation, invasive mosquito species, machine learning, and soil biodiversity, among others.
One of the hallmarks of the Symposium is the recognition of the Campus Catalyst awardees. Since 2012, the annual Campus Catalyst Awards have recognized individuals and teams that have made a significant difference in the classroom, on campus, and within the community, exemplifying IU’s continuing efforts in sustainability.
The Campus Catalyst Awards this year honored the following Hoosiers:
- Excellence in Teaching: Jessica O’Reilly
- Outstanding Mentorship: Jon Racek
- Staff Innovation: Amanda Wilson
- Student Leadership: Zolboo Dashmyagmar
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