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2025 Environmental and Social Sustainability Grants Awarded

Posted on June 23, 2025June 23, 2025 by Mortensen, Betsy

UConn Office of Sustainability Awards Environmental and Social Sustainability Grants to Student-Led Projects

Seven projects will increase environmental and social sustainability at UConn

Cow in field — Cow feeding on grain at Horse Barn Hill. One of the grantees will be looking at sustainability improvements for dairy wastewater treatment. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)

UConn, consistently one of the top ten most sustainable universities in the United States, will be getting even better at upholding sustainable practices with the help of seven student-led projects this year.

These innovative projects are funded by the Environmental and Social Sustainability Grants (ESSG) Program through the Office of Sustainability. Creative student-faculty teams applied for funding to support campus programs that enhance environmental and social sustainability while engaging students and community members. Applicants shared ideas spanning education, research, authentic community engagement, and campus operations. This is the fourth round of ESSG funding since 2021, which has helped launch the Swap Shop (now Thrift Den), a composting privy at Spring Valley Student Farm, and efforts to combat food insecurity via hydroponic farming.

“The ESSG program is just one of the Office of Sustainability’s growing suite of experiential learning programs available to all UConn students. In alignment with UConn’s strategic goals, we are excited to be able to award these funds to empower students to take action on addressing real-world challenges that impact the wellness of people and the planet. Faculty and staff mentors play an instrumental role in ensuring the success of these projects and we’re also incredibly grateful for their support,” said Patrick McKee, Director of the Office of Sustainability.

Seven projects were awarded funds due to their interdisciplinary nature and ability to advance sustainability and equity.

Harnessing Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a key piece in fertilizing crops and producing food. This project aims to explore sustainable, easy ways of getting phosphorus out of wastewater to make it easier, cheaper, and less climate-intensive for farmers to grow food in underprivileged areas.

- Student: Brenny Alcantara ’27 (CLAS)
- Staff Mentor: Katie Milardo, Associate Director, Energy & Water Conservation

The Grove of Generosity: Sustainable Food Forest for Students

A food forest to create community for people, plants and wildlife on the Storrs campus. Using native plants, this project will provide habitat, food for all, and space to make connections between people and nature.

- Students: Olivia Ballaro ’26 (CAHNR), Ella May ’27 (CAHNR), Howard Truax ’26 (CAHNR)
- Faculty Mentor: Phoebe Godfrey, Professor in Residence, Sociology

Sustainability Practicum: Designing a UConn Hartford Service-Learning Course

This project will create materials for a UConn Hartford geography service-learning course titled “Sustainability Practicum,” designed to develop student leaders of environmental & social sustainability in collaboration with & in service of Keney Park Sustainability Project, a nonprofit developing sustainable community-based food systems in urban North Hartford.

- Students: Thomas Bonitz, Ph.D. Candidate in Geography
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carol Atkinson-Palombo, Professor in Geography

Project Racoon

Project Raccoon is a student-led initiative that collects redeemable bottles and cans to reduce waste, increase recycling, and fund student scholarships. With this grant, we will expand to over 50+ bins and engage more volunteers.

- Student: Abigail Koval ’26 (BUS), Anny Zheng ’26 (COE), Jennifer Weng ’26 (COE), Virginia Weng ’26 (COE)
- Staff Mentor: Cody Ryan, Innovation Zone Supervisor

Seeds2Sustain: Hartford & Stamford Campuses

Seeds2Sustain is a program designed to help students address food insecurity on a personal level by using hydroponics. Over 9 weeks, students are taught about the evolution of food production, food insecurity, hydroponics, nutrition, cooking and more to gain a solid foundation of knowledge.

- Students: Lucy Ledesma ‘26 (BUS, COE), Audrey Larson ‘25 (COE)
- Faculty Mentor: Johnathan Moore, Executive Director, Digital Frontiers Initiative, Director of OPIM Innovate Labs

Disasters in Society: Working Towards Resilient & Sustainable Futures through Experiential Learning & Service

Our project captures Asheville’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, highlighting student engagement and hands-on learning in disaster resilience. Through storytelling and service, we aim to expand access to fieldwork and promote support for sustainability-focused education.

- Students: Lisel Nee ’26 (COE), Melia Marshall, MPP Candidate, Daniel Kraemer, Ph.D. Candidate in Geography, Brandon Soto, Masters of Energy and Environmental Management Candidate
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carol Atkinson-Palombo, Professor in Geography

Sustainable Dairy Wastewater Treatment Using Microalgae at UConn

This project addresses the challenge of dairy wastewater from the UConn barns, which can be a significant source of pollution if not properly managed. By using microalgae to treat wastewater, we can convert it into a sustainable biomass that can be used as poultry feed. This approach not only helps clean and recycle wastewater but also aligns with circular bioeconomy principles, turning waste into valuable resources. This initiative advances UConn’s environmental goals and contributes to a more sustainable campus ecosystem.

- Students: Azeem Sarwar ’27 (COE), Syed Zahid Ahmad, Ph.D. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering
- Faculty Mentors: Dr. Yu Lei, Professor in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Dr. Yongku Cho, Associate Professor in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Over $37,000 will be awarded in total to support these student-lead projects.

Thomas Bonitz, a grantee pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography says, “As an aspiring educator, I am thrilled to work on designing a “sustainability practicum” course for the UConn Hartford campus. There is obvious educational and community value getting students out of the traditional classroom setting to learn from and contribute to real-world efforts to practice sustainability.” His project exemplifies UConn’s dedication to promoting student success and providing service to Connecticut communities.

“I look forward to moving onto the next stage for my Harnessing Phosphorus project and being able to work with more resources. I’ve been working on this project independently since my first semester at UConn, so receiving this grant and finding support from new mentors is a reminder of how far I’ve come. It’s great to see the University also believes in my project’s potential,” shares Brenny Alcantara ’27 (CLAS) who will be working on ways to make fertilizer more accessible, less likely to cause algae blooms, and decrease the carbon footprint of a critical agricultural ingredient.

Students will present their project findings and impacts this fall at the Climate Change Cafe poster symposium in December.

For more details on the Environmental and Social Sustainability Small Grants Program, please visit: https://sustainability.uconn.edu/environmental-social-sustainability-small-grants-program/

If you’re inspired by these students and their positive impact, please donate to the Campus Sustainability Fund to support future grantees.

Casella Donates $10k Toward Zero Waste Graduate Fellowship at UConn Office of Sustainability

Posted on May 22, 2025May 22, 2025 by Mortensen, Betsy

At the May 19, 2025 unveiling of Casella’s upgraded recycling processing facility in Willimantic, CT, a generous donation of $10,000 was made to UConn’s Office of Sustainability in order to support a graduate fellowship focused on zero waste efforts. The Zero Waste Program Coordinator will play a key role in advancing UConn’s Zero Waste efforts. The coordinator will work closely with students, faculty, staff, and sustainability partners to implement strategies that reduce waste and promote circular economy principles across campus. They will also provide first-level leadership over the Thrift Den (UConn’s free store) and the Thrift Den Interns.

Casella processes UConn Storrs’ recyclables, and their updated facility will now be able to double the amount of cans, paper, and glass recycled in a year! In addition to the upgraded sorting machinery, Casella also partnered with Eversource to enhance the facility’s electrical efficiency and minimize its energy usage.

Thank you Casella for supporting zero waste efforts at UConn!

UConn to Co-Host 2025 Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium Summit

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Mortensen, Betsy

June 9-11: NECSC Summit

The Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium (NECSC) Summit will be held the evening of Monday, June 9, 2025 through the afternoon of Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the UConn Avery Point Campus. The co-hosts are Connecticut College and the University of Connecticut.

The NECSC Summit is known for being an inclusive, fun, and informative gathering of sustainability professionals representing higher education institutions across the Northeast, Southeast Canada and the upper mid-Atlantic.

Topics of discussion include the current political sustainability landscape, student engagement and career development, decarbonization, and more. To see the most up-to-date information and registration information, click here.

About NECSC

The Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium (NECSC) was established in October 2004 to support sustainability officers in advancing education about and demonstration of sustainable systems on university campuses in the northeast and maritime region. Organized around the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, the NECSC members have committed to an annual meeting that advances campus sustainability by providing close networking opportunities, professional development, and access to the area’s vibrant and growing college and university sustainability practitioner community. With no formalized structure, the NECSC is a collaborative, participatory network serving sustainability professionals in higher education in the northeast region.

Don’t Mess With Mansfield – Community Cleanup Day April 27, 2025

Posted on February 28, 2025April 22, 2025 by Mortensen, Betsy

The Town of Mansfield and UConn are pleased to team up against litter in our town. Join in to meet others in the Mansfield community and do good for our people and planet.

	UConn & Vicinity	Town Wide
Date & Time:	Sunday, April 27 Cleanup Check In Stations will be open Noon to 4pm	Saturday, April 26 Supplies can be picked up from 9am to noon at the Mansfield Community Center during the Earth Day Celebration.
Where:	Volunteer to clean up in the core of campus, Hunting Lodge Rd, Separatist Rd, North Eagleville Rd, or Eastwood/Westwood Rds. Check In Station Map Litter pickup supplies will be provided at check in stations.	Anywhere you feel safe collecting roadside litter in your neighborhood. Roads that are especially littered include Pleasant Valley, Mansfield City, White Oak and Gurleyville. Consider making a commitment to pick up litter on a section of road throughout the year by joining Adopt A Road.
What To Do With Full Trash/Recycling Bags:	Bring your litter bag to your Check In station once you are finished. UConn Facilities trucks will be making rounds to pick up bags from the stations.	Bags of litter may be placed out with household trash for those with collection service or taken to the Mansfield Transfer Station for no charge. The Transfer Station is located on Rte 89, one mile from the intersection of Routes 195 and 89 in Mansfield Center at 221 Warrenville Rd. The Transfer Station is open Tuesdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Thursdays, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Saturdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Litter is an unsightly blight on our roadways, and hurts the environment. It can be especially dangerous for wildlife. Small animals may crawl into bottles and get stuck, and litter can blow into storm drains and streams and may eventually make its way to the ocean. When litter gets eaten by animals and sea life, they can starve to death or suffocate. Litter also attracts pests. Be part of the solution, not the pollution!

Read the story about Don’t Mess with Mansfield in UConn Today.

Office of Sustainability Internship – Apply Now for Fall ’25

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Mortensen, Betsy

Undergraduate students work as interns at the Office of Sustainability to provide leadership, collaboration and advocacy for sustainability at UConn. The 10 hour per week positions help enact the Office’s critical university programs. Interns host campus sustainability engagement events, carry out UConn’s strategic sustainability plans, and research best environmental practices to improve sustainability at UConn.

If you have an interest in sustainability, want great career experience and excellent mentoring, apply to join our team of ~12 interns this fall.

Submit a letter expressing your interest in the position, your resume and an application via JobX.

Applications are due by 11:59pm on April 23. No late applications will be accepted.

For more details visit: https://sustainability.uconn.edu/experiential-learning/os-internship-opportunities/sustainability-interns/

Marine Perspectives at COP29 – Kamala Chuss

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Mortensen, Betsy

Art sculpture of a dead sperm whale at COP29 — Beached whale model in Baku.

As a Marine Sciences major and lifelong ocean lover, I was particularly interested in learning about the marine-related aspects at COP29. The ocean plays a critical role in climate adaptation yet is facing some of the worst effects of climate change.

The first event I attended at COP was a panel titled “IUCN’s Great Blue Wall and ODISEA Launch Joint Expedition for Ocean Conservation Solutions”. It included experts in marine conservation from Zanzibar, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. The focus was on expanding the blue economy in a sustainable and just manner. One point that was discussed is providing resources and funding to individuals and communities to bolster their own ocean-friendly livelihoods, such as aquaculture and sustainable fishing. They also discussed the importance of engaging women in all aspects of business and empowering small-scale community action. For this to work, it requires collaboration between researchers, policymakers, businesses, investors, and most importantly, the local people.

Another topic that was brought up throughout COP is the disproportionate effects of climate change on developing island nations. This includes flooding and loss of land due to sea level rise, and increased storm damage. The effects are more difficult to prepare for and recover from due to insufficient money and resources available to developing island nations. A panelist from St. Helena discussed the difficulty of receiving international support such as UN grants as a territory of a more developed country. At the same time, governments often do not provide adequate help for their own island territories. Another issue, specific to the Marshall Islands, was brought up: a radioactive containment dome holding the remnants of US nuclear weapon testing. The dome is currently leaking, and its collapse will be hastened in a major storm or with sufficient sea level rise, which is particularly likely considering its low-lying ocean front location. This is just one of many examples highlighting the interminable consequences of military activities, and its compounding effect with environmental injustice.

In downtown Baku, there was an exhibit about marine animal destruction. The exhibit focused on shark, dolphin, and whale hunting, showing some gruesome photos. There was also a life-size model of a beached whale lying beside the Caspian Sea. This was the only public exhibit that I saw in Baku related to COP. While I appreciate that this brought to light some serious issues, it is just as important to note what the exhibit did not show. There was no mention of climate change, ocean acidification, or oil spills, which are some of the worst effects on the ocean. Petroleum exportation is the main economic driver of Azerbaijan, so it is likely the government did not want a display the harmful effects of oil to its citizens. Showing the heart-wrenching killing of charismatic animals in foreign countries distracts from the oil industry’s role as an ocean killer.

Overall, I appreciated learning about the ocean-related issues at COP, and the work currently being done, and that must be done, to solve these problems. However, I believe more emphasis should have been placed on the ocean, especially considering its critical position in the climate crisis.

Kamala Chuss is a Marine Science major in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

Making Waves: Water as a Key Component to Solving the Climate Crisis – Amanda Stowe

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Mortensen, Betsy

My experience at COP29 thus far has been eye opening. I have attended a variety of panels, events, and networking sessions that have allowed me to learn more about a variety of environmental issues, meet and talk to students and professionals from across the globe, and better understand the efforts being made by countries to address the climate crisis.

Something that stood out to me is that water appears to be one of the most underrated but key components to addressing climate change. When it comes to water, it was interesting to hear many panelists say that it is important to look at water in terms of adaptation and as an opportunity instead of as a problem. This is because although water quality and accessibility are issues that essentially every country faces to some degree, water also provides many opportunities for innovation and renewable energy generation.

One of the panels on water that I found most interesting was “Action on Water: Water solutions for climate actions” because it talked about the water issues the world is facing but also discussed the importance of involving local people when working on and implementing projects. For example, when it comes to water use in agriculture, panelist Sharon Cherono, Project Officer for Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF), discussed the importance of presenting information to farmers in a more relatable way. By effectively communicating with farmers, as a society we can shift to more sustainable farming practices.

It was also explained during this panel that countries are working on a variety of projects to protect water resources, including the Freshwater Challenge, which is the largest global freshwater initiative. It is focused on restoring 300,000 km of freshwater and 350 ha of wetlands. Additionally, there is often a focus on water wars and conflicts between countries over access to and ownership of water. However, I have seen through several of the panels at COP29 that we can also view water as a way to unite us through countries collaborating on conservation and restoration efforts.

I am looking forward to learning more about water and its restoration during the remainder of the conference, as well as understanding the overlap it has with a variety of environmental topics and issues, such as biodiversity.

Amanda Stowe is a Environmental Science major in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

First Impressions and Hot Takes from COP29 So Far – Mayowa Oladele

Posted on November 19, 2024November 20, 2024 by Mortensen, Betsy

Arriving at COP29, I quickly realized that this wasn’t just a conference but a confluence of ideas, activism, and solutions for a sustainable future. From grassroots protests to high-level discussions, the atmosphere was charged with purpose and urgency.

The first day began with a powerful protest led by representatives of the Niger Delta communities in Nigeria, demanding reparations for decades of environmental degradation caused by oil companies. This demonstration was a reminder of the human cost of environmental negligence and the urgent need for justice in climate action. The sessions I attended afterward at the Nigerian Pavilion emphasized practical ways to empower youths with the skills required for a green transition. This focus on actionable solutions for the youth was refreshing and essential. Meanwhile, at the UNFCCC pavilion, a session titled “The Digital Climate Library: Art, AI, and the Climate Narrative — Bridging Digital Access and Global Action” highlighted the role of technology and storytelling to amplify climate voices. It was interesting to learn how digital innovations like Web3 can bridge gaps and foster global collaboration.

Sam Abraham and Mayowa Oladele at COP29.

The next day started by attending a session titled “Unlocking the Newfound Potential of Geothermal Energy” where I was quite impressed with the potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable and widely adoptable renewable source of energy. I had an insightful conversation on the sidelines with Sam Abraham, a member of the panel, which further expanded my understanding of the potential of geothermal energy. Another highlight was the Presidential briefing on methane reduction from organic waste. Leaders from the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) Champions shared actionable steps, including the United States announcement to update its Clean Air Act emissions standards for municipal solid waste landfills by 2025. The UAE also shared plans to reduce methane emissions from its waste sector, targeting a 50% landfill diversion by 2025 and 80% by 2031. These commitments reflect the critical role of methane reduction in global climate strategies.

COP29 has already proven to be an impactful experience—a space where grassroots advocacy, technological innovation, and policy intersect to tackle the climate crisis head-on. My biggest takeaway? The solutions are as diverse as the people here, and collaboration remains our strongest tool for change. The conference offers a powerful reminder that while the challenges are immense, the potential for meaningful change is even greater.

Mayowa Oladele is a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

From Soccer to Herding in the COP29 Green Zone – Faiz Farooqui

Posted on November 19, 2024November 20, 2024 by Mortensen, Betsy

The first two days of the United Nations COP29 conference have been incredibly hectic, informative, and surprising. I spent today and yesterday in the Green Zone of the conference. The Green Zone is a less restricted area and features cultural events, workshops, panels, speakers, and company stations. The Blue Zone, where I will be for the rest of the week, is a more restricted area where official negotiations take place.

The people I have spoken to so far and the events I have attended have been incredible. One of my favorite sessions so far was a roundtable discussion with Rishi Jain, the Director of Impact at Liverpool FC. As a huge soccer fan myself, it was amazing to hear about the ongoing sustainability initiatives at the highest level of the sport. It was a very informative and interactive talk and he went into depth on all of the ways Liverpool works to reduce their carbon footprint. From working with sustainable partners, to reducing the number of fans driving to their stadium, to building electric lawnmowers for their field, they seemed to be looking at sustainability from every possible angle.

It was very eye-opening to hear stories of how climate change is affecting countries in the global south as well. For example, one person presented the story of air pollution in Mongolia. Mongolia has experienced a 2.56 Celsius increase in surface temperature over the past 70 years. This change causes extremely harsh winters which can wipe out nomadic people’s herds in a single winter. Having nowhere else to go, these nomads flock to the main city in search of economic opportunity. The city has a capacity of 500,000 and currently 1.5 million people are living there. There isn’t enough heating infrastructure to support everyone, so most people burn coal to stay warm. This results in severe air pollution which causes 7,000 deaths a year. That’s one in ten deaths in Mongolia. Unfortunately, as the presenter shared, the number of deaths isn’t high enough to demand immediate action and garner support, and she believes that no number of deaths will be enough. Air pollution is a political and economic choice that the Mongolian government has made, and a choice that a lot of countries continue to make.

I have learned a lot in these past two days and every event I attended has introduced me to new ideas and perspectives. I am very excited to see what the Blue Zone is like and to continue learning and meeting more people.

Faiz Farooqui is a UConn@COP Fellow and Computer Science major in the College of Engineering.

Don’t Mess With Mansfield – Community Cleanup Day November 16, 2024

Posted on October 11, 2024November 8, 2024 by Mortensen, Betsy

The Town of Mansfield and UConn are pleased to team up against litter in our town. Join in to meet others in the Mansfield community and do good for our people and planet.

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024

	UConn & Vicinity	Town Wide
Time:	Cleanup Check In Stations will be open Noon to 4pm	At your leisure
Where:	Volunteer to clean up in the core of campus, Hunting Lodge Rd, Separatist Rd, Hillyndale Rd, North Eagleville Rd, or Eastwood/Westwood Rds. Check In station locations are on this map. Litter pickup supplies will be provided at check in stations.	Anywhere you feel safe collecting roadside litter in your neighborhood. Roads that are especially littered include Pleasant Valley, Mansfield City, White Oak and Gurleyville. Consider making a commitment to pick up litter on a section of road throughout the year by joining Adopt A Road.
What To Do With Full Trash/Recycling Bags:	Bring your litter bag to your Check In station once you are finished. UConn Facilities trucks will be making rounds to pick up bags from the stations.	Bags of litter may be placed out with household trash for those with collection service or taken to the Mansfield Transfer Station for no charge. The Transfer Station is located on Rte 89, one mile from the intersection of Routes 195 and 89 in Mansfield Center at 221 Warrenville Rd. The Transfer Station is open Tuesdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Thursdays, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Saturdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

An additional clean up day will be scheduled for April 2025.