The Office of Sustainability is pleased to welcome ten new part-time associates this semester. From left to right: Sam Emery, Jenna Schnitzler, Alexis Vidaurreta, Ankita Bhalla, Camille Rieber, Sofia Joison, Annalise Wagner, Sean Fallon, Channing Hunter, and Ashwin Sundaresan. This dynamic group of students will work alongside 12 returning associates and 3.5 staff members to provide the vision, organizational strategy, and leadership for advancing operational and cultural sustainability efforts at the university.
Sam is providing support for the Green Rehab Experiment, a multi-year interdisciplinary project aimed at studying renovation strategies in two apartment buildings owned by WashU’s off-campus housing affiliate Quadrangle Housing. He, Office of Sustainability staff, and a team of students enrolled in the Sustainability Exchange will examine whether or not engaging the apartment’s occupants in energy-saving habits can drastically reduce the building’s overall consumption.
As Alternative Transportation Associates, Jenna and Alexis will work to catalyze a campus culture that values sustainable commuting options. Their duties include planning and marketing the bi-annual Active Transportation Month; researching and making recommendations for campus infrastructure improvements; and promoting alternative transportation initiatives and partnerships via fliers, events, and other targeted outreach.
Camille is on the Food team, which seeks to foster a food system that advances environmental and public health while supporting a strong local economy. She will facilitate this process in partnership with Office of Sustainability staff, WashU Dining Services, and other campus and community stakeholders. Duties include planning and marketing the Green Monday initiative, expanding a new Community Supported Agriculture program, and developing a sustainable food guide.
Annalise is continuing work on the Environmental Justice team, which is tasked with evaluating the needs and opportunities for environmental justice projects on campus and beyond. She will work with faculty in the Environmental Studies Department to develop a social network map and will help coordinate a student event that bridges social and environmental justice topics.
Sean and Channing will work closely with staff to explore renewable energy project opportunities, including on-site solar PV and solar thermal projects, as well as off-site wind projects.
Ankita, Sofia, and Ashwin comprise the Waste team. They will oversee outreach and education efforts such as the new Recycling Genius program to ensure that the campus is informed and engaged with waste sorting guidelines. They will also help complete a feasibility assessment for a campus Materials Recovery Facility to handle waste streams like Styrofoam and film plastics, and create a how-to video for correct waste sorting.
Does working with the Office of Sustainability interest you? Full time summer positions are available now. Openings for Fall 2017 will be posted in March. Apply today or sign up for our newsletter to receive notification when applications are available.