On January 26, the University of Notre Dame hosted its inaugural Sustainability Research Expo. This event showcased opportunities from across the campus and around the community for students to get involved in sustainability research, educational programs, and internships.
The expo took place in the Hesburgh Library concourse and over 100 students attended. "This event was an exciting opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about sustainability research happening on campus," explained co-organizer Barb Villarosa of the Center of Sustainable Energy. "It also provided a means for helping students match their own interests with a wealth of ongoing programs during the summer as well as next academic year."
The expo included programs with openings for research assistantships, both for pay and credit, as well as sustainability internships on campus and throughout the South Bend community.
Students also had the opportunity to learn more about educational programs including the sustainability and energy studies minors as well as graduate and gap-year programs in sustainability.
"For students who are considering the sustainability or energy studies minor, the expo was a fantastic opportunity to meet students enrolled in these minors and get their questions answered," said co-organizer Joanna McNulty of the Environmental Change Initiative. "While the main focus of the expo was on research opportunities, students were also able to talk with organizations hiring sustainability interns such as the South Bend Office of Sustainability, the Notre Dame Office of Sustainability, and Prairie Winds Nature Farm.
Those who were not able to attend the Expo but would like to learn more about research and internship opportunities in sustainability are encouraged to contact the organizers by email.
The expo was sponsored by the Campus Coalition on Research and Education for Sustainability, a collaboration between the Environmental Change Initiative, GLOBES at the Reilly Center, ND Energy, and the Minor in Sustainability.