Students learn that sustainability is more than science

Environmental science majors Amani Allen-Beale, ’24, and Isabel Medrano -Cervantes, ’23, are already changing the world through a new fellowship program offered though RCE Greater Atlanta. The year-long program connects students with groups or individuals pursuing a sustainable development goal (SDG).

“The SDG Futures Fellowship provides students with hands-on experience and networking opportunities,” said Dr. Jenna Andrews-Swann, associate professor of anthropology and interim director for GGC’s Institute for Environmental Sciences and Sustainability. At five students, Georgia Gwinnett College had more students accepted into the fellowship than other schools, and hosted the program’s kickoff.

The GGC students worked on teams comprised of other students from schools like Georgia Tech, Emory University and Kennesaw University.

Allen-Beale’s team partnered with the U.S. Green Building Council to better reach college students about its job openings. The team hosted focus groups of college students to determine how they searched for jobs. The findings were used to recommend strategic changes the council could make to its website.

Medrano-Cervantes’ team developed a comprehensive plan to develop a largescale solar installation for a Virginia community. The team’s work was shared with another organization that used it to win a significant grant that may eventually lead to a community solar project.

Their experiences reinforced the fact that, as Medrano-Cervantes said, “Sustainability is more than science.” A firstgeneration student, she wants to earn a graduate degree in environmental policy and then a job in the sustainability arena where she can make a difference.

“I feel that I have chosen the right investment in my education,” she said. “I know I have a place in this field. We must try to fix things, or this world just isn’t going to make it.”

Allen-Beale now has a job with RCE

Greater Atlanta as student coordinator for the fellowship program. After GGC, she plans to obtain a law degree and practice environmental law. She wants to focus on areas involving environmental justice for minorities, sustainability and livable communities.

“I love the social science aspects of environmental science and how the environment affects people and vice versa,” she said. “We can make communities better for everyone.”