A DECADE OF PROGRESS
IN SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
2014–2024 IMPACT REPORT
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR August 2024
Dear campus and community partners,
The Hanley Sustainability Institute (HSI) was founded in 2014, thanks to a major gift from George (’77) and Amanda Hanley. On the occasion of that gift, their generosity included an explicit expectation that the University of Dayton become a national leader in sustainability education. Ten years later, on campus and in the community, HSI students, staff and faculty work collaboratively with many others to:
• advance sustainability by educating and mentoring transformational leaders
• facilitate impactful research
• embed sustainable practices into the fabric of the University
• amplify our impact by building caring relationships beyond campus with our neighboring communities
The impact report that follows spans 2014 to 2024 and celebrates both the innovation made possible through deep collaborations, as well as HSI’s accomplishments during the initial ten years of HSI’s history. This report summarizes only a small portion of the activity connected to UD’s commitment to sustainability education and research. More importantly, it is also the launching point — and a strong foundation — for us to continue together on UD’s sustainability journey.
Sustainability is an enduring and shared responsibility to care for our common home — a responsibility Pope Francis called on the whole human family to carry in Laudato Si’. Educating around this work is central to UD’s mission as a Catholic and Marianist university.
We hope that in reading this report of HSI’s first ten years that you will be inspired to engage and learn with us.
On behalf of the students, staff and faculty of HSI, thank you!
Donald L. Pair, Ph.D. Executive Director
THE HANLEY SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE
THE HANLEY SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE (HSI) was founded in 2014, thanks to a major gift from George (’77) and Amanda Hanley. Their vision and generosity established a framework for sustainability work on campus and helped the University of Dayton (UD) develop into a national leader in sustainability.
At HSI, sustainability is an enduring and shared responsibility to care for our common home — a responsibility Pope Francis called on the whole human family to carry in Laudato Si’. Our students, faculty and staff work to preserve the vitality of the Earth and its fragile ecosystems and to advance human rights and social justice, now and for every generation.
We advance sustainability by educating and mentoring transformational leaders, facilitating impactful research and embedding sustainable practices into the fabric of the University. And we amplify our impact by building caring relationships beyond campus with our neighboring communities.
OUR VISION
We aspire to cultivate a just transition to a sustainable future that protects and preserves humanity and the planet.
OUR MISSION
HSI’s mission is to be a dynamic learning community that advances sustainability by educating and mentoring transformational leaders, facilitating impactful and transdisciplinary research, catalyzing sustainable practices within our institution and building caring relationships with communities beyond campus.
HOW HSI DEFINES SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability entails an enduring and shared responsibility to care for our common home by preserving the vitality of Earth’s fragile ecosystems while advancing human rights and social justice, both now and for every generation.
IN 2019, HSI embarked on a cooperative visioning process to explore sustainability opportunities for UD and set bold targets for sustainability action. Around 200 students, faculty, staff and community stakeholders helped us create a shared definition of sustainability and the mission and vision for HSI.
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
While navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, we synthesized ideas and feedback from stakeholders into an actionable strategic plan. In 2021, the plan was finalized, and we developed supporting implementation plans.
Our strategic plan commits HSI’s time, energy and resources to four priority areas:
1. Developing leaders for a just future
2. Facilitating impactful research
3. Catalyzing institutional transformation
4. Engaging communities beyond campus
THIS REPORT CELEBRATES OUR PROGRESS ON THESE INITIATIVES.
DEVELOPING LEADERS FOR A JUST FUTURE
FACILITATING IMPACTFUL RESEARCH
CATALYZING INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION
Inspire, prepare and equip students to leave campus aware of their role and confident in the tools they have to be transformative leaders for a better, more just and sustainable future.
Catalyze and support transdisciplinary and community-based research that addresses root causes and drives action on sustainability challenges, globally and locally.
The University can model and create a more sustainable future by transforming its policies and practices with the engagement of leadership, staff, faculty and students.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES BEYOND CAMPUS
Advance sustainability, resilience and integral ecology beyond UD by creating
deep and mutually beneficial relationships with community partners.
“This is the highlight of my educational experience at UD. With this program, I am actually able to do something. I am not just waiting for someone else to change the world. We have this ability to make the changes we want to see.”
— Elizabeth Philip, international studies and sustainability major ’24
DEVELOPING LEADERS FOR A JUST FUTURE
OUR PRIORITY
Inspire, prepare and equip students to leave campus aware of their role and confident in the tools they have to be transformative leaders for a better, more just and sustainable future.
OUR GOALS
• Strengthen and expand sustainability education and expand to the entire student body
• Foster student leadership and advocacy
• Integrate sustainability into the UD student life experience
OUR PROGRESS
THE SUSTAINABILITY STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAM
The Sustainability Student Leaders Program is an experiential learning and professional development program for undergraduate students who are passionate about sustainability. Student Leaders develop and facilitate programs alongside other student groups, offices and community partners.
Student Leaders are organized into teams that focus on specific topics, such as Food Systems, Zero Waste, Circularity, Residential Energy, and Education and Engagement.
Student Leaders can further their leadership and advocacy skills by serving as Student Directors. Student Directors cocreate and deliver a Sustainability Student Leader mini-course that is required of all employed students. They also gain handson experience managing different aspects of sustainability.
For example:
• Student Directors of Impact Reporting develop metrics and tools to help students evaluate their sustainability projects. These students also represent the student body on the University’s Sustainability Goals and Implementation Team.
• Student Directors of Campus Partnerships find ways to sustain student-led campus projects through collaboration. They also identify gaps and opportunities within the University’s student-run sustainability organizations.
• Student Directors of Local Policy and Progress help students tap into local sustainability initiatives and resources in the greater Dayton area.
• Student Directors of Communication and Outreach increase the visibility of HSI’s Student Leaders Program across the UD community.
PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP
Each Student Leader is paired with a local professional who works in sustainability. Mentors can review resumes and share career and job-search advice, and they often connect students to vocational and professional opportunities beyond the classroom.
Caitlin Walsh ’23 with mentor Damiel Faxon, Innovation Program Manager at Helix Innovation Center
STUDENT DIRECTORS OF IMPACT REPORTING
SUSTAINABILTY STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAM
SARAH RICHARD
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT PROGRAMS
• STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
• SUSTAINABILITY GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION TEAM
STUDENT DIRECTORS OF COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH
• HSI LEADERSHIP TEAM
• COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES COMMUNICATION TEAM
STUDENT DIRECTORS OF LOCAL POLICY AND PROGRESS
• CITY OF DAYTON ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD
• CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY
STUDENT DIRECTORS OF CAMPUS PARTNERSHIPS
• STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
• LAUDATO SI ACTION PLATFORM STUDENT WORKING GROUP
CASSIE AUSTIN
SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT COORDINATOR
EDUCATION
• SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVATION PROGRAM
FOOD
SYSTEMS
• FOOD RECOVERY NETWORK
• FLYER FARMERS MARKET
• OFFICE OF ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY GARDEN ENGAGEMENT
• BROOK CENTER CSA PROGRAM
CIRCULARITY ZERO WASTE ENERGY
• FLYER ENTERPRISES SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTING
• GREEN OFFICE
• CATHOLIC ETHICAL PURCHASING ALLIANCE
• NEIGHBORHOOD AND OFFICE COMPOSTING
• ZERO WASTE EVENTS
• RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PROGRAM
FOOD RECOVERY NETWORK
Students on the Food Systems team reinstated a Food Recovery Network (FRN) chapter to connect excess food from campus to people experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers who are food-safety trained go to dining halls and catered events to recover food for donation.
Since the fall of 2022, students have donated over 7,300 pounds of food to the community through the FRN. The donations were distributed through the Food for Flyers Pantry to address food insecurity among college students and at local shelters.
STUDENT-LED SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTING
Flyer Enterprises Sustainability Consulting is run by students and the HSI Circularity team to keep the “triple bottom line” top of mind at Flyer Enterprises, the University’s entrepreneurship program. The goal is to help Flyer Enterprises measure its businesses’ success in three areas: profit, people and the planet.
Student consultants emphasize waste reduction, ethical and sustainable sourcing and data collection. In 2023, Flyer Enterprises published its first sustainability commitment and sustainability strategy with support from HSI Student Leaders.
NEIGHBORHOOD AND OFFICE COMPOSTING
In 2017, HSI and Facilities Management started a student composting program for 20 houses in the south student neighborhood. Today, it supports nearly 60 houses each semester and 10 offices—and HSI’s Zero Waste team are continually exploring ways to expand the program.
In fall 2023, HSI diverted 2,291 pounds of waste from the student neighborhood via composting.
SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVATION PROGRAM
The Sustainability Activation Program (SAP) is a cohort of volunteer, peer-to-peer educators led by the Education and Engagement team. It leverages the AVIATE program to incorporate sustainability education into initiatives and programs around campus.
During the fall semesters, SAP volunteers give “Flyers Go Green” presentations to introduce the campus community to sustainability issues related to food, waste and clothing. In the spring, SAP hosts Conscious Living Chats where roommate groups discuss sustainable living,
environmental justice and human rights. SAP volunteers attend weekly meetings and training to prepare to lead these conversations and initiatives.
During the 2023–2024 academic year, SAP shared sustainability information with 1,407 students through Flyers Go Green, Conscious Living Chats and other educational events.
ZERO-WASTE EVENTS
HSI’s Zero Waste team helps campus groups plan events more sustainably. They educate event planners on sustainable practices, such as using recyclable and compostable products and ordering the right amounts of food.
At zero-waste events, waste stations have dedicated places for compostable, recyclable and landfill waste. At the event’s conclusion, waste is measured to evaluate success. For an event to be determined “zero waste,” at least 90% of its waste must be diverted from landfills.
Annually, the Zero Waste team partners with Dining Services and Catering to support four large Zero Waste Events including Move-In Welcome Cookout, Culture Fest, Faculty and Staff Picnic, and EarthFest.
GREEN OFFICE PROGRAM
During the 2023–2024 academic year, HSI’s Circularity team piloted a Green Office Program. Modeled after the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process, the Green Office Program rates and certifies offices at UD based on their sustainability practices. Offices can earn a platinum, gold, silver or bronze standing. Each office completed self-assessments in seven areas: waste, purchasing, kitchen, energy, transportation, communication and innovation. The categories and questions were designed to inspire intentional thinking and behaviors around sustainability.
The Circularity team also offered in-person consultations to answer questions and help offices create action plans. The meetings helped students learn about office management while advocating for sustainable business practices.
Five offices participated in the pilot program including Dining Services and Center for Leadership who received Platinum.
RESIDENTIAL ENERGY TEAM
UD’s student neighborhood is the sixth-largest energy user on campus and has a substantial carbon footprint. The student neighborhood’s unique nature — and having more than 400 individual properties — makes it challenging to lower energy consumption. Every property has different electricity, heating and cooling characteristics.
Student Leaders decided they were up to the task. After a hiatus during the pandemic, the Residential Energy team reconvened in 2023 to analyze energy data and identify properties that would benefit from energy efficiency upgrades. The Residential Energy team works with Residential Properties and the Office of Energy and Sustainability to
implement and assess their recommendations. The student neighborhood is a living, learning lab for our Student Leaders.
Energy literacy is another critical element of fighting climate change, so Student Leaders created an Energy Assessment Bootcamp. Each spring,
they educate peers on energy efficiency in residential properties, energy audits and how to make simple improvements. In spring 2024, the Energy Assessment Bootcamp took place over three days and was attended by 26 students.
UNDERGRADUATE SUSTAINABILITY FELLOWSHIP
In summer 2023, UD launched an Undergraduate Sustainability Fellowship in partnership with the City of Dayton’s Office of Sustainability. The program provides paid, full-time internship opportunities for students to explore the career field and contribute to real-world sustainability projects.
Students worked alongside sustainability professionals and provided research and program support. They worked on a variety of assignments, from coordinating and teaching a sustainability summer camp for kids to greenhouse gas analyses and crafting recommendations for municipal decarbonization plans.
With the newly published Campus Sustainability Goals, the program was expanded in 2024 to include both Campus and Community Fellows. The Campus cohort works on University projects in partnership with the Office of Energy and Sustainability, Dining Services, Residential Properties and Community Fellows are assigned to host organizations in the greater Dayton community.
2024 CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP POSITIONS
• Zero Waste Specialist • Residential Energy Analyst
• Food Systems Coordinator • Graphic Design Specialist
2024 COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP PARTNERS
• City of Kettering
• City of Dayton
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
In 2021, the City of Dayton secured grant funding for a summer camp program called Dayton Sprouts. The program incorporates sustainability and healthy living curricula into summer camps that are run by the city’s Recreation and Youth Services Department. The grant application was written by an HSI Graduate Fellow, Meg Maloney ‘18 ‘21, who is now the Sustainability Manager for the City of Dayton.
When Dayton Sprouts launched, Maloney mentored another UD student on the implementation. Emme Gerth ‘24, an HSI Undergraduate Sustainability Fellow, served as a full-time Education Specialist and oversaw the program at City of Dayton recreation centers.
“We are grateful for this relationship with the University of Dayton and applaud their ability to teach and train students to be the next generation of sustainability professionals.”
— Shelley Dickstein, City of Dayton City Manager
“Taking classroom knowledge into their first internship or job can be intimidating. This accreditation bridges the gap between theoretical scenarios learned in the classroom and real-world industry solutions.”
—
Sarah Richard,
Director of Student Programs
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALING
In the fall of 2023, 18 UD students pursued professional certification. The credentialing process was sponsored by HSI in collaboration with Green Building Certification Inc.
The LEED certification process involves taking four classes on green buildings and sustainability thinking, plus passing a comprehensive exam. Students’ participation in the program and their outcomes were inspiring. HSI will continue to offer this professional credentialing opportunity to students.
“My perspective on green building has changed significantly since participating in the LEED program. I had previously viewed sustainability as a supplementary idea. However, now I see that sustainability can be the central focus of a building. In fact, the LEED curriculum insists on addressing sustainability from the very start of a project rather than treating it as something to simply add on at the end.”
— Kelsey Frantz, sustainability major ’26
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING WITH CAMPUS PARTNERS
As Pope Francis emphasized, sustainability is a shared responsibility. At HSI, we are grateful to have numerous partners who are dedicated to cultivating sustainability leaders on campus.
The Office of Energy and Sustainability established UD as a clear leader in sustainability operations, and its collaboration and partnership are essential. It provides students with hands-on experiences, which allow them to make tangible impacts on their living-learning communities.
Other key operational partners include Dining Services, Residential Properties, the UD Bookstore and Procurement, among others.
In addition to operational partnerships, cross-disciplinary collaborations with Student Development, centers and institutes, and Campus Ministry have helped HSI connect students to immersive and experiential learning opportunities in the community and abroad. Students have worked on sustainability projects alongside:
• The Brook Center
• The Center for Social Concern
• Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS)
• Fitz Center for Leadership in Community
• The Human Rights Center
Elizabeth Philip, sustainability major ’24, interned with the Department of Environment of Antigua and Barbuda for 10 weeks through ETHOS.
“I was able to work on a variety of amazing projects, including capacity-building workshops and electric vehicle transitions.
Throughout the summer, submitted reports and wrote press releases for the office. I was even able to witness the installation of a hurricane-resilient wind turbine.”
— Elizabeth Philip, sustainability major ’24
“Having a sustainability fellow dedicated to food systems is allowing Dining Services to improve in several ways. The sustainability fellow is able to dedicate a significant amount of time to programs we want to implement but don’t have the time or personnel to devote. The students have expertise in areas that we lack such as social media and website design. Communicating our efforts and educating students has to be the foundation of any new program implementation. Their passion motivates me to keep improving!”
— Joan Bauman, Executive Director of
Dining Services
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN IMMERSION WITH THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
In 2022, UD became the first University to partner with the Catholic Ethical Purchasing Alliance (CEPA). CEPA helps institutions integrate sustainable and justice-driven practices into their purchasing behaviors through education, immersive opportunities, networking and mentorship.
In fall 2023, CEPA invited UD staff to visit the Carolina Textile District to see supply chain innovations and learn how institutions can make purchasing choices that care for the inherent dignity of workers and the Earth.
Inspired by the trip, HSI staff developed a mini-course and immersive experience in supply chain sustainability. The inaugural class attracted Sustainability and Business students.
The mini-course featured guest lectures from professionals in the UD Bookstore and faculty from the School of Business. Students also participated in a textile supply chain immersion during spring break.
“It is so important to show our students what is possible. In the classroom, we often talk about issues in our supply chain. While we present the theory of change, to be able to meet the people waking up and doing this work every day, is quite inspiring.”
— Sarah Richard, HSI Director of Student Programs
BASHAW BACK ON CAMPUS
In 2015, UD’s Sustainability Artist-in-Residence Michael Bashaw brought awareness and inspiration around pressing environmental issues to campus. And nearly a decade later, he returned.
During the 2024 fall semester, Student Leaders worked with Bashaw and local artists Sharon Leahy and Rick Good to bring attention to single-use plastic consumption on campus. Single-use plastics may be out of sight after consumption, but they never go away. Plastic is choking the Earth, polluting waters and destroying ecosystems.
Students collected plastic bottles around campus and used bamboo sticks to transform them into “the Beast.” On April 22, students and staff marched the Beast around campus in protest, dressed in black and chanting “There is no away.”
“Our message of reducing single-use plastics rang loud and clear. We all have a part to play in our mission to reduce single-use plastics to create a more sustainable campus community.”
—Lucia Bair, international studies major, HSI Student Leader ’26
“A large part of sustainability that is often overlooked is preserving the organisms essential to our ecosystem— there will be no future generation if there are no insects to pollinate our produce.”
– Samantha Urquidez, graduate student in Biology and Graduate Fellow ’24
HSI GRADUATE FELLOWS
2024–2025
Darcy Beazley, Masters Biology
Darion Smith, Masters Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Connor Kurz, Masters Biology
Isabelle Blackwell, Masters Public Administration
Alex Zawacki, Masters Renewable and Clean Energy Engineering
Angelo Catapano, Masters Renewable and Clean Energy Engineering
Mequanent Abathun Mengie, Masters Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Lauren Claas, Masters Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
2023–2024
ADVISORS
Maggie Hantak, BIO; Ryan Reihart, BIO
Danielle Julita Quichocho, CMM
Mariela Gantchoff, BIO
Sarah McKnight, GEO; Christopher Sheehan, GEO; Chia-Yu Wu, GEO
Rydge Mulford, MAE
Ben Hazen, SBA
Chia-Yu Wu, GEO; Don Chase, CEE
Christopher Sheehan, GEO; Chia-Yu Wu, GEO; Sarah McKinght, GEO
Moses Junior Ayitey Adjin, Masters Materials Engineering Erik Vasques, CME; Kenya Crosson, CEE; Garry Crosson, CHM
Yonas Gebreslasie Hagos, Masters Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Zelalam Bedaso, GEO; Shuang-Ye Wu, GEO
Qingyu Ren, PhD Electrical Engineering Hui (Jack) Wang, CEE
Corbon Moss, Masters Materials Engineering
2022–2023
Allison Lenhardt, Masters Renewable and Clean Energy Engineering
Erik Vasques, CME; Kenya Crosson, CEE; Garry Crosson, CHM
Denise Taylor, CEE
Sarah Clark, Masters Clinical Psychology Zach Piso, PHL
RESEARCH TOPIC
Species Resilience in the Dayton Metropolitan Area: Investigating How a Once Widespread Amphibian Has Endured with Rapid Urbanization
Justice in the Gem City: Communicating Environmental Messages in Dayton
Green Energy, Wild Neighbors: Mammal Responses to Solar Energy Developments
Groundwater Discharge Dynamics Regulated by the Hydrostratigraphic Architecture of Lithium-rich Brine Aquifers
Experimental Validation of Temperature and Performance of Optimized Photovoltaic Tilt Angles
Benchmarking Sustainable Procurement for Higher Education: Procurement for the Common Good
Exploring the Environmental Justice Implications by Assessing Flood Vulnerability in Southwestern Ohio
Monitoring the Effects of Land Development on Stream Dynamics Across the Greater Dayton Area
Renewable Feedstock Nanocomposites for Water Purification
Impact of Climate Change on the Sustainability of Water Resources in the Water Tower of Africa (WTA), Ethiopia
Thermal 3D Model Reconstruction for Smart Inspection of Building and Infrastructure Systems
Renewable Feedstock Nanocomposites for Water Purification
Wick-Based Solar Desalination
The Shelter Farm: Nutrition, Education, and Advocacy for Sustainability
Samantha Urquidez, Masters Biology Chelse Prather, BIO Urban Insect Ecology
Piper Fernwey, Masters Systems Engineering
2021–2022
Theresa Ansere, Masters English
Raúl Ordóñez, CEE
Rebecca Potter, ENG
MaryEllen Etienne, Masters Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Felix Fernando, HSI
Grace Attea, Masters Biology
Chelcie Barnett, Masters Law
Tia Turner, Masters Clinical Psychology
Ryan McEwan, BIO
Felix Fernando, HSI
Roger Reeb, PSY
Improving Mathematical Models of the Tragedy of Commons
Sustainability Education
Community-Based Integrative Sustainable Strategies to Address Climate Change and Build Resilience
Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management
Community-Based Integrative Sustainable Strategies to Address Climate Change and Build Resilience
Behavioral Activation at the Shelter Farm
SUSTAINABILITY UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
The Sustainability Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) was created with a gift from John Alberici ’67. Alberici is a U.S. Army veteran and chairman emeritus of Alberici Corporation and Flintco Construction.
Through a competitive review process, HSI selects a cohort of outstanding undergraduate students to work on transdisciplinary research projects in sustainability. Each student spends a full academic year and summer working on a project. Students receive a stipend for their summer work and an allowance to offset research expenses.
SURF SPOTLIGHT
• Samantha Trajcevski is a sustainability major concentrating in urban sustainability. Her project, Soil Wellness in Dayton Urban Farms, involved building a community garden in the Dayton View Triangle neighborhood. During the summer, Samantha guided interviews and focus groups on community gardens to inform the process. Drs. Chelse Prather, Anya Galli Robertson and Felix Fernando supported her project.
“We hope the community garden will provide access to a space that improves the quality of life, the environment and the local economy of the Dayton View Triangle Neighborhood.”
— Samantha Trajcevski, sustainability major and Sustainability Undergraduate Research Fellow ’25
“The Sustainability Undergraduate Research Fellowship has allowed me to explore aspects of sustainability that align with my future career goals. The interdisciplinary aspect has enabled me to gain knowledge and skills beyond what a single class could offer.”
–Izzy Waite, sustainability major and Sustainability Undergraduate Research Fellow ’25
SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (SURF) PROGRAM
2024 COHORT ADVISORS
RESEARCH TOPIC
Quantifying the Effects of Land Development on Stream Dynamics and Biodiversity Across Southwest Ohio
How Will Climate Change Affect Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Relationships in Dayton?
Exploring the Antifungal Properties of Bacterial Isolates from the Mucus of Eastern Red-backed Salamanders
Advancing Sustainability in Dayton, Ohio, through GIS-Driven Urban Planning Strategies
Groundwater Contamination in Relation to Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions of the Miami Conservancy District Field Site
Ecological Dynamics of Cricket Frogs: Assessing Population Occurrence in Relation to Water and Habitat Quality for Ecosystem Conservation
Quantifying the Effects of Land Development on Stream Dynamics and Water Quality Across Southwestern Ohio
Eco and Radical Feminism and Environmental Justice Policy
and Their
Preparation and Performance of Natural Solvents,
Future Changes in Extreme Regional Persistent Precipitation Events and Their Associated Flood Risk in the Ohio River Watershed
A Single Potter’s Touch: Mapping the Consumption of an Emerging Artist
The Influence of Land Use and Water Quality on Freshwater Fishes in the Miami Valley
Using Litter Arthropods to Indicate Successful Prairie Restoration
Trevor Martin, EVB
Christopher Sheehan, GEO; Sarah McKnight, GEO
Joseph Baker, GEO
Shuang-Ye Wu, GEO; Donald Chase, CEE
Nicolina Valore, EVB Yvonne Sun, BIO; Maggie Hantak, BIO
Isabella Waite, SUS-Urban Felix Fernando, HSI; Chia-Yu Wu, GEO
Lizabeth Ramos-Ortiz, EVG
Sarah McKnight, GEO; Zach Piso, PHL
Elliot Chinnock, EVB
Maggie Hantak, BIO; Mariela Gantchoff, BIO
Allison Bair, BCM
Christopher Sheehan, GEO; Sarah McKnight, GEO
Eleanor Yates-McEwan, PHL and SUS-Urban
Nancy McHugh, Fitz Center; Zach Piso, PHL
2023 COHORT
Samantha Trajcevski, SUS-Urban Felix Fernando, HSI; Zach Piso, PHL
Exploring Stakeholder Perceptions
Roles in Developing an Urban Community Garden
Geoffrey Campman, CME
Zelalam Bedaso, GEO; Miranda Van Lersel, EOP
Microplastic Detection in Water Through Laser Light Scattering
Penelope Fisher, EVB Chelse Prather, BIO; Anya Galli Robertson, SOC
Soil Wellness in Dayton Urban Farms
2022 COHORT
Darion Smith, SUS Zach Piso, PHL; Bob Brecha, HSI
Climate Action and Sustainability Planning in Yellow Springs
Elaina Ismert, CME Erick Vasquez, CME; Judit Beagle, CHM
Elisabeth Arnold, GEO Shuang-Ye Wu, GEO
Jessica Williams, ART Geno Luketic, ART
Lauren Roy, EVB Jennifer Hellman, BIO
Matthew Carroll, EVB Chelse Prather, BIO
PLANNING GRANTS
LEAD (AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS)
Miranda van Iersel, EOP; Zelalem Bedaso, GEO
Victor Kulikov, PHY; Miranda van Iersel, EOP
Suki Kwon, ART; Yvonne Sun, BIO
Zachary Piso, PHL; Felix Fernando, SUS (Mission of Mary Cooperative)
Chelse Prather, BIO; Ryde Mulford, MAE
In 2023, HSI launched a planning grant program to support transdisciplinary and community-based research and scholarship that addresses the root causes of sustainability challenges. Through this collaborative work we aim to inform and guide action on local and global issues.
Joy Losee, PSY; Erin Kunz, PSY; Joan Bauman, Executive Director of Dining Services
Rydge Mulford, MAE; Scott Schneider, EMT; Amy Ciric, CME (Mission of Mary Cooperative)
Raúl Ordóñez, ECE; David Wood, ECE PhD candidate; Zachary Piso, PHL; Chia-Yu Wu, GEO (Dayton Children’s Hospital and Public Health)
Erin Gibbemeyer, CME, Matthew Wittenstein, EDA
Li-Yin Liu POL; Dongfang Gaozhao, POL
Andrew Chiasson, MAE; Bill Marvin, PHL
Swapnajit Chakravarty, EOP; Madhuri Kango-Singh, BIO
PROJECT
Microplastics Detection in Water Using an Optical System
Detection of Optical Turbulence Around Wind Turbines
Scientific Investigation for a Time-honored Dye: Indigo and Its Medicinal Properties
Co-creating a Just Local Food System
Walking on Sunshine: How Does the Development of Solar Power Affect Insect Communities and the Microclimates that They Live In?
Pro-Environmental Behavior Spillover: Examining the Role of Environmental Identity and Proximity
Winterized Greenhouses for Mission of Mary Cooperative
Modeling Food Insecurity for Social Justice in Dayton, OH
Creation of K-12 Sustainability Production Modules by University Students Exploring Careers in Environmental Science and Engineering
Navigating the Challenges of Climate Change and (Mis)information: Investigating Sustainability Policy Compliance and Support
Brainwave Connection, Preservation Dayton/Revitalizing Dayton’s Neighborhoods with a Community Geothermal District Energy System
Handheld Photonic Chip Sensor of Cancer Biomarkers
CATALYZING INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION
“The implementation of UD’s campus operations sustainability goals is driven by a strong partnership between the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Hanley Sustainability Institute. Students from HSI gain real-world experience and contribute to Facilities Management, enhancing our capacity to tackle more projects. It’s encouraging to see sustainability intentionally integrated into coursework and a wide range of experiential learning opportunities focused on sustainability available to students.”
— Tess Esposito, Office of Energy and Sustainability, Sustainability Planning and Evaluation Manager
OUR PRIORITY
The University can model and create a more sustainable future by transforming its policies and practices with the engagement of leadership, staff, faculty and students.
OUR GOALS
• Co-facilitate campus sustainability planning and coordination
• Inspire and enable sustainability efforts across campus
OUR PROGRESS
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
During the 2022–2023 academic year, HSI co-led more than 23 planning sessions with operations stakeholders and staff to identify sustainability themes for the campus to pursue. Participants committed to 10 sustainability categories and more than 70 sustainability goals.
The goal-setting process was a collaboration between HSI, the University’s Office of Energy and Sustainability (within Facilities Management), and 41 partners from 17 campus offices. The process also identified ways to engage students and faculty in the goals through curriculum, research and hands-on learning opportunities.
4. Fleet 9. Waste 5. Grounds 10. Water
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION TEAM
The Sustainability Goals and Implementation team is led by Tess Esposito in the Office of Energy and Sustainability and supported by two Student Directors of Impact Reporting.
• Tess Esposito, Sustainability Planning and Evaluation Manager
• Katherine Schoenenberger, Director of GIS Management and Environmental Sustainability Project Development
• Patrick LaPerle, Urban Agriculture Compost Manager
• Steven Kendig, Executive Director of Energy Utilization and Environmental Sustainability
• Anthony Ferraro, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Manager
• Andrew Chiasson, Associate Professor; Assistant Director of the Industrial Assessment Center; HSI Director of Catalyzing Institutional Transformation
• Sarah Richard, HSI Director of Student Programs
• Cassie Austin, HSI Sustainability Project Coordinator
WASTE DIVERSION DURING STUDENT MOVES
About 80% of UD’s student population lives on campus, so high volumes of waste are produced when students move in and out of housing.
MOVE-IN
HSI and the Office of Energy and Sustainability work with Student Transitions and Family Programs to host “Cardboard Corrals,” a campus-wide recycling initiative during first-year move-in.
In 2023, over 1.86 tons of cardboard were collected and recycled in one day during first-year move-in.
“While everyone came in with a potentially different motive [for helping with the collection], the main goal was the same for each individual: divert as much as possible from the landfill and get it to people who can use it.”
— Shannon Dennemann, sustainability major and Student Leader ’27
MOVE-OUT
On average, move-out generates 14 tons of non-perishable food, hygiene products, school supplies and household items. To keep these items out of landfills, 17 drop-off locations were made available in dorm and apartment lobbies and on select porches. Many of the items are donated to community partners, such as Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul, while others are redistributed to students on campus through the Brook Center’s Food for Flyers Pantry. An effort of this scale is a large undertaking, requiring collaboration between the HSI, the Office of Energy and Sustainability, the Center for Social Concern and Housing and Residence Life.
UD ARENA WASTE AUDIT
UD is a member of the Green Sports Alliance, an organization that leverages the cultural and market influence of sports to promote sustainability. One of the Alliance’s priorities is waste diversion, since large venues and events generate enormous amounts of food waste and trash.
HSI and the Office of Energy and Sustainability audited the waste practices at UD Arena to understand how it can operate more sustainably. The audit occurred on February 27, 2024, during a regular-season men’s basketball game.
The event generated 3,520 pounds of waste, which was taken to the Montgomery County Transfer Station. There, the team weighed, sorted and categorized a 404-pound sample of the waste. About 46% of the sample could have been recycled and 15% could have been composted instead of heading to the landfill. That means the event had a potential diversion rate of 61%.
Data from these audits will guide decision-making and planning so events at UD Arena can generate less waste and divert more materials to recycling and composting facilities.
KENNEDY UNION GREEN ROOF
The Kennedy Union green roof features 1,800 square feet of vegetative trays of hardy sedum, succulents and chives. A network of temperature and moisture sensors are strategically placed underneath the trays to support student research.
In addition to providing a calming green space, the roof supports stormwater runoff management. Vegetation also helps regulate building temperature, which lowers heating and cooling costs for the University.
About 80 student volunteers worked on the project, with help from Facilities Management, HSI and UD faculty and staff. Students designed the roof and provided project management for the installation, which was completed in 2017.
HSI SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS FUND
In 2024, HSI launched the Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF) to support the University’s broad sustainability goals, including longer-term environmental stewardship and social initiatives. The SPF supports projects in addition to the Green Revolving Fund, in which money that is saved through sustainable practices, such as reduced energy consumption, is reinvested in future projects.
The SPF gives UD the flexibility to fund sustainability projects that may not have an immediate financial payback. It also incorporates student voices in the evaluation and governance processes. The charter requires four out of seven voting committee members to be students.
The first call for applications will open in mid-fall 2024.
CAMPUS CARBON-NEUTRALITY STUDY
What would it cost for UD to become a carbon-neutral campus?
A study published in the journal “Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments” found that lifecycle costs would increase 2.4% over a 30-year period. During the same timeframe, building and fleet efficiencies could save UD millions of dollars.
The study was led by Ryan Shea ’16, ’18. As a graduate student, Shea analyzed the lifecycle cost of transitioning UD to a fully electrified, renewably powered and carbon-neutral campus.
His study evaluated four strategies to achieve carbon neutrality: scaling building energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, updating the campus fleet to electric vehicles, switching from on-site natural gas combustion to geothermal heat pumps, and procuring renewable energy through a power purchase agreement.
“Throughout our study, we took advantage of opportunities to use our campus as a laboratory for student learning. We hope that other campuses find our work useful for framing their carbon neutrality work,” said Matthew Worsham, ’15, ’17.
Worsham co-authored the study with Shea, along with engineering professors Drs. Andrew Chiasson and Kelly Kissock, and HSI Executive Director Benjamin McCall.
“Immediately following our study, we got to work implementing the team’s recommendations. This has been hard work, but it’s been good to know our carbon neutrality commitment really is feasible and the hard work will pay off.”
Matthew Worsham ’15, ’17
RENEWED RELATIONSHIP WITH RUMPKE WASTE AND RECYCLING
UD and Rumpke Waste and Recycling have been partners in sustainability since 2014. Rumpke helps UD recycle millions of pounds of waste and provides hands-on educational opportunities for students.
Now, HSI and Rumpke are building on the historic partnership. Rumpke is helping UD measure and track waste and providing critical data for setting and achieving sustainability targets. Rumpke also helps UD with waste diversion and recycling at athletic events. UD and Rumpke are also co-creating educational materials to address specific campus habits and sustainability goals.
OUR PRIORITY
Advance sustainability, resilience and integral ecology beyond UD by creating deep and mutually beneficial relationships with community partners.
OUR GOALS
1. Support sustainability planning and tracking beyond UD
2. Become a resource and hub for sustainability education beyond UD
3. Facilitate campus/community climate resilience efforts
OUR PROGRESS WORKSHOPS ON COMMUNITY/ UNIVERSITY-PARTNERED SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH
In 2022, HSI and campus partners in the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community and the ETHOS Center consulted with sustainability organizations from across the Miami Valley. We wanted to learn how to become better collaborators in community/University-partnered sustainability research.
Dozens of organizations participated in interviews and workshops to share feedback on their partnership experience with UD. The workshops also explored potential research projects and University practices and resources that community partners would find valuable.
The results were compiled into a report on how UD can sustain more reciprocal, responsive and mutually beneficial partnerships. A draft was shared with workshop participants for additional feedback and suggestions.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES BEYOND CAMPUS
“The Promise Garden project allowed me to connect with a wide range of Dayton and Montgomery county partners. Each event also provided Experiential Learning opportunities for a number of students from Art and Design, Sustainability and Dietetics, who created culinary and photographic work or volunteered on site.”
— Glenna Jennings, associate professor in art and design; HSI Director of Engaging Communities Beyond Campus
Dayton Regional Green (DRG) is a community-based task force that helps Montgomery County identify strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. UD participates in DRG sustainability luncheons, programs and “walk and talk” events.
The Promise Garden project challenged individuals and teams to ditch pesticides and replace lawns with native plants. To support the project and promote “quilt lawns,” UD designed and produced yard signs that were distributed at community events.
Bring Your Green hosts online challenges that encourage people to make small, greener choices. During the platform’s kickoff event, Dr. Ryan McEwan narrated a trail walk at Cox Arboretum and dietetics student Christina Green ’24 created drinks and desserts that featured native plants.
In 2023 and 2024, more than 140 people attended “walk and talk” events, co-hosted by Dayton Regional Green and HSI. A fall hike at Canyon Run Ranch covered native plant gardening. In June, Dr. McEwan discussed soil and ecosystem health at the Agraria Center for Regenerative Practice.
HANLEY
“We asked them questions about what resilience means to them. As part of our research, we have to establish what the definition of resilience is for Dayton, because it can vary so much depending on what you do.”
— Lauren Tappel, Graduate Fellow ’17, ’21
COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS
Lincoln Hill Gardens is a five-acre urban sustainability demonstration site in Dayton’s Twin Towers neighborhood. HSI partnered with Mission of Mary Cooperative, East End Community Services and landscape architects at MKSK to design and construct the community greenspace. Lincoln Hill Gardens is a space where neighbors can learn about sustainable land and food practices. The urban farm also produces nourishing foods for residents and research opportunities for students.
EARLY CHILDHOOD SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION
HSI forges partnerships to reach students long before they step on campus. We work with leaders from the East End Collaborative, the School of Education and Health Sciences, The Bombeck Center, and the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, among others, to promote sustainability education for early learners and their parents. Our students also create a variety of sustainability education projects and engagements.
CLIMATE RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT
Several HSI graduate students and faculty members have worked on UD’s resilience assessment, which is necessary to meet the University’s climate commitments. UD signed Second Nature’s Resilience Commitment in 2019, which focuses on climate adaptation and community-building to address changing climates and resulting extremes. UD is also part of Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment.
“The students’ energy and engagement excites me.”
— Sr. Leanne Jablonski FMI, HSI Community Fellow for Faith and Environment
The Vatican announced the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP) in 2021 to mobilize people and institutions around the teachings of Laudato Si’. LSAP participants develop plans to address all seven Laudato Si’ Goals over a seven- year journey.
UD joined the first cohort of LSAP participants in 2022 and has participated extensively in global committees. The Laudato Si’ Goals provide a framework for UD to align its sustainability commitments with its Catholic and Marianist missions. LSAP also supports our work with the Marianist Family Encounters Project.
UD contributed to an LSAP program review in late 2022 and participated in a regional LSAP conference with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Xavier University in 2023.
Initially, HSI provided leadership for the University’s LSAP efforts. Support for LSAP has grown with the creation of a provost-sponsored Laudato Si’ Working Group, co-chaired by Sr. Leanne Jablonski and Dr. Vincent Miller. They also serve on the International LSAP team for the university sector, which connects UD to a global network of universities for potential research and educational partnerships.
LAUDATO SI’ ACTION PLATFORM
PARTNERING WITH ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
“I currently work
as a Sustainability Analyst for JOANN Stores in Hudson, Ohio. My 4 years at UD gave me specialized skills that directly correlates with sustainability while understanding the importance of community and collaboration. HSI provided me with spaces to truly embrace who I am while understanding how I can thrive in the sustainability sphere.”
— Grace Hungerford sustainability major, urban concentration ’25
STUDENTS NEED A BROAD CURRICULUM AND RELEVANT
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING to tackle the world’s greatest challenges. That’s why UD developed rigorous, interdisciplinary academic programs in sustainability.
The Sustainability Program trains future leaders to address today’s social and environmental challenges through research, education and hands-on learning that occurs on campus and in the community.
Having a close relationship with the sustainability academic program at UD has grounded HSI and helped us support the deep learning and development of future sustainability practitioners and researchers. Whether through experiential learning or faculty-mentored research, collaboration gives our students the education and experience they need to lead our community toward a more just and sustainable future.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
UD’s Sustainability Program was designed “from scratch” to address the unique ways environmental and social issues intersect in business and in life. UD offers two Bachelor of Arts tracks (Food Systems and Urban Sunstainability) and two Bachelor of Science tracks (Energy and Sustainable Watersheds). Students can also minor in sustainability.
These programs also incorporate international and study abroad opportunities, which allow students to study sustainability from a broader perspective. Summer study abroad programs have occurred in Berlin, Peru and Chile with future programs planned for Spain. Sustainability students can also participate in the School of Engineering’s ETHOS program and Human Rights Center programs domestically and abroad.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:
• Introduction to Sustainability (SEE) 250. Students explore complex issues from different disciplinary points of view. They also learn how ethical, scientific and sociopolitical perspectives intersect in sustainability issues.
• Sustainability Research (SEE) 401.
This course is a catalyst for sustainability progress on campus. Over the past decade, several student projects have evolved into living programs and operational norms. For example, SEE 401 inspired the green roof at Kennedy Union and the adoption of reusable dining containers.
• Constructions of Place (SEE 303).
This art- and design-based course explores the connections between our sense of place, space and environmental conditions. Students explore the history and practice of eco-art and compare built and natural environments in art history, studio arts, photography, design and socially engaged art.
“Being an HSI Student Leader allowed me to meet like-minded UD students and bond with my peers. As a University of Dayton Sinclair Academy student, finding a community on the UD campus was extremely important. Getting to be a Student Leader helped me form connections with my future classmates and made my transition to UD much easier!”
— Kelsey Frantz, sustainability major ’26
“Community-based experiential learning can be difficult in the scope of one semester, but we have built trust in our local community, and the professors involved are in this for the long haul. Many of our students also go on to focus on art activism and design or advocacy work within Dayton and beyond.”
— Glenna Jennings, associate professor in art and design; HSI Director of Engaging Communities Beyond Campus; co-instructor of Constructions of Place (SEE 303)
UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAM GROWTH
In 2021, UD awarded its first undergraduate degree in sustainability. In 2024, it will confer 37 bachelor’s degrees in sustainability.
22 B.A. GRADUATES SINCE 2021
15 B.S. GRADUATES SINCE 2021
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
UD’s graduate certificate in sustainability was launched in 2018 to provide an interdisciplinary perspective on the world’s toughest challenges, from poverty and climate change to renewable energy and urban development.
To earn the graduate certificate in sustainability, students must complete two core courses and two electives (minimum of 12 credits).
The certificate has attracted students from diverse graduate programs, such as renewable and clean energy, public administration, engineering, biology, communication and business administration. Sustainability professionals have also pursued the certificate.
“Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed.” — Laudato Si’ 14
Thank you.
COLOPHON
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Kathy Kargl
PHOTOGRAPHY
Katie Banek
Larry Burgess
Annie Denten
Brigham Fisher
Mark Gokavi
Glenna Jennings
Kathy Kargl
Knack Video + Photo
Suki Kwon
Matthew Lester
Kat Niekamp
Tito Onz
Hayden Parsons
Syliva Stahl
Tuur Tisseghem
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Cassie Austin
Courtney Brandon
Bob Brecha
Leah Ceperley
Andrew Chiasson
Felix Fernando
Erin Gibbemeyer
Mark Gokavi
Umesh Haritashya
Leanne Jablonski
Glenna Jennings
Brooke Jones
Ben McCall
Don Pair
Zach Piso
Rebecca Potter
Sarah Richard
Katie Shoenenberger
We are grateful for the partnerships we’ve formed along our sustainability journey.
It would be impossible to recognize every partner even though we are grateful for every contribution and all the support we’ve received over the past 10 years. Together, we have made enormous progress — and laid the groundwork for even greater things.
Hanley Sustainability Institute
University of Dayton
Fitz Hall, Room 585
300 College Park Dayton, Ohio 45469-2950
udayton.edu/ artssciences/ctr/hsi
