Sustainability Challenge 2022
For the 2021-22 academic year, SGAP Leaders adapted our Sustainability Challenge from a 1-day in-person activity to a longitudinal hybrid model which included a 10 week climate action curriculum with virtual and in-person guest speakers. Our revamped program implemented a series of 10 sessions, each lasting .75 – 1.5 hours per week. The sessions utilized a combination of large group and fun, interactive small group activities that addressed Climate Change, Energy Infrastructure, Solar and Wind Energy, the Flint Michigan Case Study, and the Picatinny Arsenal case study which prepared students for the final Challenge activity: a 5-hour Sustainability Challenge workshop hosted at the Catholic University- School of Engineering.
The hybrid program is designed to preserve the critical elements of the Sustainability Challenge that distinguish this signature SGAP Leaders program:
- High level of student engagement
- Interactive small groups and teamwork
- Real-world applications of critical analysis and problem solving
- 21st century skill development (critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving & empathy building)
- Access to diverse professionals working in STEM-related fields
When
Friday, January 28, 2022
8:30am – 2:00pm
Where
The Catholic University of America
School of Engineering
620 Michigan Ave,
NE Washington DC 20064
Event Location & Directions
Parking At Pangborn Hall
Metered parking in front of the Mullen Library and University Mall is required for all visitors. The campus meters are currently in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday. The cost to park at the meters is $2/hour for a maximum of 3 hours. Major credit cards and bills in $1 and $5 denominations are accepted.
Parking Label Colors:
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Sky Blue – Metered parking
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Red – Admission visitor parking (suggested–it is near Pangborn Hall)
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Navy Blue – Guest permit required
Please complete the Admission Visitor Parking Form to register.
2022 Sustainability Challenge Workshop Agenda
Schedule
- 08:30 AM – Buses Arrive / Check-In (Name Badges)
- 09:00 AM – Continental Breakfast (Pre-Workshop Survey)
- 09:15 AM – Welcome Remarks
- Meet The Facilitators
- Otto Wilson, PhD., Associate Professor School of Engineering, CUA
- Michele Joseph, Executive Director, Student Global Ambassador Program (SGAP Leaders)
- 09:30 AM
- Introduction to Case Challenge, Michele Joseph
- Picatanny Arsenal Map, Rubric, Group Evaluations, Awards
- Picatany Renewable Energy Calculator: Solar & Wind Roles, Goals & Team Names
- 10:00 AM – Break
- 10:20 AM – Work in Groups of 4-5
- 11:20 AM – Break for Working Lunch
- 11:45 AM –Work in Groups of 4-5
- 12:00 PM –Group Presentations
- 01:00 PM – Group Evaluations, Awards, and Wrap-Up
- 01:30 PM – Mini Tour of Campus
Download Our Guides
UCES Senior Management Team
Liana Abbott, MBA & M.Ed
Liana Abbott, MBA & M.Ed
Liana Abbott is a Finance Manager at Microsoft. Prior to her role at Microsoft, she was a Business Intelligence Analyst and Project Manager specializing in data management and data engineering. She holds an MBA from the Darden School of Business and a Masters of Education from the School of Education and Human Development both at the University of Virginia. While at UVA, she continued to strengthen on her project management skills and design thinking skills, while building a deeper understanding of financial planning and analysis, curriculum building, and educational innovation. Liana splits her time between Seattle, Washington and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Helene M. Ferm, PE, CEM, LEED AP
Helene M. Ferm, PE, CEM, LEED AP
Helene M. Ferm is the Resource Efficiency Manager at Picatinny Arsenal. Helene comes to the team with extensive experience in water conservation, environmental engineering, campus energy management, energy conservation consulting, HVAC design and controls (including laboratory, pharmaceutical, and data center applications), building-construction project management, and campus sustainability program leadership.
From a technical standpoint, Helene is an expert in identifying and implementing energy conservation opportunities in buildings and utility systems, especially in pharmaceutical laboratories and manufacturing plants. Her strong analytical skills span system commissioning, project management, LEED certification, HVAC and BAS design and specification (including load calculations), state-, local- and utility-based incentive procurement ($2 million+ since 2016), ASHRAE level I, II, III energy studies, demand response program management, energy and greenhouse gas accounting, and corporate energy program management.
Throughout her career, Helene has managed energy studies and multi-discipline architectural/engineering projects for pharmaceutical and university campus clients. She has also led several high-performing cross-functional teams. Recognized as a leader in energy management and energy engineering, Helene has presented at engineering conferences (including AEE World Energy Engineering Congress) and authored multiple award-winning ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year applications.
Helene is a Professional Engineer, Certified Energy Manager, LEED Accredited Professional, and Sigma Green Belt. She earned her BSE from Princeton University and her MS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. Helene is also a Fulbright Scholar. understanding of curriculum building, educational innovation, and financial planning and analysis. Liana splits her time between Seattle, Washington and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jill Foster, MD
Jill Foster, MD
As the Grant Development and Reporting Lead at SGAP Leaders, Jill Foster has a track record of mining, synthesizing, and packaging data from diverse sources to uncover needs, evaluate outcomes, guide decision-making, and promote clinical best practices. She has over 10 years in academia. She earned her masters in public health from the University of Alabama, and also earned a medical degree from Duke University.
Otto Wilson, PhD
Otto Wilson, PhD
Dr. Otto C. Wilson Jr. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Catholic University of America. Dr. Wilson earned a B.S. (1988), M.S. (1991) and Ph.D. in Ceramic Science and Engineering at Rutgers University. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Maryland on enhanced machinability of dental ceramic materials (1995-1996) and was a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins in 1996 prior to joining the Materials Science and Engineering faculty at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Dr. Wilson became a faculty member in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Catholic University in 2003 and established the Biomimetics, Orthopedics, and Nanomaterials Education/Composite Research for Advanced Biomaterials (BONE/CRAB) Lab. The research vision of the BONE/CRAB Lab is to develop nanophase materials to enhance the healing and remodeling of hard tissue at the whole tissue, cellular, and subcellular levels. Dr. Wilson’s research Interests include biomineralization phenomena, nanomaterials chemistry, biological liquid crystals, and the synthesis and surface modification of hydroxyapatite.
Dr Wilson was awarded a NSF CAREER Award (DMR-0645675) in 2007 for his work involving bone inspiration in research and education. He is very active in K-12 educational outreach and developing tools and teaching methodologies to encourage young people to excel in STEM education.
