Sustainability Challenge 2026
SGAP Leaders adapted our Sustainability Challenge from a 1-day in-person activity to a longitudinal hybrid model which includes pre-challenge clinics that expose students to: 1) case study background, 2) presentation skills, 3) environmental impacts 4) hands-on exercises. Clinics are weekly and utilize a combination of large group and fun, interactive small group activities which may address Climate (In)Justice, Carbon Footprint, Food Waste, Solar Energy, Transportation, Biofuel or the process of Waste-to-Energy.
Our Waste-to-Energy case study prepared students for the final Challenge activity: a 5-hour Sustainability Challenge workshop hosted at the Catholic University – College of Engineering, Physics and Computing.
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 professionals from a variety of backgrounds working in STEM-related fields
When
Friday, January 9, 2026
8:00am – 2:00pm
Where
The Catholic University of America
Pangborn – College of Engineering, Physics and Computing
620 Michigan Ave,
NE, Washington DC 20064
Funders/Supporters
Event Location & Directions
Pangborn – #34 on the map
Columbus Law School – #30 on the map (parking) – 3600 John McCormack Rd. NE, Washington DC
Parking:
All vehicles parked at The Catholic University of America are required to register for a valid parking permit. Visitors can register for temporary parking permits via myparking.catholic.edu. All visitor permits are based on license plate number, so you will not be required to display anything in your vehicle.
BEST Practices regarding parking at CUA
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Campus parking map
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Visitor Permits (24 hours before you arrive on campus)
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Select 1- Day Surface
Parking permitted for campus visitors with a valid temporary guest parking permit.
Temporary guest parking permits for 1-Day, may be purchased online
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Sustainability Challenge Workshop Agenda
8:00: Group Assignments & Continental Breakfast
8:45: Welcome Remarks
Otto Wilson, Associate Professor – School of Engineering, CUA
Damon Dozier, Director, Government Relations – REWORLD
Michele Joseph, CEO, Student Global Ambassador Program (SGAP Leaders)
9:15: Introduction to Case Challenge
Meet your Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Facilitators
Descriptions, Rubric, Group Evaluations, Awards/Goals & Team Names
9:30: Break / Transition
9:40: Work in Groups of 4-5, led by Facilitators and SME
11:15: Working Lunch
11:55: Group Presentations Begin
1:15: Group Feedback & Awards
1:30: Thank you & Wrap-Up
Clinics I & II with Case Study
Judges
Dr. Otto Wilson, CUA
Dr. Otto C. Wilson Jr. is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Catholic University of America, where he leads research on nanomaterials for bone healing. He was trained in ceramic science and engineering at Rutgers University and is an NSF CAREER Award recipient. Dr. Wilson is also dedicated to STEM education and outreach.
Samantha Mulcahy, Board of Directors - SGAP Leaders
Samantha Mulcahy is a seasoned coach and transformation leader with over 20 years of experience guiding technology change in the finance and biotech sectors. She brings five years each of agility and executive coaching experience, with global work across the U.S. and EMEA, and holds certifications including ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Certified Scrum Product Owner. Her work is shaped by a deep understanding of cross-cultural leadership and organizational transition.
Cynthia Brain, Advisor - SGAP Leaders
Cynthia Brain is a Program Manager and Policy Analyst with over eight years of experience in human rights programming, legal research, and international policy development. She holds an LLM in Human Rights from the University of Edinburgh and has worked with the United Nations system and NGOs across the United States, Europe, and Africa, focusing on peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Cynthia currently serves as an advisor, contributing her expertise to domestic and international initiatives.
