WMU students awarded more than $40,000 toward sustainability projects

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Thirteen Western Michigan University students received grants totaling more than $40,000 from the University to fund their programs, projects and research activities related to sustainability and environmental issues. Awardees of the Student Sustainability Grants were notified this past December by the Office for Sustainability, in collaboration with the Western Student Association and the Office of Student Engagement, of the grants totaling  $41,236.70. They were chosen by a committee of students appointed by the WSA, under the direction of undergraduate Tyler Signorella, the WSA's sustainability chair.

Awardees’ names and project titles

  • Johnny Anderson III and Anjeliaca Rhan: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Regalia Sustainability Initiative
  • Aida Amirul: Compostable Single-Use Dining Plates Alternative for Weekly Alternative Student Luncheon
  • Fayza Khandoker and Emily Sue Nottingham: Reprocessing of Plastic Film
  • Alyse Lange and Emma Tervonen: Products for Menstrual Sustainability
  • Aurora Mokris: Evaluating Microbial Communities in Compost
  • Neha Sawant and Cornellius Marcello: Modified Crab Shell Bioabsorbent for Heavy Metal Remediation of Drinking Water
  • Brandilyn Wilson: Planting Trees to Promote Environmental Sustainability and Cultural Prosperity
  • Sarina Routowicz and Jacob Lockwood: Sustainability Through Digitalization at the Student Recreation Center

The Office for Sustainability awards a total of $100,000 in grants to students every year, with $50,000 offered each fall and spring semester. Applications for the Spring 2020 allocations cycle are due Thursday, Feb. 27, by 11:59 p.m.

More information is available through the Office for Sustainability. Students interested in applying for the next round of allocations should email Justin Gish at @email.

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