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Welcome to our 2022 Student Sustainability Architects - part 1

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The Sustainability Service has welcomed our 2022 cohort of Student Sustainability Architects to the team!  Find out more about who they are and the projects they will be working on this year.

Student Sustainability Architect roles are part time paid positions that help to deliver and support sustainability projects at the University. They bring new ideas and a student perspective to projects that align with the University's strategic objectives.  This year's projects include biodiversity monitoring programmes, sustainability careers events, developing campus trails, embedding sustainability in the curriculum and reducing plastic use in labs.

In this two-part post you can meet the first six of our new Student Sustainability Architects and find out more about the projects they'll be working on.  Throughout the year we'll be sharing updates on the progress they've made.

Let's meet our architects!

Katie Hornsey 

Picture of Katie

School: School of Earth and Environment

Degree programme: MSc Climate Change and Environmental Policy 

Project area: I am going to be working on community engagement projects to support the University of Leeds’ collaboration on Leeds 2023.

About me:

I am excited to raise awareness of important sustainability issues and develop projects in the community to ensure sustainable action is spread far and wide.

Change is only effective if everyone takes part, which is why I am looking forward to engaging with, and involving, local communities in Leeds to come together and become a more sustainable society.

I am hoping that throughout my time in this role I will make a positive impact in realising the sustainability goals of the University and city of Leeds. 


Akash Modi 

Picture of Akash

School / Service: Computer Science 

Degree programme: Masters in Advanced Computer Science 

Project area: I will be working on development and delivery of Catering Services food and carbon engagement programme. 

About me:

Previously, I have worked in sustainable development field in India, and after coming to the UK I thought I can do more and create an impact here. Thus, I decided to engage with the sustainability team. 

 It's important for me that I try and align all of our sustainability objectives within catering services. 

 I am passionate to create an impact and change the mindset of people in terms of sustainability. 

 I am hoping to achieve and do much more than the target and plans which are already set to fulfil the goals of this project. 


Alejandro Bertinelli 

Picture of Alejandro

School: Computer Science 

Degree programme: Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence 

Project area: I will be working on the “Sustainability in the Computing curriculum” project. 

About me:

I want to engage with sustainability because I think that protecting the environment should be everyone’s top priority, and I believe this is a unique opportunity for me to contribute to this as I care so much about sustainability, while persuading others to do the same. 

The most important thing for me is the feeling like a part of a supportive community where you are always encouraged to explore and contribute to a better future. I think that by pursuing this goal we will be able to build a better future for ourselves and for others. 

I am a big fan of anything robotics-related, and I love biking and playing the guitar (although I am bad at both). 

I hope to make an impact on how sustainability is addressed in courses from the School of Computing, raising awareness of the sustainability issues linked to the discipline. I also hope to contribute to the wider sustainability community in the University and the city of Leeds! 

Back at home in Spain, I helped to coordinate a group of volunteers for collecting rubbish in natural areas. 


Ashley Victoria 

Picture of Ashley

School: School of Chemical & Process Engineering 

Degree programme: PhD (2nd year of 4year CDT program)

Project area: I will be working on a sustainable consumption project, focusing on reducing single-use plastics in labs.  

About me:

After working in the fashion industry for many years I became interested in the challenges faced in sourcing and developing sustainable products and materials.  I wanted to learn more and become involved in sustainability projects,  and this led me to return to university to study for my PhD. 

It is important for me to understand sustainable development in a wider context and consider the impacts of the work we do on all three pillars, economics, environment and society. 

I’m passionate about increasing communication between industry and academia and supporting sustainable initiatives that can be embedded throughout all markets. 

I’m hoping to make strong progress in my selected project and further my understanding of sustainability. I hope that I can develop my skills and knowledge in an area I am very passionate about. 


Tan Ejin 

Picture of Tan

School: School of Law 

Degree programme: Bachelor of Law

Project area: I’ll be working on activities and events for careers in sustainability.

About me:

In the past, most of my work revolved around women empowerment and education inequality. Although it may not be directly related to sustainability, environmental issues and inequalities often go hand-in-hand, impacting underprivileged communities disproportionately.

Within my role, I’m hoping to learn more about sustainability, raise awareness and contribute to a more sustainable future. 


Priya Hill 

Picture of Priya

School / Service: School of Earth and Environment 

Degree programme: Sustainability and Environmental Management 

Project area: I am going to be working at the University’s Bike hub to support active travel activities around Leeds.

About me:

I’m really excited to be able to apply some of the things I’ve learnt throughout my degree to make a positive impact at the university, as well as learning some practical bike maintenance skills! 

Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the environment, but it is about protecting people too. Ensuring that the sustainability agenda is accessible and equitable for all groups of people is something that is really important to me. As part of my role, I will be looking at how we can improve the accessibility of active travel options around the university which is something I am really excited to get started on! 

 

To meet our next six architects, read the second part of this post here.

How can you help?

If you would like to get involved in any of the above projects or anything we do as a Sustainability Service, do get in touch by contacting us at: sustainability@leeds.ac.uk

Keep up to date on the latest news

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our work reducing single-use plastic is linked to the following SDGs:

  • Goal 4: Quality education
  • Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 13: Climate action
  • Goal 15: Life on land
  • Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.