PBA Spotlight Stories

Summer Intern Spotlights: Part 2

Wondering what students from across campus did this summer to advance sustainability efforts at U-M and beyond? Check out Part 2 of our Summer Internship Spotlights below featuring the work of 6 students in support of our collective mission to transition to a more just and sustainable future. Here’s Part 1, if you missed it! Name: Pradip Shrestha Year/major at … Read More

Summer Intern Spotlights: Part 1

Madison and Emily volunteer at the zero-waste Convocation Picnic.

Wondering what students from across campus did this summer to advance sustainability efforts at U-M and beyond? Check out Part 1 of our Summer Internship Spotlights below featuring the work of 6 students in support of our collective mission to transition to a more just and sustainable future. Name: Kenzie Nitz Year/major at U-M: Senior / Organizational Studies (M) & … Read More

Stormwater Management on Campus: What I Learned from U-M Stormwater Specialist Dana Wilkinson

A large stormwater infiltration system being installed underground.

As the effects of climate change continue to increase in frequency, all organizations must undertake mitigation measures in order to sufficiently prepare for what lies ahead. The Environmental Protection and Permitting group within the U-M Environment, Health, & Safety (EHS) Department is responsible for managing U-M’s state-issued stormwater discharge permit and for helping to prepare our campus for future extreme … Read More

PBA Spotlight: The Intersection of Environmental Justice and Economics

Sam Stolper

I had the opportunity to sit down with Sam Stolper, an environmental and energy economist and assistant professor at University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS). We discussed his thoughts on the intersection of environmental justice and economics. His work investigates how policies can shift behavior to contribute to environmental protection and social well-being. He points to his … Read More

PBA Spotlight: Ari Weil – Once a PBA, Always a PBA

Ari Weil

The Planet Blue Ambassador Program launched in 2011. Nine years later it has grown into a vibrant community of thousands of students, staff, faculty, and alumni members. Without all of you, we would not be able to work towards our mission of engaging the campus community in sustainability, advancing the University of Michigan’s sustainability commitments, and moving towards a campus-wide … Read More

PBA Spotlight: Petra Kuppers – Disability Culture and Feminism within Sustainability

What is Queer/Ecofeminism? Queer/ecofeminism is an orientation to the world that looks at gendered and sexed power relations within a wider field of discriminations and exclusions. Some topics discussed within queer/ecofeminism include how ‘land’ became gendered in heteronormative frameworks, how National Park conservation reinforced discrimination against black and indigenous people, how plant taxonomies and plant collections come to us through … Read More

Jessa Lytle and Team Building for Sustainability

Team Building Activity

University of Michigan’s Adventure Leadership is an activity-based, team building and leadership development program that works with university groups, sports teams, departments, community groups, and corporate organizations. I spoke with Jessa Lytle, the Assistant Director of Adventure Leadership, to learn more about her work at the intersection of team building and environmental education.  In college, Jessa was passionate about finding ways for … Read More

Jessica Thompson and the Maize and Blue Cupboard

Jessica Thompson

Food insecurity is an increasing issue for students across college campuses. Around a third of students at the University of Michigan lack reliable access to enough affordable and nutritious food. To combat this, students formed the Maize & Blue Cupboard in 2014 and held monthly food distributions at the Trotter Multicultural Center. This winter, after years of gaining support across campus and expanding the … Read More

Missy Stults and Carbon Neutrality in Ann Arbor

Missy Stults

In February, University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel announced the members of the U-M President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality. One of the integral members named to the commission is Melissa “Missy” Stults, the City of Ann Arbor’s Sustainability and Innovations Manager. I spoke with Missy about her professional journey, her role in the city, and the essential connection between the sustainability … Read More