MS-ESM Students Present Sustainable Solutions to Executives and Alumni During the Annual Poster Session
Students in the Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Management (MS-ESM) showcased their semester-long teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking to offer sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges during the program’s annual poster session.
MS-ESM Program Director Kerrie Carfagno welcomes the guests into the poster session.
The MS-ESM poster session is where theory meets practice as 15 teams designed outstanding posters on topics such as nature-based solutions, ecofeminism, emissions reductions, Indigenous traditional knowledge, and artificial intelligence. This diverse array of issues and solutions highlights the multifaceted nature of sustainability and the interdisciplinary approach necessary for practical solutions. Students were tasked with proposing solutions that were theoretically sound while also demonstrating viability and economic feasibility — a principle ingrained in the ethos of the MS-ESM program.
At the core of each research poster lies a synthesis of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. The MS-ESM is organized into five modules over 11 months, during which the cohort gains knowledge and experience in data analysis, business and financial concepts, and environmental sciences.
From learning to code with RStudio to applying financial metrics for project evaluation, the teams integrated theoretical concepts with practical tools to craft compelling business cases for sustainable solutions.
“What was most remarkable about this experience was how this activity brought every component of the program together,” said Carolina Alvarado (MS-ESM’24). “Using a blend of data analysis, machine learning, and market research, my team made a case for introducing AI solutions into the lithium battery supply chain.”
Brittany Gallahan (MS-ESM‘24) offered an interactive presentation to Christian Roberts, an associate at the Conservation Innovation Fund, and Sydney VandeMeulebroecke (MS-ESM‘24).
The poster session serves as a nexus for networking and collaboration. Representatives from 23 institutions, nonprofits, consulting firms, banks, companies, and MS-ESM alumni converged to engage with the MS-ESM cohort, exchange ideas and feedback, and explore potential partnerships.
“The posters resonated with the guests’ professional experiences, which led to fruitful discussions,” said Jaimeer Kaur (MS-ESM’24).
Teammates Carina Gormley, Sasha Klein, and Ricardo Pereira Teixeira (MS-ESM’24), discussed their research on Indigenous-led carbon trading schemes in Colombia with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), who was a key participant in establishing the carbon market in Colombia.
“Speaking with the IUCN about our project taught us firsthand how we can grow at the intersection of academia, community, and industry upon graduating from our program,” the team reflected.
– Ricardo Pereira Teixeira (MS-ESM’24)