Director Of Sustainability

I created and led Oakland University’s Sustainability Shark Tank, a program started to allow students funding, mentorship, and a platform to turn sustainability ideas into real projects on campus. The program gave students hands-on experience with project planning, public speaking, collaboration with administration and community leaders, as well as implementing their environmental initiatives that could create a lasting impact on campus. “Saving Bear Lake” was selected as the winning project this year, and I have continued advising the project as it moves toward implementation past my graduation. The project focuses on softening the shoreline of Bear Lake, introducing native vegetation, and restoring the lake into a healthier and more resilient habitat for our campus ecosystem.

 Beaver Fest was a community engagement and environmental education event focused on promoting coexistence with beavers and highlighting the importance of wetland ecosystems. I worked alongside organizations including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Stage Nature Center, and the Sierra Club to help connect community members with local conservation efforts through outreach, educational activities, and environmental discussions. The event focused on making conservation more accessible and helping people better understand how wildlife and communities can successfully coexist. 

Saving Bear Lake, Beaver Project, Rain Barrels, and Pollinator Gardens

  I have worked on several conservation and ecological restoration projects focused on improving habitat quality, supporting biodiversity, and strengthening sustainable coexistence with wildlife. These projects include the Saving Bear Lake restoration initiative, ongoing pollinator garden maintenance efforts, implementing five 275 gallon rain barrels across campus, and the Beaver Project, which involved the installation of Michigan’s first pond leveler designed to allow coexistence with beavers while responsibly managing water levels. I also authored C.B. 68-43, a proposal focused on incorporating pollinator garden maintenance and the Saving Bear Lake restoration initiative into the official responsibilities of Oakland University’s Director of Sustainability to help ensure the long-term continuation and support of these projects. My involvement in these efforts has included habitat restoration, native planting, invasive species management, environmental planning, and collaboration with community and conservation partners. 

Repair Cafe, Trail Walks, and Campus Clean-ups

I have helped organize and participate in several sustainability and community engagement events focused on environmental stewardship, accessibility, and community involvement. These events included the Repair Café that promoted reuse and waste reduction, guided trail walks centered around environmental education and local ecosystems, and clean-up efforts across Oakland University’s campus and Bear Lake. Through these events, I worked to create opportunities for students and community members to become more involved in sustainability efforts and build stronger connections with the environment around them.