STCC Sustainathon showcases student innovation

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s gymnasium recently transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation during Sustainathon, an annual forum hosted each April by the college.

The event brought together about 500 students, faculty and community partners to explore critical topics in sustainability through more than 30 interactive tables featuring live demonstrations, research posters, community organization initiatives, and hands-on displays. From sustainable food systems to wearable electronics, students and experts shared their passion and purpose.

This year’s event opened with remarks from Dr. John B. Cook, STCC’s president, who welcomed the large contingent of high school students, and thanked area education and community leaders.  Special guest UMass Amherst Chancellor Dr. Javier Reyes, delivered the Earth Day keynote.

Sustainathon continues to grow each year, affirming STCC’s role as a leader in the regional education ecosystem, including key workforce career and transfer pathways in STEM-affiliated fields. “Sustainathon has really become part of our DNA here at the college,” Cook said.

Participating schools included Veritas Prep High School, Central (Springfield) High School, Springfield Legacy Academy, Chicopee High School, Springfield Honors Academy, the High School of Science and Technology (Springfield), Pathfinder Regional, and more. Students from Springfield Technical Community College, Holyoke Community College, and UMass Amherst took part in the day-long event as well.

Cook announced the high school competition winners during the opening ceremony:

• First Prize: Renaissance High School for their project, Expanding Composting to White Street Elementary School

Second Prize: Springfield High School of Science and Technology (Sci-Tech) for their project, Solar Power for Sustainable Energy in Agriculture (Hydroponics)

I think the Sustainathon is a great event, not just for STCC, but for everyone. Victoria Sinigur, STCC student

A highlight of the event was the announcement of STCC student David Rodriguez as the college’s top prize winner. Rodriguez, a biology major, received a trophy for his project, Harnessing Microalgae for Sustainable Biofuel Production and Carbon Sequestration, one of 45 STCC student entries.

Dr. Timothy Randhir, a professor in the UMass Department of Environmental Conservation, and his wife Dr. Reena Randhir, an STCC professor of biology, organized the event.

Timothy Randhir recognized two Champions of Change, individuals honored for going above and beyond in promoting sustainability. This year’s honorees were Dr. John B. Cook and Dr. David Bloniarz, president of Regreen Springfield, project coordinator of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Urban Natural Resources Institute and adjunct professor at UMass.

In his keynote address, UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes emphasized the university’s commitment to sustainability and student success.

“At UMass Amherst, we are broadening the success of students and the expansion of research,” Reyes said. “We do it with a moral compass and a set of principles and values: educating, innovating, engaging and connecting for the common good. Our sustainability mission reaches into all areas.”

Following the keynote, the gym was buzzing with activity as attendees explored topics ranging from hydroponics and composting to climate resilience and global warming simulations. The event wrapped up with a lively mariachi band performance and a complimentary lunch.

For students like prize winner David Rodriguez, the Sustainathon was an opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for the planet.

"I'm a huge fan of keeping the earth a little bit greener and understanding everything that goes into fixing it," Rodriguez said. “We’ve put so much carbon into the atmosphere, and the fact that we’re sharing this information with future generations, kids who can make a difference, is huge. I’m really inspired and glad I could contribute.”

He explained that his project explores using photosynthetic algae to create renewable biofuels.

“Instead of fossil fuels, we can use algae to fuel cars in a much cleaner way,” he said.

Victoria Sinigur, a General Studies student at STCC, also presented at the event.

“I think the Sustainathon is a great event, not just for STCC, but for everyone,” she said. “Learning about the environmental issues we’re facing is important for the entire world.”

“One of the things my project highlights is that by 2050, 90 percent of soil could be completely degraded, and that’s a major problem,” she added.

More than 30 presenters contributed to the Sustainathon, including STCC faculty, UMass Amherst faculty and researchers, local officials, and representatives from the U.S. Army, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, and the National Park Service.

In a pre-recorded message, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts praised the participants for their dedication.

“I want to congratulate and thank all the students participating in the 2025 Sustainathon at Springfield Technical Community College,” Markey said. “Whether you’re from STCC, UMass Amherst, Holyoke Community College, or one of our local high schools, your commitment to advancing renewable energy, promoting sustainability, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the leadership we need now more than ever.

“Young people represent 25 percent of our population, but you are 100 percent of our nation’s future,” Markey said. “Keep on striving, keep on fighting, keep on standing up for what you believe in, and I will continue to have your back.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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