STCC’s Sustainathon fosters environmental awareness and innovation

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College on April 10 hosted its annual Sustainathon, an event designed to raise environmental awareness and inspire students as the celebration of Earth Day approaches.

Presenters addressed a variety of sustainability topics, including water resources, biodiversity conservation, energy, climate and more. Students and the community had the chance to talk to professionals and scientists in the gym in Scibelli Hall (Building 2) at STCC about their research and experience.

Sustainability is an important concept in STEM education, research and industry. With a goal of training students in innovative concepts and approaches in infusing sustainability into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects, the Sustainathon at STCC drew over 500 people from high schools, community and professional organizations and educational institutions.

“The Sustainathon applies to every aspect of our life,” said Dr. Reena Randhir, a professor of biology and one of the event organizers. “Here the focus is on the environment. It’s to leave the world pristine for the future generations.”

STCC students presented research posters and exhibits in a festive atmosphere that concluded with dancing to a live mariachi band. The event was held in advance of Earth Day, which will be celebrated April 22.

Dr. Melishia Santiago, Assistant Dean of STEM, welcomed attendees and later spoke to students about the sustainability of marine ecosystems from her booth.

“We are thrilled to offer this event to students as well as our community partners,” Santiago said. “It’s critically important to develop practical solutions to mitigate climate change, reduce waste, conserve resources and promote sustainable practices both on and off campus. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn and be inspired to create positive change.”

Dr. John B. Cook, STCC’s president, welcomed hundreds of students from area schools gathered at the Sustainathon. They cheered as he announced each school’s name: The High School of Commerce, Springfield Central High School, Roger L. Putnam Vocational and Technical Academy, Springfield High School of Science and Technology, the Springfield Renaissance School and Springfield International Charter School.

his is a wonderful opportunity to learn and be inspired to create positive change. Dr. Melishia Santiago, Assistant Dean of STEM

Chicopee High School and area colleges, including the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, were also represented at the event.

Ron St. Amand, Director of Science for Springfield Public Schools, said he was excited to connect his students to environmental and sustainability professionals and have them visit STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts.

“We hope that through meeting with different environmental and sustainability professionals, not only will they think about the importance of sustainability in their own lives in terms of conserving this precious planet – the only place we have to live – but also they can start thinking about some job opportunities and future education opportunities,” St. Amand said.

He noted that sustainability-related careers are growing and will be good options for the high school students after they complete their education.

STCC offers certificate and degree programs that align with careers in sustainability. They include HVAC/Energy Systems, Urban Studies and Landscape Design and Management Technology, among others.

STCC students interviewed at the event said they have been preparing for the Sustainathon throughout the semester. They created research posters that were on display throughout the gym.

Charles Walker-Hoover, a business administration student at STCC, created an award-winning poster in his biology class. He received a “Champion of Change” trophy.

“I didn’t set out to be the winner. I just wanted to create change and be a part of change,” Walker-Hoover said.

He described his research: “Plastics are persistent in their nature. They don’t break down and they last for thousands of years. We want to find a way to find a solution to that, and the solution is microbes. They are small micro-organisms which are everywhere. These specific micro-organisms will have the ability to break down plastic.”

Another student, Abigail Pronovost, is studying health science at STCC with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist assistant. She said the Sustainathon raises awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. She created a poster about the role robots play in agriculture.

“There’s a lot of pollution and we have to get the planet back so it’s healthier for everyone,” she said. “We need to make the world a better place.”

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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