About Sustainability at ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn
Sustainability is a mindset and framework for ensuring current and future generations have equitable access to resources for a full and vibrant life without the exploitation of people, society or the environment.
Sustainability at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is a collaborative effort between multiple departments, organizations, and individuals.
Sustainability Newsletter
Monthly updates and news about sustainability at ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn.
Facilities Operations
The mission of Facilities Operations is to serve the University by developing, operating, maintaining, and renewing excellent campus environments for teaching, learning and research, leadership, working, and personal growth. It supports the University's mission through the development of education, guidance, and partnerships that promote health, safety, and protection of the environment.
The following Facilities Operations Teams play an integral role in improving campus sustainability through various facilities based programs and projects: Plant Operations, Grounds, Maintenance, Custodial, Facilities Planning, Parking & Transportation, Business Office, Environmental Health & Safety, and University Unions & Events. The facilities staff called out below are responsible for leading sustainability and energy focused initiatives.
The Facilities Operations Sustainability & Energy Team members listed below, drive and support campus-wide sustainability efforts.
Grace is responsible for leading sustainability culture and behavior change initiatives for the University through collaborative educational experiences, events, trainings, and programs. She manages the ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn Planet Blue Ambassador program, which introduces students, staff, and faculty to sustainability efforts at the University of Michigan and inspires them to get involved.
Prior to joining Facilities Operations at ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn, Grace worked at Wayne State University in the Office of Campus Sustainability where she helped develop an award winning Compost Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with minors in Urban Sustainability and Urban Studies. Outside of the office, Grace enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and making memories with her friends and family.
Sasha serves as a Sustainable Wellbeing Intern for the Planet Blue Ambassador (PBA) program. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services with a concentration in Human Services and a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. After her undergraduate degree, she plans on completing a graduate degree in social work and conducting community-engaged research.
When Sasha first got started with the program in the summer of 2023, she was mainly responsible for creating communications content and helping co-lead the development and implementation of sustainability-focused events at the University. Now, Sasha's primary responsibilities entail promoting environmental wellness, fostering community engagement, and discussing environmental justice (EJ) issues with the campus community. Aside from environmental wellness and justice, Sasha is especially interested in medical sociology, the social determinants of health, violence prevention, community organizing, and health equity. In addition to working with PBA, Sasha works as a research assistant for the Ypsi Farmers and Gardeners Oral History Project.
In her free time, Sasha enjoys reading, writing realistic fiction, volunteering, and visiting the Environmental Interpretive Center.
Annah serves as a Sustainable Operations Intern for the Planet Blue Ambassador program, where she supports key university initiatives including the Pilot Compost Program and the development of a Sustainable Labs Program. Her contributions include helping design an on-site community composting facility, assisting with Zero Waste university events, and advancing waste diversion efforts across campus operations.
Annah is a senior pursuing a degree in Physics with a minor in Environmental Science. She aims to build a career in Geophysics, with a focus on Polar and Planetary Sciences. Her interests lie in understanding Earth’s dynamic systems and the processes shaping other planetary bodies, particularly as they relate to climate resilience, natural hazard mitigation, and space exploration.
Outside of her academic and internship responsibilities, Annah is active in campus life through the , the Society of Physics Students, and multiple faculty-led research projects. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering for environmental conservation efforts, fostering kittens for local shelters, and traveling.
Naomi serves as the Energy Intern for the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program in partnership with DTE Energy. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Engineering in Energy Systems and Sustainability Engineering. Naomi holds a background in chemical engineering and has industry experience in natural gas, and new energy developments with a strong passion for sustainable energy solutions.
Naomi joined the SEM program to support the university’s energy efficiency goals through data tracking, stakeholder engagement, and energy-saving initiatives. Her current responsibilities include assisting in energy performance analysis, promoting energy conservation across campus, and supporting the implementation of strategic actions that align with SEM principles. She is especially interested in optimizing energy systems for off-grid communities, using a combination of renewable technologies and data-driven design.
Beyond SEM, Naomi is involved in sustainability-focused research and has volunteered with organizations addressing environmental and social equity. In her free time, she enjoys developing clean energy concepts, reading, traveling, and exploring spaces.
- Natalie Albrecht > Sustainability Communication & Events Intern (Feb 2024 - April 2025)
- Bridget Lawson > Sustainable Operations Intern (May 2023 - Feb 2025)
- Shubh Bhojak > Strategic Energy Management Student Coordinator (July 2024 - April 2025)
- Parya Hamidi > Strategic Energy Management Student Coordinator
- Vishakha Ghaghada > Strategic Energy Management Student Coordinator (Feb 2023 - Aug 2023)
- Shreyas Ramprasad > Energy & Sustainability Student Coordinator (Oct 2021 - Jan 2023)
Environmental Interpretive Center
The Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC) at ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn promotes a healthy environment through education, applied research, community engagement and stewardship. The EIC’s educational programs and research activities focus on raising public awareness of environmental issues and developing and implementing strategies for creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities. It also serves as the gateway to the 300+ acre Environmental Study Area that provides a natural sanctuary for people, plants, and animals alike. Explore the natural area using the or visit the EIC's website to learn more.
Campus Energy and Sustainability Team
The Campus Sustainability & Energy Team is a committee of students, faculty, and staff that support and track University initiatives that save energy, reduce waste, shrink our carbon footprint and promote biodiversity.
Please send any questions you may have about this committee to [email protected].