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Want to visit our office? 75 Piedmont Ave. NE, Suite 750, Atlanta, GA 30303
About US
Welcome to Sustainable Initiatives at Georgia State University, where passion meets purpose! Our team is leading the charge in environmental transformation on campus.
We’re proud to champion a host of initiatives, from energy-efficient building upgrades and multi-stream waste management programs to promoting sustainable transportation options and empowering our community with educational campaigns. Our grant program fuels innovation, supporting projects that drive sustainability forward.
Join us in making GSU a sustainability leader, one sustainable choice at a time! We are dedicated to driving positive change by fostering a culture of sustainability on campus and beyond.
Manager
I joined GSU in January 2022, and have worked in sustainability in higher ed for almost ten years. My work mostly focuses on recycling and waste reduction, renewable energy planning, clean commuting, and student and faculty engagement. A major job perk for me is the ability to bike to work every day.
Fun question: What do you think our world in 2080 is going to look like?
“I think everything will be electric-powered (cars, buildings, etc….), and that AI will automate and find solutions for a lot of our current challenges. However, I also think society will lean into analog solutions for certain things out of a desire to be self-sufficient from AI.”
Jennifer Wilson
Manager
Sustainability Analyst
I have been here since September 2022 as a student assistant. I completed a lot of the recycling makeovers at buildings on the Atlanta campus. I’m currently working on a waste audit project between Sustainability and Building services. I graduated in May 2023 in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Environmental Science. I’m really interested in solid waste management. I love what I do here, helping the community of GSU. I love working with the crew, I love how we have fun and joke around and still get the job done efficiently.
Fun question: What do you think our world in 2080 is going to look like?
“I’m hoping the world is a lot more greener than it is now. I’m hoping I’m driving a really nice car and that everyone is in good health! “
Jose Arellano
Sustainability Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Engagement Coordinator
My name is Alicia. I joined the sustainability team in July of 2022. I started off as a recycling intern, now I am an engagement coordinator. My role is to run the Instagram account, manage the sustainability grant program, help with website updates, and also just connect with different departments! I also run the textile recycling program. I graduated from GSU in December 2022 with a degree in Entrepreneurship. I am the founder of Yellow Blanket, a company dedicated to helping people live happier, more creative, and sustainable lifestyles.
Fun question: What do you think our world in 2080 is going to look like?
“In 2080, I believe there will be a place where there will be free living. We will have adopted a new social economy that won’t operate on money. Oh! And, there may be a person or two living on another planet!”
Alicia Blount
Engagement Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Energy and Sustainability Researcher
I started working as a Summer 23’ Intern and now am a Graduate Researcher. I work on environmental data analysis and modeling, especially GHG inventories, ESG Compliances, and clean energy actions and advocacy. Some of my projects are the FTA-funded GSU bus Electrification and Zero-emission University Fleet E-mobility plan. On the side, I manage the office website, make webpages, update blogs, and such!
Fun question: What do you think our world in 2080 is going to look like?
“Maybe in 2080, we live like older times, like closer to nature, tighter-knit communities, just more idyllic. The only difference would be that in 2080, unlike older times, we will be equipped with better technology and advanced science. But, who knows!”
Sean Max
Tree Campus Lead
Email: [email protected]
Dinetria Wilson, Team Lead
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (470) 576-7438
Gary Cooley
Toney Glass
Zyon Koon
Jeremy Turner
Intern
I am a 3rd year Geoscience major with a concentration in Environmental Science. My main interests are GIS, geography, and sustainability. My passion for the environment stems from the time I have spent living in rural areas in the US and Mexico. I enjoy the change of pace that the city of Atlanta provides me, as well as the diversity here at GSU. I am excited to be a part of the Sustainability Initiatives team!
Aaron Pacheco
Intern
I am from the beautiful island of Nassau, The Bahamas. My major is International Economics and Modern Languages, but I have taken a serious interest in our school’s Sustainability Initiatives. I am so excited to have the opportunity to learn about and be a part of the many great initiatives being pursued here on our campus! The recycling, and energy sustainability efforts are what I am most excited to dive deeper into.
Cj Brennen II
Intern
I am a computer science major in my fourth year. I have a strong passion for sustainability, especially in food sustainability. The reason I picked computer science as my major is to be able make products that can help with sustainability. You can create websites or applications that can help solve or promote sustainability.
Connie Santibanes
Intern
I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in Business Management while also obtaining the Sustainability certificate. Right now I am really interested in food waste and sustainable agriculture. I grew up on Tybee Island, GA, and went to school in Savannah. I love sustainability because both cities are known for their green spaces and history, so I was raised to appreciate and want to preserve nature!
Erin Murphy
Intern
Hi! My name is Julia Simonsen and I’m a third year Environmental Science major. I am very interested in sustainability and fighting against climate change since there is no planet B. I am excited to work on projects with the Sustainability Initiatives to improve GSU’s overall environment.
Julia Simonsen
Intern
I am a Marketing major in my senior year. I like to be involved with community service both on and off campus. I am interested in promoting sustainability initiatives and helping GSU students find out more about how they can get involved.
Leigh Westbrook
Former Interns
Intern
I’m Lola. I oversee any GIS-related projects for the office. I have mapped solar, recycling and transportation related projects, among others!
Lola Thomas
Intern
I am Shadia Saeed, an Environmental Science major deeply interested in energy conservation and policy. My passion lies in understanding sustainable practices and advocating for effective energy policies that can shape a greener, more sustainable future.
Shadia Saeed
Intern
I’m a senior Interdisciplinary Major focusing on Environmental Science and completing a certificate in sustainability. I’m interested in sustainability management in both the private and public sector.
Nadia Osman
Schedule a Tour
Tours coming up. Stay Tuned!
Questions? Email [email protected].