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sustainability celebration

Our mission

The Sustainability Office at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is committed to empowering a culture of sustainability through collaborative campus-based solutions across academics, operations, research, and campus life.

Meet the team behind the sustainability initiatives at Southern Illinois University!

SIU Sustainability Group 


Aimee Lemrise, Director of Sustainability

SIU Aimee Lemrise

Beginning April 2023, Aimee joined the office as the Sustainability Director.

Aimee is responsible for managing the Green Fee, working with the Sustainability Council and staff; tracking progress to AASHE-STARS; and providing outreach, education, and collaboration with the campus and external community stakeholders to improve sustainability performance across campus.

Aimee earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geography and environmental resources at SIU, and during that time, discovered she enjoyed working with students. After completing her graduate degree, she launched an academic advisement career. She served in that capacity for several units at SIU, including liberal arts, University College, aviation management and flight, and automotive technology. She also taught geography courses at John A. Logan College and student success courses at SIU and Logan. She also served as co-adviser for Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

Aimee practices environmental stewardship in her everyday choices and continues to evaluate how she can reduce resources whether it’s through purchasing, use and disposal behaviors, or through technology. Aimee enjoys the ingenuity involved in upcycling. Aimee’s waste management tip: Next time you think an item should go to the landfill, apply your critical & creative thinking skills and consider how it can evolve into a more functional or more beautiful item than it originally was.

Outside of sustainability, interests include spending time her dog Ollie, enjoying her backyard chickens, birdwatching, hiking, cooking, gardening, landscaping, and spending time with family.


Sustainability Graduate Assistant: Pukar Bhandari, Summer 2023

SIU Pukar Bhandari

Pukar is a PhD student in the School of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Kathmandu University, Nepal in 2018. After graduating, he worked as a Program Officer in Sustainable Solutions for Energy and Environment for a year and then as a Software Engineer in Studio Matrix Private Limited for 3 years before moving to the USA to pursue his graduate studies. He presently holds the position of President within the Nepalese Student Society (NSS) at SIU. He is also a part of the youth social organization - International Leo Club where he served as the President of Kathmandu Mount Makalu Leo Club. He has organized numerous social work programs with a focus on sustainability. Pukar believes that change starts from yourself, so he encourages everyone to follow the 5R practices (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle) as much as they can because it can significantly reduce the amount of waste an individual produces each day. In his free time, Pukar loves playing soccer, hiking, traveling, playing guitar, and hanging out with friends.


Sustainability Graduate Assistant: Bharathi Bhumireddy, Summer 2023

SIU Bharathi Bhumireddy

Bharathi Bhumireddy is a graduate student at the school of computing. She contributed passionately in her UG's sustainable solutions for environment and agriculture council. She worked in a clean India mission for 3 years. Bharathi is confident that what we do now will have an impact on the future. This concept of creating the future is something we live by and a principle that guides our actions and decisions every day. She believes regenerative farming techniques and reduced food consumption can enhance soil health, crop yields, the quality of produced food, and the long-term value of agricultural resources.

 

 

 


Sustainability Graduate Assistant: Shadia Afrin, Spring 2024

SIU Shadia Afrin

Shadia Afrin is a graduate student in the school of Earth Systems and Sustainability. Currently pursuing her Master of Science in the department of Geography and Environmental Resources. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environment from Pabna University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh. She excels in map projection, GIS, sustainability, land cover mapping, and quantitative techniques. After completing her graduation, she worked as a Human Resource and Environmental Officer, where she contributed to building environmental strategies and environmental resources management. Shadia's academic achievements include a thesis on effectiveness of Telemedicine during Covid-19. Shadia developed the Environmental Club at Pabna University of Science and Technology, showcasing her commitment to environmental awareness. Shadia visited the largest mangrove forest Sundarbans and longest natural sea beach in the world located in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh to explore the biodiversity and natural resources in that particular region. Her leadership extends to involvement in SIUC international festivals, seminars, and organizing workshops on environmental resource management. Shadia loves fishing, gardening, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.


Sustainability Graduate Assistant: Bharath Kumar Chintada, Spring 2024

SIU Bharath Kumar Chintada

Bharath Kumar Chintada is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering in Hyderabad, India. His passion lies in renewable energy sources, particularly in advancing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to mitigate the environmental impact of combustion vehicles. He has demonstrated his commitment to this cause through several innovative projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of Electric Vehicle.

One notable project led by him is the development of Dynamic Wireless Charging in Electric Vehicles. This technology enables electric cars to charge while in motion on the road through wireless power transmission. By harnessing renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, His solution not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also promotes sustainable transportation.

Additionally, He is committed to promoting widespread awareness and implementation of renewable energy resources. He believes that educating individuals about the benefits of renewable energy and empowering them to utilize these resources is essential for creating a more sustainable future. Through his advocacy and outreach efforts, Bharath aims to inspire others to embrace renewable energy technologies and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. He seeks to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world for future generations.

 


Sustainability Graduate Assistant: Md. Rezoan Ferdous, Summer 2023

SIU Md Rezoan Ferdous

Rezoan is an MS student in Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering and a passionate advocate for environmental conservation. During his undergraduate studies in Bangladesh, he participated in several sustainable project showcase competitions, idea competitions and won several awards. He also worked as a mentor for the innovation club to guide students regarding sustainable projects and ideas. Rezoan believes in the power of individual action and encourages conscious choices like energy conservation, waste reduction, and support for eco-friendly businesses. By sharing knowledge and inspiring others, he aims to make a significant positive impact on the environment and create a legacy of sustainability. Rezoan loves playing cricket, biking, hiking, traveling, photography, movies, and spending time with friends and family.

 

 


Sustainability Graduate Assistant: Deena Vanga, Summer 2023

SIU Deena Vanga

I have completed my bachelor’s degree at St. Martins engineering college. During my under graduation, I have been a part of various NGO's. I was a part of Green peace India and street cause eforce. I think that it’s our duty to make more sustainable choices in order to maintain our earths ecosystem. I believe that educating people is important because we do what we learn and inspiring one person can make a real change.

 

 

 

 

 


 

Our Sustainability Fellows are part of the Sustainability Office Team, as well. Find out more about them here.