The journey of sustainability at MSU is anything but simple. This panel brings together campus experts with decades of experience to share candid stories about what worked, what didn’t, and why. From incremental wins to setbacks that pushed us back to square one, this panel dives into the ups, downs, and cycles that define MSU’s sustainability story. It’s a story of progress, pauses, and pivots, reflecting the complexity of balancing environmental goals with operational realities, institutional culture, and resource constraints.
Panelists
Kris Jolley, Reuse and Recycling Manager, MSU Surplus Store & Recycling
Carla Iansiti, Sustainability Officer, Residential and Hospitality Services
Ruth Kline-Robach, Senior Outreach Specialist, Department of Community Sustainability
Doug Buhler, Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation, Michigan State University
Moderator: Laura Young
Alessandra Carreon, Chief Climate Officer, Office of Climate and Energy, State of Michigan
Session descriptions are forthcoming.
The Sustainability Systems Think Tank was charged with providing thought leadership and developing a comprehensive framework to guide MSU's sustainability efforts. This work advances MSU's role as a living laboratory, balancing the economic, social, environmental, and operational priorities of a complex university. In a focused effort last fall, the Think Tank began shaping a new sustainability framework for MSU. This session will introduce the Think Tank, share what we learned from extensive campus engagement, highlight emerging priority areas, and look toward the next phase of this work.
Presenter: Laurie Thorp
Interactive Concurrent Sessions to generate ideas and actions for advancing MSU as a sustainability leader
What happens after you leave campus and step into the sustainability workforce? This panel features recent MSU alumni who made an impact during their time on campus and are now navigating the realities of early career life. They’ll share candid stories about the job search process, what their first roles are really like compared to expectations, and how they’ve stayed connected to mentors and networks. Students will gain practical advice on translating campus experiences into career opportunities, adapting to challenges, and finding their place in a field that’s constantly evolving
Panelists:
What does it really take to build a career in sustainability, and how has that answer changed over time? Hear from seasoned professionals who have spent years shaping sustainability strategies across sectors. They’ll share candid insights into their own career journeys, how the work has evolved, and what trends are reshaping the field today. Students will walk away with practical advice on preparing for roles in a space that’s dynamic and increasingly critical to every industry.
Attend this session to hear the top student proposals from MSU’s newest sustainability innovation competition. Finalists will present fiveminute pitches outlining scalable, costaware strategies to reduce waste and strengthen sustainable habits across residence halls and dining spaces. Engage with student changemakers and explore ideas that could influence the future of campus sustainability. The session will conclude with a People’s Choice Award chosen live by the audience.
Marcene Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Climate Change, World Wildlife Fund