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Sustainable Design Opportunities & Events

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  • 10th Annual Ecofeminism Summit September 25-29, 2023 go.illinois.edu/ecofeminism 9/25 Niha Elety Sustainable Fashion, 9/26 Ecofeminism Trivia Sustainable Prizes 9/27 Leah Thomas Intersectional Environmentalist 9/29 Braiding Sweetgrass Book Club Free foldaway tote bag to the first 200 attendees at Leah Thomas keynote Sponsors: Women's Resources Center, Illini Union Courtyard Cafe, University Housing, Student Sustainability Committee, SCPF

    10th Annual Ecofeminism Summit (September 25-29, 2023)

     Learn more: https://go.illinois.edu/ecofeminism

  • 2020 Illinois Climate Action Plan

    In June 2020, iSEE (INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY, AND ENVIRONMENT) released the first draft of the 2020 Illinois Climate Action Plan! Read the draft here! >>>

  • 2021 - 2022 Rachel Carson Council Fellowship Program

    The RCC Fellowship Program is designed to identify outstanding students with a passion for environmental education, organizing and advocacy and provide them with financial support to carry out valuable projects or campaigns on behalf of the RCC. As a part of the program, students propose projects focused on sustainability and environmental justice that they wish to carry out on their campus or in their community. If accepted into the program, students will be supported over the course of the school year with mentorship from RCC staff and be given the opportunity to publish writings about their work. RCC Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend for their work during the academic year and attend a 2–3-day summer training program with their cohort hosted by RCC staff to sharpen their writing, advocacy and organizing skills. RCC Fellows will also develop critical contacts and experience, joining an RCC alumni network as they look forward to careers as engaged environmental leaders. The application deadline is April 30th.

     

  • iSee

    2021 RFP: iSEE Offers Seed Funding for Interdisciplinary Research Teams

    The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) is announcing a call for proposals to support interdisciplinary research projects on topics related to sustainability, energy, and environment. The iSEE seed funds are available to promote research collaborations among faculty and scientists across campus that will improve their potential for attracting external support.The goal of the funding is to enable interdisciplinary research teams working in any of the five thematic areas of interest to iSEE to collect preliminary data or other information and to develop a strong proposal that can be submitted for external funding through the Institute in 2022-23.The proposal must involve applicants from at least two different disciplines and two different departments and is limited to a maximum of $30,000 for a year. The key factors that will be considered in the selection process include:Scholarly merit, innovation, and substantive interdisciplinarity of the proposed research;Need for collaboration and how well the team is suited to tackle the problem at hand;Potential impact of the proposed research initiative on the field;Potential to develop a large-scale (>$1M), externally funded research program;Productivity of the applicants and quality of their scholarship;Comprehensive plan to pursue external funding with identified opportunities which the applicants will pursue; andThe fit to at least one of iSEE’s five research themes and interest in a longer-term engagement with iSEE to develop research programs in this area.Successful applicants will be expected to submit external funding proposals related to this seed funding through iSEE in 2022-23. iSEE will provide personnel support for proposal development and post-award management for projects that receive external grants to a competitive external funding source over the course of the following year. Recipients will also work with iSEE to communicate the findings of their research, publications, and other outcomes through the Institute website on an ongoing basis. Support will be provided in the form of a research assistantship for graduate students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, postdoc time, data purchase, and/or travel.iSEE will provide administrative support for development of large proposals. Successful external funding proposals submitted through iSEE will not affect indirect cost recovery to the home department of the PI.

  • 2021 We CU Community Engaged Scholars program

    Make a positive impact in the community, build your resume, and fulfill your passion for helping others this summer with the We CU Community Engaged Scholars program. Whether you track the service hours you are already doing, choose from our virtual volunteer opportunities, or develop your own community-based project, We CU provides recognition, support, and training opportunities to enrich your service work and expand your professional skillset. Learn more during an information session at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2. Register for the info session even if you cannot attend to receive a link to the recording and next steps, and priority notification of access to service & leadership opportunities. 

  • 3DS Social Innovation

    3DS Social Innovation at the University of Illinois October 23-25, 2020

    Join us for a 3 day immersive virtual entrepreneurship education experience focused on social and environmental impact!

    • Gain inspiration to be a changemaker

    • Learn practical entrepreneurial skills

    • Build an innovative social venture

    • Network with students across campus

    • Access valuable resources and professional mentorship

    • Pitch for cash prizes to seed the growth of a social venture

    FREE and open to ALL majors and levels 

    For more information and to apply, visit illinois.3daystartup.org

    Application deadline: October 16 by 5 pm.

    Sponsored by Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership

  • 45 Sustainability Resources to Know

    This resource center features 45 noteworthy resources on sustainability, with sections on Green Living, Climate Change and Environmental Protection News, Energy and Technology, Sustainability in Business and Government, Sustainability Careers, Sustainability and the Arts, and Ecotourism.

  • 5 sustainable packaging developments to watch in 2021

    Enjoy this article from GreenBiz, published January 4, 2021!

     

  • euronews

    6 Most In-Demand Jobs for a Greener Future

    Article: “6 Most In-Demand Jobs for a Greener Future”

    Learn more about Urban Growers, Green Builders, Biogas (renewable fuel), hydropower, clean transport, and circular economy jobs in this article by Euronews.com

  • Sietu

    73 Stains: Sweet Potatoes, Sustenance & Sustainability

    Ken Jones looks at food, sustainability and visual art at the intersection of self-care and the Beloved community. Jones will delve into artistic responses to the environment, specifically how African American artists continue to shape and sustain their well-being. We will have the opportunity to learn more about Jones’s multidisciplinary practice and virtually visit his studio. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14TH, 2021. 5:30pm CDT Register here.

     

  • 8 to Create

    8. to CREATE

    Applications due Sept 13 for this nonprofit organization that brings all arts to the CU community by hosting art shows and receptions. We are looking for new members to join our team, allowing you to gain professional development and skills through event planning and practical art/design experience. No previous experience necessary! Apply today!

  • Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals: NGO and Community Engagement in Asia

    Panelists will discuss how their organizations engage with local communities and disadvantaged groups to build a more sustainable future. The session is free to register and designed for international educators regardless of background in the topic area. Due to a participant limit of 100 attendees, we encourage you to register today: Register Here!

    This panel is in conjunction with the Global Learning Collective's Virtual Familiarization Week which includes a series of interactive discussions designed to introduce international educators to sustainability initiatives in each of the Collective’s global regions. Other session topics include Environmental Justice in Africa (EDU Africa), Social Responsibility and Sustainability in Europe (CEPA) and Green Energy Solutions in South America (Campus B).

  • A Conversation with "The Sixth Extinction" Author Elizabeth Kolbert.

    Join Powell's Books for an online conversation with Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Kolbert as she discusses her latest book with author Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org. In "Under a White Sky," Kolbert asks, "After doing so much damage, can we change nature, this time to save it?" She visits with scientists trying to preserve the world's rarest fish, a lava field where engineers are turning carbon emissions to stone, and an Australian aquarium where researchers are trying to develop "super coral."7 p.m. | Tuesday, Feb. 9 | Register for Zoom webinar

  • AIGA, the professional association for design, newsletter sign-up

    Sign up for an email newsletter to be the first to know about AIGA (the professional association for design) updates and communications, including Design Jobs listings and volunteer opportunities.

     

  • Algae-Based Bioplastics Talk.

    Chemistry Professor Mark Crocker, Associate Director of the Center for Applied Energy Research at the University of Kentucky, will explore the potential for algae-based bioplastics such as foam and food packaging in his talk, "Beneficial Re-use of Industrial CO2 Emissions Using Microalgae."Noon-1 p.m. | Thursday, Feb. 11 | Register

     

  • Alley Cropping Field Day at Memorial 4H camp demonstration farm

    Sat, August 21, 2021, 9:00 AM – 1:00. This 35 acre site features a unique partnership that illustrates annual row crop productions between paddocks of native and timber trees, as well as an innovative groundcover experiment utilizing native grasses and forbs. Come prepared to walk the site and learn the many possibilities for agroforestry and alley cropping for soil health, water quality, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and profit diversification! Lunch included.

  • AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate

    The AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate program offers individuals the opportunity to become engaged in a community through an existing AmeriCorps VISTA project for 8, 9, or 10 weeks during the summer starting in May and ending no later than early September. Members can choose between a Segal Education Award (valued at approximately $6,000) to pay for a range of education expenses or a $1,800 cash stipend. 

  • Chicago Design Office Methadone Clinic 2020

    Aneesha Dharwadker (SD faculty committee member): “Architecture for Social Progress”

    Aneesha Dharwadker is an educator and design practitioner and the founder of Chicago Design Office and editor of Transect, a journal of design criticism. She joined the School of Architecture as an assistant professor in 2018. From 2016-18, she was a Designer-in-Residence in the Department of Landscape Architecture. She serves on the Sustainable Design faculty committee and contributed to the development of the new courses and major. Register here for the lecture.

  • Announcing the iSEE Sustainability Grammys!

    We are launching this event to reward RSOs & other student groups for their active participation in sustainability initiatives! Groups are asked to submit an act of sustainability completed between May 2021 and now for a chance to be recognized at the iSEE Grammys on April 21. iSEE will honor several organizations & provide monetary awards for "Best Outreach Event" or "Best New RSO." RSVP by April 1!

    iseegreenoffice@gmail.com.

  • FAA Undergraduate Academic Affairs Office

    Application Open For FAA Ambassadors!

    Are you interested in helping the College of FAA recruit the next class and engage with alumni at events?  FAA Ambassadors are able expected to participate in at least 4 activities during a school year as their schedule permits. Apply by September 8 at http://go.illinois.edu/FAAAmbassadorApp

     

  • Application Open for FAA Ambassadors!

    Are you interested in helping the College of Fine + Applied recruit the next class and engaging with alumni at events?  The FAA Ambassador Program was founded with the goal of cultivating public relations and leadership skills in current students, while offering a unique perspective of the college to prospective students, alumni, and donors.  FAA Ambassadors are a diverse group of enthusiastic, dynamic individuals who have a strong desire to represent their college and university to prospective students, and to elevate the alumni/donor experience.  FAA Ambassadors are able expected to participate in at least 4 activities during a school year as their schedule permits.  Activities include event logistics/planning, interacting with prospective students or alumni at events.  For this fall our ambassadors will participate in virtual student panels & presentations.  Once, our campus opens up ambassadors also help with mailings, tours, on-campus events, etc.  FAA Ambassadors develop recruitment, public relations, fundraising, networking, teambuilding, and event planning skills.  Best of all, ambassadors have fun and make long-lasting friendships.  Please apply by Thursday, September 10 at http://go.illinois.edu/FAAAmbassadorApp   For more information, please contact Kristi Martin-Hoss, Associate Director for Recruitment, at kmartin2@illinois.edu

  • Illinois Impact Incubator

    Applications Open for the Illinois Impact Incubator

    The Illinois Impact Incubator is a co-curricular incubation program for students (all majors, levels) to develop an idea or early-stage venture focused on social or environmental impact. Includes a startup curriculum with workshops, curated resources, peer feedback, access to mentors and expert advisors. Members are eligible for micro grants and seed funding. Individuals or small teams may apply. Due September 10.

  • Apply for an iSEE Communications Internship!

    App due May 15. iSEE is seeking a Communications Intern to support its mission to bridge the gap between science and the public. Start in August 2022.

  • Apply for a Summer 2021 Project Team with the Community-Academic Scholars Initiative

    This initiative matches undergraduates with a faculty mentor and a community partner to address issues affecting our community. This year’s program includes 14 powerful projects from faculty across the University of Illinois that address a range of topics, including the impacts of COVID-19, poverty and social inequality, physical activity, and the role that forest preserves play in community and individual health.

     

  • Apply for NCSA's SPIN AY 2021-22 internships by June 21

    NCSA has a history of nurturing innovative concepts, and some of the best ideas have come from highly motivated, creative undergraduate students. The Students Pushing Innovation (SPIN) internship program was launched to provide University of Illinois undergraduates with the opportunity to participate in hands-on research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects covering focused research areas in Culture and Society, Earth and Environment, Bioinformatics and Health Sciences, Material and Manufacturing, Data and Computational Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Digital Agriculture. Applications are due by midnight June 21, 2021.

    Program dates: August 23, 2021 – May 4, 2022; Work 5 hours/week for 16 weeks each semester; SPIN interns earn $12.50 per hour and are paid as Undergraduate Hourly employees; Open to any UIUC undergraduate student in good academic standing; No restriction on year of study or major; International students are eligible

  • Sustainability

    Apply for SSC funding, available for student-led projects

    Student-led projects with a budget of less than $10,000 are eligible for expedited review. All SSC projects must make a substantial impact on students. This may be a direct impact or an impact through education and engagement. All SSC funding is 100% from student green fees, so the projects funded by the students must benefit them. SSC encourages innovation and new technologies – creative projects are encouraged to apply.

     

  • iSEE

    Apply for Sustainability Internships!

    Are you an Illinois student interested in promoting sustainability? iSEE has several internships opening up for 2021-22, including one to help develop the next generation of a sustainability training video for the campus (graduate student preferred); multiple positions to support iSEE programs and the campus sustainability mission; and on the Communications team (sophomore or junior preferred).

     

  • Apply for the SPIN AY 2020-21 internships at NCSA

    Apply for the SPIN AY 2020-21 internships at NCSA. The application deadline is June 1st.

    NCSA has a history of nurturing innovative concepts, and some of the best ideas have come from highly motivated, creative undergraduate students. The Students Pushing Innovation (SPIN) internship program was launched to provide University of Illinois undergraduates with the opportunity to participate in hands-on research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects covering focused research areas in Culture and Society, Earth and Environment, Bioinformatics and Health Sciences, Material and Manufacturing, Data and Computational Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Digital Agriculture. The SPIN program is now accepting applicants for the 2020-2021 academic year. To apply, please visit our website, spin.ncsa.illinois.edu, and click on the “Mentors” tab to learn about the SPIN projects, and then click on the “Apply” tab. The application deadline is June 1, 2020.

    SPIN Academic Year 2020-21 program details:

    Program dates: August 24, 2020 – May 5, 2021 (Fall and Spring semesters)

    Work 5 hours/week for 16 weeks each semester

    SPIN interns earn $12.50 per hour and are paid as Undergraduate Hourly employees

    Any UIUC undergraduate student in good academic standing and enrolled in 12 credit hours each semester

    No restriction on year of study or major

    International students are eligible

  • Apply to be a SSC Board Member for 21-22

    Deadline May 14. The Student Sustainability Committee is looking for students who wish to become members of the committee in 2021-2022.  There are many #possibilities and #roles available for you to become a #voting member!

     

     

  • Apply to be a UIUC Orientation Leader by Nov 23

    The OL position is designed to offer students the opportunity to implement orientation programming for new students, transfer students, and family members. Orientation Leaders can work summer and fall programming or just fall. $12/hour. Apply at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/1878133082.html

     

     

  • Architectural Studies Minor Application now open

    Students who are interested in minoring in Architecture can now apply to the School of Architecture.

    https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/448575181

  • Architecture as a Social Act lecture

    Tatiana Bilbao received the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture Prize by the LOCUS Foundation in 2014 and will share her work integrating social values, collaboration and sensitive design approaches to architectural work. Monday February 1 from 5:00 – 6:30pm. Register in advance to attend.

  • Architecture BUILDING PERFORMANCE SYMPOSIUM

    Illinois School of Architecture 2020 BUILDING PERFORMANCE SYMPOSIUM

    MARCH 27TH, 2020 1:00pm Plym Auditorium, Temple Buell Hall

    Organized by the Building Performance Program at the Illinois School of Architecture, this symposium brings together leaders in architecture, engineering, and construction to discuss the questions: What are the issues, challenges, and opportunities that will define the role of technology in architectural design and construction in the future? What does the future of building technology look like to you? How will these developments impact what we design and how we design it?

  • Architecture Career Expo

    Illinois School of Architecture

    CAREER XPO

    FEBRUARY 27TH, 2020

    8:00am

    iHotel Conference Center

  • Architecture of the Food System

    “Architecture of the Food System” lecture

    Caitlin Taylor is an architect with a background in agriculture and an interdisciplinary focus on environmental, economic, and social justice in the food system. Taylor has led an independent practice focused on water infrastructure. In this capacity, she was recipient of the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction Gold Prize for her work on urban flood control in Las Vegas. Taylor also lives with her family in Connecticut, where they own and operate an organic vegetable and cut flower farm.

    Register here.

  • Are you interested in serving on a Senate committee?

    Are you interested in serving on a Senate committee?

     

    The Senate of the Urbana-Champaign Campus is a legislative body composed of about 200 faculty, 50 students, and ten academic professional members.

     

    The Senate Committee on Committees is working to fill committee vacancies. If you are interested in filling any of the vacancies listed below, please email: senate@illinois.edu with your interest.

     

    Educational Policy –1 student

    Information Technology – 1 student

    General Education Board – 1 student

     

    Learn more about the committees at https://www.senate.illinois.edu/committees.asp.

  • Billy Almon

    Art + Design Speaker: Billy Almon, "The Process of Creating Empathetic, Restorative Futures with Biology"

    Sep 23, 2021 5:30 pm on Zoom at go.illinois.edu/Almon (register beforehand).  Billy will expose students to the concept of biomimicry and facilitate their exploration of what restorative futures look like in a world where human-led design has resulted in inequitable spaces and systems. Now more than ever, the world needs solutions that are not only sustainable, but are empathetic to the needs and circumstances of the people. Billy will share the process for creating "restorative futures" and detail an ideation process for design that is dynamic and empathetic. After the discussion, A+D students will see how biology-inspired solutions (also known as "biomimicry") can be used as a tool for creating spaces and systems that are inherently efficient and equitable for all human beings. Billy is an Astrobiofuturist who explores biology-inspired solutions to improve the human condition. View his website here

  • BAILEY GLOBAL SCHOLARS

    A 7-month program designed to help University of Illinois students grow as responsible and engaged global citizens by supporting critical reflection, dialogue, and action across differences of culture and power. Bailey Global Scholars will participate in an online "Education through Global Engagement" program during the Spring 2021 semester culminating in a volunteer immersion (virtual or in person) capstone experience during Summer 2021. Participants will receive a $1000 scholarship for Spring '21. Applications accepted October 5 - November 8.

  • BAILEY UNPAID INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

    Offers academic scholarships to undergraduate students at the Univ of IL who will complete an unpaid internship with a public service agency or not-for profit organization. Awards are $1,000 for a part-time internship or $2,500 for a full-time internship and are given directly to the student. Apply for Spring 2021. Applications accepted October 5 - November 8. 

     

  • Bates Scholarship Fund for FAA Continuing Student Success

    The College of FAA has scholarship funding available to assist FAA students in good standing who encounter an unforeseen financial need which would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education at UIUC.  These funds are awarded based on unforeseen financial circumstances and are not meant to simply supplement a student’s education funding.   The maximum award is $1,000. Deadline is Monday, February 8, 2021.

  • Bates Scholarship Fund for FAA Continuing Student Success

    The College of Fine + Applied Arts has scholarship funding available to assist FAA students in good standing who encounter an unforeseen financial need which would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education at UIUC.  These funds are awarded based on unforeseen financial circumstances and are not meant to simply supplement a student’s education funding.   The maximum award is $1,000. Deadline is Wed, September 9. https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/2900922

  • Bridge Logo

    Better Responsibility Initiative - Design for Good Earth

    The Better Responsibility Initiative - Design for Good Earth (BRIDGE) is an initiative started by Zhejiang University (ZJU), China. The 2021 initiative covers 5 design themes: Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Sustainable Consumption and Productions. Sign up here ASAP to join!

  • Bike Census Spring 2021

    The Bike Census Spring 2021 is next Wednesday, April 28, from 10 – 11 AM. Bike Census is a collaborative, community-wide effort between Facilities & Services (F&S) and Champaign County Bikes that began in 2013 as part of ongoing improvement efforts to support the campus’ Bicycle Friendly University status.

    If you are available to volunteer next Wednesday morning, please sign up here. There will be a virtual training session beforehand at 9 AM.

     

  • CU Bike Day

    Bike to School/Work Day

    Champaign County Bike to Work Day returns this semester. There will be 17 welcoming stations open between 7 and 10 a.m., with nine on the Urbana campus. Grab a snack and get some free Bike at Illinois merchandise, including a T-shirt! To get the free T-shirt, you must register and bring your bicycle! 

  • Biodesign Challenge 2022: Applications Open until September 16

    "Biodesign Challenge is an education program and competition that is shaping the first generation of biodesigners. We partner high school and university students with scientists, artists, and designers to envision, create, and critique transformational applications in biotech." https://www.biodesignchallenge.org/

  • Bridging Climate Science & Design Education talk, AIGA Professional Association for Design conference

    GD Associate Professor Eric Benson will be joining three other design faculty from across the country Mon 11/9 at 5 ET to discuss climate science in the design classroom at the AIGA | the professional association for design

    2020 Conference! There is a fee to attend the professional conference.

     

  • Buildings Don’t Need to Kill Birds: A conservation issue where anyone can make a difference

    Join this lecture from the Dept of Landscape Architecture on Monday, October 12, 5:30pm-6:30pm Central Time. Dr. Christine Sheppard (Ph.D., Cornell) is director of the Birds Collisions Campaign at the American Bird Conservancy and emeritus Curator of Birds at the Bronx Zoo, where she served from 1978 to 2009. Sheppard has conducted extensive research on modern structures and glass as lethal dangers to birds and ways to mitigate that problem through design. This lecture will take place online on Zoom, RSVP to receive the zoom link here.

  • Building Stuff: Materials From the Earth That Sustain Our Built Environment

    Building Stuff: Materials From the Earth That Sustain Our Built Environment

    Concrete in sidewalks, brick in buildings, and glass in windows are derived from rocks and sediments, but use of these materials comes at an environmental cost. Join Professor Emeritus Stephen Marshak, former Director of the School of Earth, Society and Environment, as he kicks off his three-part lecture series, "Where Stuff Comes From: Earth's Resources & Sustainability." 

    September 29, 12–1 pm • Zoom | Password 758636

    Julie Wurth Asmussen • Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

  • Champaign County Coalition

    C4 Social Media Internship Available!

    The Champaign County Climate Coalition (C4) is looking for several social media/marketing interns to share information, resources, and opportunities with the county-wide community. Applicants must have enthusiasm for climate action and experience with marketing and social media; graphic design experience appreciated. This is an unpaid internship. To apply, email your resume and/or a letter of interest describing your qualifications to Savannah Donovan at sydonovan@urbanaparks.org.

  • CABBI Offers New Summer Internship!

    A new research opportunity for undergraduates interested in a STEM career will launch this summer at the Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI). The Research Internship in Sustainable Bioenergy (RISE) is a 10-week summer program designed to provide research and career development opportunities to undergraduates from groups underrepresented in STEM fields. Students will be paired with a mentor, attend seminars, and present their work. $4,800 stipend; application deadline is April 23