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Sustainable Design Opportunities & Events

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  • Zumwalt Acres agroforestry farm apprenticeships

    Zumwalt Acres is an agroforestry farm practicing methods of agriculture that are regenerative, draw down carbon, and align with Jewish values (but is interfaith). It is about an 1.5 hours from CU that has an apprenticeship program.  I think they provide room and board, with a possibility of a stipend. They mention wanting apprentices with skills including web design, filmmaking and photography and are open to non-listed skills that will benefit the program—perhaps sustainable design. They collaborate with Yale to “engage in cutting-edge climate change mitigation research.”

  • workshops

    Workshops at Illinois Makerslab

    Current workshops at the Makerlab. Join us at the Makerlab to turn ideas into objects. Besides our open hours,  you can sign up for a variety of workshops below. If these workshops or the times don’t work for you, you can even request a private event.  Don't forget to sign up for our Newsletter to stay up to date!  

  • Workshop: "Low-Temperature Geothermal Research and Applications"

    The Illinois Geothermal Coalition, iSEE, Facilities & Services, and the Illinois Water Resources Center are hosting a workshop on the future of geothermal at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Hear scientists, engineers, practitioners, decision-makers, and stakeholders involved in low-temperature geothermal energy studies, developments, and policy-making from the U of I and beyond! November 5, 8:30–11:30 AM • Zoom (Password 226197)

     

  • Why Does Environmental Law Fail to Protect Our Environment?

    May 2, 7 pm. Join us for a presentation led by Heidi M. Hurd, Ross, and Helen Workman Chair in Law and Professor of Philosophy at Univ of IL. She will investigate tough questions about Environmental law and offers her insight into its shortcomings.

  • internships

    What internships or jobs can you get with a B.S. in Sustainable Design?

    View a March 2021 recorded session with Prof. Schneider, Asst. Dean Turner, Assoc. Dir. Rundell discussing opportunities for Sustainable Design majors.

  • WEGE PRIZE 2021: Design for a Circular Economy

    Wege Prize is an annual competition that ignites game-changing solutions for the future by inspiring college/university students around the world to collaborate across institutional, disciplinary, and cultural boundaries to redesign the way economies work.  Participants contend for over $30,000 in total cash prizes, all while helping to show the world what the future of problem-solving looks like. TEAM APPLICATION DUE 11/9/2020. 

  • We CU Community Engaged Scholars program

    Make a positive impact in the community while building your resume and receiving recognition for your community-based work. The We CU Community Engaged Scholars program provides training, connection to like-minded peers, access to service opportunities with partner organizations, and support from We CU program leaders. Learn more during an information session at 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 28Register for the info session even if you can’t attend so that you will receive a link to the recording and instructions for joining the program.

     

  • We CU Community-Engaged Scholars Fall Info Session September 1, 4:00p

    We CU will hold a virtual info session on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.

    The We CU Community Engaged Scholars Program empowers students to make a positive impact while building their resume and becoming more connected to the Champaign-Urbana community. We CU is open to all students interested in service work, whether you are already involved in service or seeking an opportunity to get involved.

    Sustainable Design students working with or seeking to work with the local community, consider connecting with the We CU Community Engaged Scholars Program!

  • We CU Community Engaged Scholars

    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.

  • We CU Community Engaged Scholars

    Join a community of students interested in making a positive impact in the world! Whether you are already involved in service or you are interested in getting involved, We CU offers training, support, service opportunities with community partners, a chance to connect with like-minded peers and university recognition for your service. Learn more at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8. 

  • virtual Dieline Conference (sustainable package design industry)

    Sept 14 - 15, virtual. $299 cost. Impressive lineup of speakers and a great networking opportunity for those interested in sustainable packaging, regenerative design, and learning about various sustainable agencies. 

  • VIRTUAL ALL-CAMPUS CAREER AND INTERNSHIP FAIR

    April 7, 2022  |  Noon – 5 p.m.

    Find a full-time or a Summer Internship! This fair is open to all majors and hosted in Handshake. This is the chance to meet with employers one-on-one through video, audio, or chat. Discover new career and internship opportunities, and get personalized recommendations based on your Handshake profile. Sign up now for 1:1 appointments with employers to get times that work best with your schedule. Register in advance at go.illinois.edu/AllCampusFair

  • Campus Rainworks Challenge

    USEPA Campus Rainworks Challenge

    A design competition seeking UIUC students: EPA is pleased to launch its 10th annual green infrastructure design competition for American universities that seeks to engage with the next generation of environmental professionals and showcase the environmental, economic, and social benefits of green infrastructure practices. Stormwater pollution is a problem that impacts public health and water quality in communities across the country. Check out the official 2021 Campus RainWorks Challenge Competition Brief. The brief contains details on the challenge's design categories, submission requirements, and rules for participation. Registration goes until October 1, 2021.

  • Rainworks Challenge

    U.S. EPA Campus Rainworks Challenge

    Green Stormwater Infrastructure design competition for colleges and universities; Multi-disciplinary team lead from UIUC won this national competition in 2017; Cash prize to top two teams in each category. Dr. Art Schmidt  (aschmidt@Illinois.edu) is willing to help serve as faculty mentor and can coordinate among interested students & faculty.

  • Upcycled Fashion Design Project Fellow

    Apps due Oct 1. Project Phoenix is an Illinois student initiative to give high school students a platform to highlight their fashion design interests and create their own upcycled clothing brands! The group offers one- to two-hour weekend workshops to teach Champaign-Urbana high school students applicable fashion and graphic design skills and provide opportunities in business and entrepreneurship. U of I students can sign up now to be a Project Fellow! 

  • U of I Student Authors New Book: “Coming Full Circle.”

    iSEE SWATeam Clerk Alexa Smith recently completed work on a book about the circular economy and zero waste movements, exploring how we can transform our economy and environment through business. Inspired by zero-waste advocates, Smith hopes to encourage other young entrepreneurs to invest in the circular economy and "turn trash into cash" — and inspire the rest of us live a more sustainable life!

  • Univ of Vermont

    Univ of Vermont SUM 21 Sustainability Research internship using industrial hemp

    University of Vermont summer research opportunity: During this 3-week program, conduct pathbreaking interdisciplinary research on the cultural, economic and scientific roles of the agricultural transition toward industrial hemp production. This is a great opportunity for students interested in natural and environmental sciences; sustainability; design thinking and visualization; economics and community development. Selected students will receive housing, travel and meal accommodations, as well as a stipend. Students attending all U.S. institutions are eligible. Applications due March 31.

  • URAP

    Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP @ UI) Applications

    The URAP@UI program offers undergraduate students with little or no research experience the opportunity to assist grad students & post-docs with their research projects. Apply by Oct 11 to join our Spring 2022 cohort.

  • Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) - Applications due Oct. 6

    The Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) is a program that offers undergraduate students who have no or minimal experience with research an opportunity to work with graduate students and post-doctoral scholar mentors on their research projects. This program is excellent preparation for students going on to graduate school or who wish to focus on research in their careers. Read more...

  • UIUC UX Day

    12-7pm on Friday March 25 at the Siebel Center for Design. Invited to speak will be professionals representing three types of design jobs - design done in-house, Big Tech design teams, and consulting firms that work with industry on design-related content. In parallel throughout the day, we will also be hosting 30 minute 1:1 sessions between professionals and students.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/design-illinois-presents-first-annual-uiuc-ux-day-registration-254726242047

  • UIUC Student Tour Guide job

    Undergraduate Admissions is currently seeking to hire new student representatives to serve as I STARs, our campus tour guides. The link to the application is posted on the Illinois Job Board can be found online here: https://enroll.illinois.edu/register/fall2021istar. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 21st.

  • UIUC student groups to be aware of:

    Student Sustainability Committee: https://ssc.sustainability.illinois.edu/

    Students for Environmental Concerns: https://www.facebook.com/SECSUIUC/ Our first virtual meeting for the semester will be held on September 2nd, 2020 at 6:30 pm. We will include information about our club, history, and how to get involved. To participate in this meeting, please fill out the google form below to gain access to the call. Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6VOUyUR1CCZnbfsNFTq32Hsirwk01LypS5kyGNo8pz8vsZg/viewform?usp=sf_link

    More listed at https://faa.illinois.edu/majors-minors/sustainable-design-campus 

    All of them are listed at https://illinois.campuslabs.com/engage/

  • UIUC Solar Sites Open House

    April 22, 9–10:30 AM  Ever wonder how far UIUC has come in solar energy use? Visit the UIUC Solar Sites hosted on Topia, an interactive online platform, to learn about campus areas producing solar energy! Contacts will be available to answer questions about the solar installation at each site. During the virtual open house, contact people will be available at each solar site.

  • Solar Farm

    UIUC Solar Farm 2.0

    UIUC Solar Farm 2.0 is energized!

    The newly completed Solar Farm 2.0 at the northwest corner of First Street and Curtis Road is online! The 54-acre solar array began generating power for the campus earlier this month, with the capability to produce 20,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of solar energy per year.

    Combined with Solar Farm 1.0 on Windsor Road (7,000 MWh/year) and smaller installations, the added capacity pushes the campus beyond the target set in the 2015 Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) to generate 25,000 MWh/year of solar by FY 2025. A wind power-purchase agreement brings the total campus clean energy to 50,000 MWh/year. Solar Farm 2.0 will also feature native plants to support a pollinator habitat!

  • Handshake

    UIUC Social Impact Info Session w/ City Year, Teach for America, and Peace Corps

    Wednesday, March 10th 4-5pm (virtual event)

    Sign up through Handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/702514

     

  • Udall Scholarship

    The Udall awards $7,000 to sophomores or juniors in any field who are taking action to address environmental concerns and are committed to a career related to the environment. Students must be US citizens, US nationals, or US permanent residents. A successful applicant will have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate leadership and a commitment to service. Join a Info session and application workshop on Nov 5 & 6. 

  • Tree City USA Conference.

    The Arbor Day Foundation is organizing a Tree City USA Virtual Conference, divided into hour-long presentations on three Wednesdays in February. The conference will foster connections between Tree City USA communities and advance urban and community forestry work around the country, to address climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable urban development. Registration is free for all Tree City/Campus USA communities and campuses (use the code "treecity").11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. | Wednesdays, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24 | Register

     

  • Transformative Teaching & Learning: Arts, Crafts, & Design in Engineering, Science & Medical Education.

    Scientist, humanist, and artist Bob Root-Bernstein argues that our 19th-century educational model of specialization no longer works given the multiple careers, retraining, and innovation required in a knowledge economy. He will discuss how creative people use the arts to drive innovation in STEM fields. Root-Bernstein studies metabolic control systems, autoimmune diseases, drug development, and the creative process in the sciences and arts. 10 a.m.-Noon | Thursday, Oct. 15 | Zoom link Password 774626

  • Clean Production

    Tools for Safer Chemicals—from Chemicals to Products to Organizations

    Demand for inherently safer chemicals in products and manufacturing operations is on the rise. Consumers, institutional purchasers, and retailers want products made with safer chemicals. Brands are requiring suppliers to avoid hazardous chemicals and use safer alternatives. Investors prefer companies that commit to reducing their chemical footprint. And governments are restricting the use of hazardous chemicals in products. This session will explore tools for: Identifying chemicals of concern and safer chemicals; Identifying products made with safer chemicals; Creating organizational capacity to move ahead of regulatory compliance in chemicals management.

    Feb 25, 2021   12:00 - 1:00 pm  Register here

  • Daser Experiments

    Thursday, Sept. 23: Art, Empathy, and Climate Change Online Discussion

    What role can empathy play in combating climate change? Join Cultural Programs of the NAS on Thursday, Sept. 23, at noon EDT for a conversation on Zoom with a group of scientists, artists, and filmmakers as they discuss why empathy is important for motivating individuals to take action as well as for forming effective interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex issues related to climate change. They will share approaches and tools they use that help create empathy. Featuring photographer James Balog, American University (AU) Museum at the Katzen Arts Center current exhibiting artist Diane Burko, AU professor and environmental scientist Kiho Kim, and AU professor and filmmaker Maggie Stogner. For more information and to register, click here.

  • Winners with Competition Sponsors

    Three Sustainable Design Students Win the Reimagine Our Future Design Competition!

    Margot O’Malley, Tom George, and Jasper Nord won the third annual Reimagine Our Future Sustainability Competition in December 2023, hosted by UIUC.

  • The Uneasy Relationship Between Science and Politics discussion

    The Uneasy Relationship Between Science and Politics

    Join us for a roundtable discussion focused on the uneasy relationship between science and politics and how that relationship currently plays out across our world. This event is the first in our “Global STEAM in an Age of Crisis” roundtable discussion series. For more information, please visit igi.illinois.edu/globalsteam

    October 1, 4–5 pm • Map

    Josephine Geigner • IGI Global STEAM Working Group and Applied Research Institute

  • The Post-Work City: Submit your art & design projects

    We invite you to submit art and design projects that imagine what cities could be like in a world where we no longer had to work in order to sustain ourselves. Such a prospect demands a total rethinking of the existing spatial organization of society, since contemporary cities are designed with one particular universal in mind: the pervasiveness of work. Submit by December 20 and a curated selection will be featured in an online exhibition. https://postwork.city/ 

  • The New Speed of Politics: Technology and Sustainability in the EU

    Countries of the European Union have collectively offered a leading global voice on the use of technology for local and planetary sustainability. Please join the EU Center for this panel event on Thursday, November 12 at noon featuring two former members of the European Parliament. For more information and to register, click here. November 12, 12 PM

  • lwv

    ‘The Impact of Climate Change in Chicago and Illinois.’

    6:30-7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, Nov. 9. The League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale will host this free virtual event to discuss what climate change will look like in Illinois and the role local governments can play in achieving effective environmental policy solutions. 

  • The Illinois Leadership Center Now Hiring Undergraduate Students!

    The Illinois Leadership® Center (ILC) is hiring for the 2021-2022 academic year!

    We are now accepting applications for the following positions until Monday, February 8th...

    • Communication & Marketing Specialist 
    • Leadership Certificate Program Specialist 
    • Data Analytics Specialist 
    • Graf Intern
    • Podcast Intern*
    • Photographer*
  • The Idea Store: Lessons in Creative Reuse

    The Idea Store celebrates its 10th anniversary this fall, proving that creative reuse efforts can garner solid community support. Carol Jo Morgan, co-founder of The Idea Store, will share lessons learned, success stories, nuts and bolts, goals reached, and plans to move forward. October 8, 12–1 PM

  • The Environment is Not Neutral- lecture

    Much of the general public ignores the environment and environmental conditions until they become intolerable. People unconsciously make accommodations for poor fit with the environment or blame the occupants for unhealthy behaviors. These poor-fit conditions and the unconscious accommodations and unhealthy behaviors they engender, can increase individual- and population-health vulnerabilities. Environmental designers have a hand in human health outcomes and must help identify and develop interventions that contribute to the battle against chronic and acute mental and physical illnesses.

    Professor Lynn Dearborn is a Professor in the Illinois School of Architecture.

  • The Career Center summer workshop series “Landing a Job in the Digital Age”

    The Career Center will be putting on a summer workshop series for students entitled “Landing a Job in the Digital Age” throughout the month of July.  We will focus on various job search-related topics in a post-Covid 19 and increasingly digital world.  This series would be a great fit for both students who are currently in a job or internship search, or for those looking to get a head start on strategies for an upcoming search. 

    Effective Networking- Wednesday, July 1, 5-6 p.m. (Zoom)Register at https://go.illinois.edu/SummerWorkshopSeries

    The Job Search Process- Wednesday, July 8, 5-6 p.m. (Zoom)Register at https://go.illinois.edu/SummerWorkshopSeries

    Acing Your Interview- Wednesday, July 15, 5-6 p.m. (Zoom)Register at https://go.illinois.edu/SummerWorkshopSeries

  • The Biodesign Challenge: Seeking student project fellows!

    Illinois is registered for The Biodesign Challenge (BDC) and you can join in! Learn more from this video and to get involved, consider filling out one of the project fellowship applications! Symmetry (wood project): https://forms.gle/dYkieaXR9FqykuBL9 CreAlgae: https://tinyurl.com/y63fthge Alternatively, if you like Enactus's overall social entrepreneurship mission, consider applying to become a new member at illinoisenactus.com.

  • Tetra Tech Summer Internship

    Sustainability Intern, Tetra Tech

  • TED Talk: Eco-Edition series - Plastics

    March 30, 7–8 PM  We will view a prerecorded TED Talk ("A Radical Plan to End Plastic Waste" ) followed by a guided discussion and roundtable. Sign up to learn, discuss, and connect with peers in a casual, social setting.

  • TED Talk: Eco-Edition series - Fast Fashion

    2/22 from 7-8 PM on Zoom! Mona Fang (Co-Founder of Karma Trade/Aerospace Engineering student) and Josh Jay James (Chief Marketing Officer/Marketing student) will host the discussion on sustainability in the fashion industry. We will view a prerecorded TED Talk followed by a group discussion.

  • TED Talk: Eco-Edition — “Earth Month and Environmental Activism.”

    Join us 7-8 p.m. Thursday, April 29, for a "TED Talk: Eco-Edition" focusing on environmental activism. Together, participants will view a prerecorded TED Talk, presented in July 2020 by Xiye Bastida: "If you adults won't save the world, we will." Afterward, all are invited to participate in a discussion and roundtable hosted by iSEE Intern Maria Maring. Register on Zoom >>>

  • iSee

    ‘TED Talk: Eco-Edition’ Celebrates America Recycles Day!

    Nov. 15, 6pm. America Recycles Day! Our first community hosts — Nichole Millage, City of Champaign Environmental Sustainability Specialist, and Susan Monte, Champaign County Planner and Recycling Coordinator — will lead a guided discussion on local recycling efforts, the importance of waste reduction, and how individual actions make a difference. Participants will first view a prerecorded TED Talk by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff: "Trash is Ruining Recycling."

  • TED Talk: Eco-Edition - Bikes!

    May 26, 2021 06:00 PM. This month's gathering will focus on bikes in celebration of Bike Month. Together, participants will view a prerecorded TED Talk, presented in May 2019 by Adam Stones: "How cycling transforms people and places." Afterward, all are invited to participate in a guided discussion and roundtable. 

  • iSee

    'TED Talk: Eco-Edition' - A Sustainable Economy

    6 p.m. | Tuesday, Oct. 19 | Register. Explore what goes into a sustainable, beneficial economy. Participants will view a prerecorded TED Talk by Kate Raworth, “A healthy economy should be designed to thrive, not grow.” SWATeam Clerk Alexa Smith, senior in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, will then lead a guided discussion! 

     

  • David Lammy

    TED Talk: Eco-Edition!

    Join us for iSEE's first "TED Talk: Eco-Edition," focusing this month on Environmental Justice! Together, participants will view a TED Talk presented by David Lammy, the first Black Member of Parliament to hold the Justice post in British Parliament, titled "Climate Justice Can't Happen Without Racial Justice." Afterward, all are invited to participate in a guided discussion and roundtable. Sign up to learn, discuss, and connect with peers in a casual, social setting.7 p.m. | Thursday, Feb. 25 | Register

  • Sustainable September events

    The Y Sustainability Committee invites you to join us for our first ever Sustainability Challenge Month. Every day, we will issue a challenge on our social media and resources as well as strategies and ideas for how to successfully complete that challenge in your everyday life. Share your attempts to meet our challenge by posting a photo or video with the hashtag #ysustainabillitychallenge.  Each time you share, you will be entered into a raffle to earn prizes.

  • Sustainable Design Welcome Event, Fri 8/20

    Fri, August 20th, 3:00 – 5:00PM. Outdoor Courtyard, north of Architecture Building

    Introductions, Design Activity, and tour the Red Oak Rain Garden. This event will take place outdoors. See your email for program details.