Students’ Impact in Sustainability

Ethan Hunt ‘26 partnered with mentors at Northwestern University to explore greener, safer pathways for chemical manufacturing. His research focused on developing environmentally friendly osmium-based catalysts that can replace highly toxic osmium tetroxide—a major step toward safer industrial chemistry.

These new complexes enable oxidation reactions using only water and electricity, dramatically reducing the need for hazardous chemicals. Ethan demonstrated that these catalysts efficiently oxidize thioethers with strong yields under mild, energy-efficient conditions, proving their viability for real-world applications.

By advancing cleaner catalytic processes, Ethan’s work supports more sustainable production in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and common consumer products. His research highlights how innovative chemistry can reduce environmental impact, improve workplace safety, and drive the transition to more responsible industrial practices.

Senior Amada Garcia collaborated with experts at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on an ambitious sustainability project exploring how plastic waste could be transformed into food. Her research centered on engineering yeast strains capable of converting plastic-derived compounds into nutrient-rich ingredients. Each strain offered distinct advantages, like enhanced nutrition, flavor, or probiotic benefits, incorporated into a 3D-printed food prototype.

Her project, microBite, demonstrates a proof of concept: using biotechnology to turn waste into nutrition. By integrating engineered biomass with oat-based substrates to create a printable food product, microBite showcases the promise of circular food systems that repurpose waste streams into sustainable nourishment. Amada’s work reimagines plastic byproducts not as pollution, but as a resource, advancing resilient approaches to food production and environmental stewardship.

Henry Maginel ‘27 explored how roof-mounted wind turbines could strengthen renewable energy generation in urban environments, using the greater Chicago area as a model. His project examined how varying turbine sizes could complement existing solar installations—particularly on buildings with expansive roof space, such as superstores.

Henry’s analysis found that even modest additions can make a meaningful impact. A small turbine installed on a Chicago skyscraper, for example, could supply up to 3% of the building’s energy needs, translating into more than $71,000 in annual savings.

His work underscores the potential of hybrid renewable systems and offers practical strategies for cities seeking to cut fossil fuel reliance, lower energy costs, and transition toward cleaner, more resilient infrastructure.

Julia Stamberger ‘92

Julia develops sustainable food products using globally cultivatable cover crops to feed growing populations amid climate change. She launched Hope and Sesame, the first commercialized sesame milk. In 2023, she as named in Crain’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability and as a Chicago Innovation Award winner.

Sara Goeking ‘92

Sara is advancing sustainability in Illinois and beyond by providing critical forest research data. As the first woman to serve as National Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis program, she leads inclusive teams, mentors early-career scientists, and promotes gender equity in climate science.

Ramez Naam ‘90

Ramez is an author, speaker, and investor shaping perspectives on clean energy. He was recently recognized as a Top 30 Futurist Professional by Global Gurus. His work has changed the mindset in energy, showing that clean technologies are preferable because they are better and more cost-effective over time.