9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Conference Check-In
10:00 AM: Opening Remarks by Lara Fowler
10:15 AM - 11:45 AM: SDG Labs: BOOST
12:00 PM - 12:40 PM: Concurrent Sessions (Part 1)
- Local Climate Action Program: An Opportunity for Students to Affect Global Change at the Local Scale
- Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Student-Driven Sustainability Initiatives
- Sustainable Travel Abroad
- Promoting Inclusion on Campus through Sustainable Virtual Reality Tours #WeAreIncluded
- Role of Microfinance in Poverty Eradication
- Tour of Buckhout Lab's Botany Greenhouses
- An Informal Tour of the Exhibition Magnificare: the Environmental Ceramic Works of Marguerita Hagan
12:40 PM - 1:25 PM: Lunch catered by Taproot Kitchen
Location: Huck Life Sciences Third-Floor Bridge
1:25 PM - 2:05 PM: Concurrent Sessions (Part 2)
- EcoBricks: A Solution to Plastic Pollution
- "Breaking Barriers: Personal Insights into Sustainable Entrepreneurship"
- Engine using SOLIDWORKS
- Quality of Education
- Tour of Buckhout Lab's Botany Greenhouses
- An Informal Tour of the Exhibition Magnificare: the Environmental Ceramic Works of Marguerita Hagan
- Ross Student Farm Tour (This is a double session that will run until 2:50)
2:10 PM - 2:50 PM: Concurrent Sessions (Part 3)
- What’s the tea on the SDGS: A Gen-Z Take on the SDGS
- Global Population Health Research
- Experiential Digital Global Engagement (EDGE): Enhancement of Global Citizenship and Sustainability Awareness
- Natural and Holistic Alternatives for Remedies and Life Products
- Tour of Buckhout Lab's Botany Greenhouses
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM: Student Discussion Panel
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Certificates
The Global Sustainable Action: It Starts with Us Conference is an annual half-day, on-campus event at University Park that aims to:
- Showcase how culture & sustainability are linked
- Deepen intercultural understanding and foster respect for diversity and difference
- Provide a platform that fosters the exchange of people, culture, ideas, and practices to raise global awareness
- Expand commitments to sustainable actions!
Hosted by Penn State Global & Penn State Sustainability
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Opening Remarks by Lara Fowler
Huck Life 100
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
Lara Fowler is the Chief Sustainability Officer of Penn State University and Director of the Penn State Sustainability, as well as a Professor of Teaching at Penn State Law and Affiliate Faculty at the Penn State School of International Affairs.
10:15 AM - 11:45 AM
SDG Labs: BOOST hosted by Jessica LeBlanc
Huck Life 100
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
Boost your SDG engagement by joining the Action Planning Workshop where we walk through how to design and implement a local SDG project! In groups you’ll work on real life project ideas for Penn State to take action on throughout the school year!
Jess (she/her) is your go-to girl for everything SDGs LAB and her passion for youth empowerment and sustainability exudes through everything she executes at FES. Studying International Development and Social Entrepreneurship in both Canada (Wilfrid Laurier University) and Europe (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia), the SDGs are part of her educational foundation, giving her insights on communicating wicked problems to youth in engaging and inspiring ways.
Local Climate Action Program: An Opportunity for Students to Affect Global Change at the Local Scale by Brandi Robinson and Peter Buck
Huck Life 010
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
This presentation will explore the Local Climate Action Program which partners students from majors across the university over the course of two semesters with local government officials around Pennsylvania to inventory greenhouse gas emissions and partner on climate policy solutions. This session will provide insight on how students can get involved with the program.
Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Student-Driven Sustainability Initiatives by Harman Singh
Huck Life 009
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
The College of Earth and Mineral Science's (EMS) Sustainability Council: Student Committee comprises of undergraduate and graduate students. In summer 2022, the addition of a student committee to the existing EMS Sustainability Council was proposed by EMS alumni Carl Aquino and Harman. This committee views halting and reversing anthropogenic climate change as a major challenge facing Penn State, the commonwealth, nation, and global society, for which they believe the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is well suited to provide leadership. They believe that students in the college can play to their strengths and contribute in numerous areas to address the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. Today's presentation will highlight the work of this group over the past year, which was done keeping student interests and needs in mind.
Sustainable Travel Abroad by Gemma Morrison
Huck Life 012
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
Presenting on Penn State Education Abroad's 'Big Impact Small Footprint' initiative, which has grown from our SP23 'Stay Local' initiative. This year, ten Big Ten Academic Alliance schools are promoting sustainable travel to our students, providing them with resources, and asking them to pledge to limit their travel on one weekend during their semester abroad. The goals of this initiative are to inform and empower students to make more sustainable travel choices while they study abroad in order to decrease their carbon footprints and engage them with sustainability concepts.
Promoting Inclusion on Campus through Sustainable Virtual Reality Tours #WeAreIncluded by Kimberly Hemmings-Jarrett, Sahana Elangovan, Jayani Jayakanthan, and Sarah Mae Johnson
Huck Life 011
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
After experiencing almost 2 years of pandemic lockdowns and movement restrictions, everyone has gained new appreciation for the safety and convenience of the virtual world including but not limited to online work, school and socializing. While web 3.0 technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can facilitate accessing immersive experiences that might have otherwise been unavailable or unreachable to many, it also creates space for new and unforeseen inequities. Immersive technological activities obscure diverse physical characteristics in virtual spaces, potentially creating new designations of privileged and marginalized, hinged on the individual’s ability to participate in the digital space equitably, where the privileged are defined by those who “can” and the marginalized as those who “can’t”. Alternatively, web 3.0 has almost limitless opportunities to bridge some physical inequities related to global travel. Students who are often unable to participate in global travel experiences e.g. embedded programs because of finance, family obligations or physical disabilities, may now have more opportunities through virtual reality i.e. embedded-VR. Used appropriately, web 3.0 technologies can help to improve the quality of education (goal 4) and better prepare persons for decent work and economic growth (goal 8) and strive to reduce additional inequalities (goal 10).
Role of Microfinance in Poverty Eradication by Aqsa Ali
Huck Life 013
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
According to the World Bank's report on "Poverty and Shared Prosperity" (2022), global poverty is rising at an alarming rate. By the year 2030, it is estimated that 600 million people will be living in abject poverty. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have worsened the economic crisis, resulting in a poverty rate increase from 8.4 percent in 2019 to 9.3 percent in 2022. The report reveals that nearly 47 percent of the world's population lives on less than USD 6.85 per day.
Sub-Saharan Africa, rural areas, and vulnerable segments of society such as women, children, disabled individuals, and transgender people are the most affected regions and populations, as indicated by the report. Given these catastrophic circumstances, it is imperative to implement innovative and targeted measures to eradicate poverty worldwide. Microfinance is one such solution provided by Dr. Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh to resolve the problem of absolute poverty in rural Bangladesh.
Microfinance is a comprehensive term that encompasses various financial services aimed at empowering individuals in poor communities. The purpose of lending is to generate income through engagement in small enterprises or local businesses. According to a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) titled "Missing Entrepreneurs" (2021), the field of microfinance has experienced tremendous growth, with a total global loan portfolio estimated at USD 145-160 billion. This figure is expected to further increase to USD 400 billion by 2027. The report also reveals that approximately 10,000 MFIs operate worldwide, with the majority located in developing countries. The spread of the microfinance movement can be attributed to factors such as the absence of policies catering to vulnerable populations, lack of trust in the formal banking system, and the success of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh.
Tour of Buckhout Lab's Botany Greenhouses by Sophie Marsh
Meeting location: Huck Life 014
Recurring for concurrent sessions 1, 2 & 3. These sessions will not be offered virtually.
The tour will begin inside of Buckhout lab. An overview of the greenhouses will be given, including who works here and what research is being done. We will walk throughout the orchid room, the conservatory, the flower room, and look into other research rooms (that cannot be entered). The most important parts of our collection will be identified, what is currently in bloom or about to bloom, and the history behind some of the key species we have. We will conclude the tour in the free plant room where any tour attendee can take a plant from our giveaway benches.
An Informal Tour of the Exhibition Magnificare: the Environmental Ceramic Works of Marguerita Hagan by Robert Sparrow Jones
Meeting location will be the ground floor lobby in the Huck Life Sciences Building.
Tours will be offered during sessions 1 & 2. These sessions will not be offered virtually.
Marguerita Hagan is a ceramic sculptor based in Philadelphia. Her exhibition “Magnificare” sheds light on a multiplex of senses and dimensions from the eye, mind, and heart to sustainable actions. Each series in the exhibition honors and celebrates mutually thriving communities and environments. Her play with scale makes physically visible the micro jewels of the ocean and her tributaries. In a cohesive and diverse body of ceramics, the works illuminate interdependence and engagement while magnifying our awareness, reciprocal responsibility, and protection of each other and our planet.
EcoBricks: A Solution to Plastic Pollution by Mary Ann Smith
Huck Life 009
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
EcoBricks are made around the world using soda bottles to capture small plastic waste and turn the product into something useful. Within this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about EcoBricking and actually participate in the creation of community EcoBricks. Participants will work through the different steps required to make a successful EcoBrick and compare them to ones that have failed inspection, while understanding why this is important for global waste management. Additionally, the workshop will demonstrate some uses for EcoBricks for the American household and see examples of projects from around the world. Come learn about the interesting world of EcoBricking and how you can make an impact.
"Breaking Barriers: Personal Insights into Sustainable Entrepreneurship" by Daniel Garcia
Huck Life 013
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
The purpose of this presentation is to motivate my peers to also work in making an immediate change for our future and don't give up if there's any barriers that we need to face in this process, I've faced multiple problems which have not allow me to create this companies as of now, but I will keep working to create the companies and starting doing good to the communities, If we keep moving forward with the ideas we have simple small injustices can be addressed, we need to start moving to action before it's too late.
Sustainability Analysis of Jet Engine using SOLIDWORKS by Shreshth Saxena
Huck Life 010
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
Sustainability is a concept that has emerged in recent years out of a need to protect our planet for the safe habitation of future generations. In this age of global warming, inflation, and climate change, sustainability is a concept that underlines the activities and actions required to maintain this planet as a healthy ecological system . The aerospace industry is a big contributor to climate change, and several undergoing research projects are trying to decrease its impact and make it a more sustainable industry. In this project, we use SOLIDWORKS software to investigate the impact of a single part of a high-bypass jet engine on the environment. In this presentation, we will talk about the results of the SOLIDWORKS sustainability analysis and look for alternative solutions to decrease the harm of jet engines do to the environment.
Quality of Education in South Korea by Seongil Yun, Seunghyun Lee, Tony Ahn, Sarah Lee, Tae Hyun Kim, and Diane Jun
Huck Life 011
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
This presentation will involve the discussion of inclusive education, lifelong learning, role of international students promoting education system as a tool for sustainable development. Our intended learning objectives would be understanding SDG 4, awareness of South Korea's education system, our cultural influence on education, identifying some challenges and solutions, and inspiration to take action to make more sustainable education system with our global perspectives.
Ross Student Farm Tour by Marta Plumhoff
Meeting location: Huck Life 012
This is a double session that will be 1:25 PM - 2:50 PM and will take place outside at the Student Farm.
This session will not be offered virtually.
Limited transportation will be provided.
The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm is living laboratory where students from all backgrounds have an opportunity to experience sustainable food production, distribution, marketing, and community outreach; our four acres is home to eight fields, five high tunnels, three coolers, and lots of veggies - all grown by and for Penn State students! Join us to tour the space, sample some veggies, and learn about our student farmers. Sturdy shoes, warm clothes, and water bottles are encouraged.
What’s the Tea on the SDGS: A Gen-Z Take on the SDGS by Lehakoe Tserane
Huck Life 009
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
This presentation will look at the intersection of Education and Gender Equality, and how both SDGs need each other to be successful. This presentation would involve speaking on the history of both SDGs in society, and where we want to see the SDGs in future. Then I would proceed by opening up the floor for discussion, and what the students believe the future of the SDGs (4&5) should look like, and I would ask what steps have they taken to achieve the SDGs, and what steps should a UN Member like myself, take to incorporate the SDGs.
Global Population Health Research by Yubraj Acharya and Nigel James
Huck Life 011
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global health associated with an estimated 4.95 million deaths in 2019. In low-income countries, a key driver of AMR is the easy access to antibiotics without prescription from community pharmacies and the resulting overconsumption of antibiotics. Interventions to optimize the dispensing of antibiotics by community pharmacies—in a manner that only needy patients receive it—are critically needed. These interventions may involve addressing demand-side pressure from patients. However, the effect of demand pressure on pharmacists’ dispensing behavior has not been rigorously documented. Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving standardized patients (SPs), we assessed the effect of three interventions (two targeted to pharmacies and one to patients) on pharmacies’ antibiotics dispensing behavior in Nepal.
Methods. We provided training on AMR to a random sample of pharmacies in Kathmandu. Following the training, incognito SPs visited the pharmacies acting as a parent of an under-five child with a non-severe, viral case of either diarrhea or upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). The SPs presented the case, answered any follow-up questions, and recorded whether the pharmacy provided an antibiotic (primary outcome; binary) and the number of follow-up questions the pharmacist asked and the time spent at the pharmacy (secondary outcomes; continuous). We varied demand pressure by having the SPs ask either for “some medicine” (low pressure) or for “an antibiotic” (high pressure), allowing us to assess the effect of demand pressure.
At the pharmacy level, we randomly assigned the pharmacies to one of three arms: (1) a control arm; (2) a feedback arm, in which pharmacies received customized feedback on their antibiotics dispensing rates based on a baseline survey; and (3) a social commitment arm, in which pharmacies signed a pledge to dispense antibiotics only with prescription; and received a certificate attesting to their role as “AMR Champions”. These setting-customized interventions were designed together with local stakeholders based on our previous studies which identified the need for feedback and social recognition as critical determinants of pharmacies’ behavior.
Key Findings. Our analytic sample consisted of 427 SP-pharmacy interactions (112 pharmacies x 4 SPs). The pharmacies provided antibiotics in 92% and 19% of SP visits for diarrhea and URTI, respectively. In 41% visits, the pharmacies gave antibiotics without asking any follow-up question and the SP-pharmacist interactions exceeded one minute in only 48% of visits. Overall, pharmacies were 15 percentage points (pp) more likely to dispense antibiotics under the high demand pressure scenario (p<0.001). The effect of demand pressure was higher for URTI (35 pp, p<0.001) than for diarrhea (6 pp, p=0.56). Among the pharmacy-level interventions, feedback yielded a suggestive 8 pp reduction in dispensing rates (p=0.06), while the social commitment intervention was ineffective.
Policy implications. Inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics is extraordinarily high in Nepal. Pressure from patients increases such dispensing, pointing to the need for population-based interventions. Customized feedback to pharmacies on dispensing behavior can also be effective. Further research is needed on potential complementarities between community-based and pharmacy level interventions.
Holistic and Alternative Approaches to a Healthy Life by Amanda Moyer, Scarlet Tejada-Rodriguez, Elyssa Yeagley, and Mahea Kelley
Huck Life 013
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
Student researcher panel consisting of Amanda Moyer, Scarlet Tejada-Rodriguez, Elyssa Yeagley, and Mahea Kelley will discuss various ways we have explored holistic and alternate ways to ensure healthy lifestyles now and for the future. Topics will include limited-ingredient animal diet, bacteriophage discovery as an antibiotic alternative, newly derived compounds with antibiotic potential, and antibiotic development from soils.
Experiential Digital Global Engagement (EDGE): Enhancement of Global Citizenship and Sustainability by Maggie Zong
Huck Life 010
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
During May 2023, twelve Penn State students participated in SC 497: Global Biotech Entrepreneurship in Switzerland, a weeklong study abroad program. The trip culminated in an Experiential Digital Global Engagement (EDGE) collaborative sustainability project in cooperation with the University of Zürich (UZH). The EDGE program enhanced global citizenship and sustainability awareness amongst its participants through direct collaboration with UZH students and faculty and direct interaction with the diverse Swiss communities. This photo presentation will highlight important sustainability initiatives and cultural perspectives experienced in Switzerland.
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Thomas 101
Attending virtually? Click HERE for the Zoom link. You don't need a passcode to join.
Hear from Penn State students that presented in the workshops about their interests in local and global sustainability and how they became involved in sustainability work. The student panel will share provide insights on how other Penn State students can become involved and take a few minutes to answer questions from the audience.