About Sustainability at UM-Dearborn
Sustainability is a mindset and framework for ensuring current and future generations have equitable access to resources for a full and vibrant life without the exploitation of people, society or the environment.
Sustainability at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is a collaborative effort between multiple departments, organizations, and individuals.
Facilities Operations
The mission of Facilities Operations is to serve the University by developing, operating, maintaining, and renewing excellent campus environments for teaching, learning and research, leadership, working, and personal growth. It supports the University's mission through the development of education, guidance, and partnerships that promote health, safety, and protection of the environment.
The following Facilities Operations Teams play an integral role in improving campus sustainability through various facilities based programs and projects: Plant Operations, Grounds, Maintenance, Custodial, Facilities Planning, Parking & Transportation, Business Office, Environmental Health & Safety, and University Unions & Events. The facilities staff called out below are responsible for leading sustainability and energy focused initiatives.
The Facilities Operations Sustainability & Energy Team members listed below, drive and support campus-wide sustainability efforts.
Grace is responsible for leading sustainability culture and behavior change initiatives for the University through collaborative educational experiences, events, trainings, and programs. She manages the UM-Dearborn Planet Blue Ambassador program, which introduces students, staff, and faculty to sustainability efforts at the University of Michigan and inspires them to get involved.
Prior to joining Facilities Operations at UM-Dearborn, Grace worked at Wayne State University in the Office of Campus Sustainability where she helped develop an award winning Compost Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with minors in Urban Sustainability and Urban Studies. Outside of the office, Grace enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and making memories with her friends and family.
As the Sustainability Communications & Engagement Intern with the Planet Blue Ambassador program, Madi works to create communications content in support of on-campus initiatives and encourages participation in sustainable practices in order to advocate for a better future. Her work includes creating promotional content for events, contributing content for our monthly Campus Sustainability Newsletter, developing social media campaigns, and supporting engagement strategies that strengthen community involvement in sustainability efforts.
Madi is a Professional Writing & Rhetoric major, with a minor in Leadership & Communications in Organizations. Her interests lie in learning more about digital marketing, community engagement, and public relations.
Outside of her academic and internship responsibilities, Madi works as a UM-Dearborn Writing Center Consultant. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Lyceum Literary & Fine Arts Journal and the Social Media Coordinator of the Honors Program Student Organization. She is also involved with the Honors Newsletter and Wolverine Mentor Collective. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Nick serves as a Sustainable Operations Intern for the Planet Blue Ambassador program. In this role, he works to promote campus sustainability education, enhance ongoing sustainability projects, and develop new initiatives to improve environmental practices on campus.
Nick is a junior pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a focus on geology. He aims to build a career in geomorphology and natural hazards, with a focus on how climate change impacts surface processes and environmental risks. His interests include understanding Earth’s dynamic systems and applying this knowledge to hazard mitigation and sustainable land-use planning.
Outside of his academic and internship responsibilities, Nick is active on campus as the Vice President of the Student Sustainability Coalition. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering for environmental conservation efforts, hiking, and traveling.
As the Sustainability Communications & Engagement Intern with the Planet Blue Ambassador program, Zainab Bustani works to bring communities together in the fight toward a better future. She does this by organizing sustainability-related workshops and events, and making science-based and cultural understandings of sustainability more accessible.
Zainab is a senior Biochemistry student with aspirations of becoming an Integrated Science Teacher. Her interests lie in learning more about our metabolic mechanisms, healthcare, and environmental advocacy.
Zainab is also the Public Relations Coordinator for the Biochemistry Club and a volunteer research assistant for a faculty-led research project. In her free time, Zainab likes to watch the news to stay informed, read books, and test out different recipes.
Annah serves as a Sustainable Operations Intern for the Planet Blue Ambassador program, where she supports key university initiatives including the Pilot Compost Program and the development of a Sustainable Labs Program. Her contributions include helping design an on-site community composting facility, assisting with Zero Waste university events, and advancing waste diversion efforts across campus operations.
Annah is a senior pursuing a degree in Physics with a minor in Environmental Science. She aims to build a career in Geophysics, with a focus on Polar and Planetary Sciences. Her interests lie in understanding Earth’s dynamic systems and the processes shaping other planetary bodies, particularly as they relate to climate resilience, natural hazard mitigation, and space exploration.
Outside of her academic and internship responsibilities, Annah is active in campus life through the Student Sustainability Coalition, the Society of Physics Students, and multiple faculty-led research projects. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering for environmental conservation efforts, fostering kittens for local shelters, and traveling.
- Sasha Kindred > Sustainable Well-being Intern (May 2023-August 2025)
- Natalie Albrecht > Sustainability Communication & Events Intern (Feb 2024 - April 2025)
- Bridget Lawson > Sustainable Operations Intern (May 2023 - Feb 2025)
- Naomi Uponi > Strategic Energy Management Student Coordinator (May 2025 - November 2025)
- Shubh Bhojak > Strategic Energy Management Student Coordinator (July 2024 - April 2025)
- Vishakha Ghaghada > Strategic Energy Management Student Coordinator (Feb 2023 - Aug 2023)
- Shreyas Ramprasad > Energy & Sustainability Student Coordinator (Oct 2021 - Jan 2023)
Environmental Interpretive Center
The Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC) at UM-Dearborn promotes a healthy environment through education, applied research, community engagement and stewardship. The EIC’s educational programs and research activities focus on raising public awareness of environmental issues and developing and implementing strategies for creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities. It also serves as the gateway to the 120-acre Environmental Study Area that provides a natural sanctuary for people, plants, and animals alike. Explore the natural area using the EIC Trail Map or visit the EIC's website to learn more.
Newsletter Archives
Monthly updates and news about sustainability at UM-Dearborn.