Stony Brook University is enhancing its sustainability efforts with the updated EcoLeader Internship Program. This initiative offers undergraduate students practical experience in sustainability, combining for-credit and paid opportunities through the SUNY Empire Service Corps. Students gain skills in data collection, outreach, event planning, and social media engagement.
Erin Kluge, the sustainability coordinator at Stony Brook's West Campus, highlighted the program's structure: “These students are crucial in making sustainability more visible on campus.” She explained that there are three teams within the program focusing on data calculation, outreach and event planning, and social media communication.
Kluge emphasized the importance of addressing global sustainability challenges by reducing carbon footprints and educating students on sustainable practices. The EcoLeader interns collaborate with various departments like Stony Brook’s energy management team to promote energy efficiency projects.
Tom Lanzilotta, assistant director of Energy & Sustainability at Stony Brook University, stated: “At Stony Brook University, sustainability isn’t just a goal — it’s a shared responsibility that requires innovation, collaboration, and student engagement.”
The internship provides students with valuable real-world experience in areas such as analyzing data for campus operations or organizing outreach events. Kluge shared her personal journey into sustainability work and stressed its transformative impact on her perspective.
In addition to managing this program, Kluge leads the completion of Stony Brook’s STARS report which evaluates the university’s sustainability progress. “Our biggest challenge is reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining campus growth,” she said.
Efforts are also underway to increase visibility and engagement with sustainability initiatives among the university community. A significant focus is on reducing emissions through initiatives like fleet electrification studies for campus vehicles.
Looking forward, Kluge plans to expand student involvement through educational programs and collaborative projects across various disciplines. She believes that integrating sustainability into different fields will keep students engaged.
Lanzilotta added: “By equipping students with real-world skills in energy management, outreach, and data analysis... we are preparing the next generation of sustainability leaders.”
To engage more students in these efforts, activities such as EarthStock aim to highlight ongoing work in sustainability at Stony Brook. Kluge encourages starting with small actions to collectively make an impact against climate change.
For further information about participating in these initiatives or learning more about their work, interested individuals can visit the university's website or contact Erin Kluge directly.