Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 72.78
Liaison Kathleen Crawford
Submission Date May 31, 2024

STARS v2.2

Florida Gulf Coast University
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Kathleen Crawford
Sustainability Coordinator
Environmental Health & Safety
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Campus Engagement

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement:
Project: FGCWho - Student Rory C. used his senior project to survey students about FGCU's brand identity and gauged the importance of sustainability to the university identity. Spring 2023

Project: Kindness, Empathy, and Compassion: A Study of The Impact and Challenges of Student Course-Based Service Learning - Student Melissa W.

Project: Pronouns and Support for Gender Diverse Students - Student Cierra B.

Professor Mary Voytek's environmental art students turn hazardous glaze wastes into inert stepping stones that are used in the Food Forest and other areas on campus. These stepping stones to create communicate sustainable messages in various locations on campus.

Public Engagement 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Public Engagement?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Public Engagement:
Environmental Impacts of Reclaimed Water for Long-Term Irrigation of Residential Landscaping in Southwest Florida - Student Henna G.

Project Amazonas - Fish and Mammal Community Response to Development - student research assistants: Ella G., Lane D., Adrian R.

Diverging Diamond Interchange
By Valerie H., Tomas A., Jocelyn C., Sarah F., & Carter F. Mentor: Dr. Ashraf Badir

Coastal Resiliency Upper Captiva Municipality- Student research assistants: Liliana S., Duane H., Jasmine M., April A., Luis A.

Hurricane Ian’s Impact on Toxic Metal Contaminant in Lakes in Southwest Florida: Student Kathleen J.

Red Tide Fish Kill Survey in Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian
By Annie D., Mentor: Dr. Hidetoshi Urakawa

The Impact of Phytoremediation on Plant Biodiversity and Water Quality of Southwest Florida Retention Ponds By Tori G. & Stanley O.,
Mentor: Dr. James Douglass & Dr. Christina Anaya

Design of Continuous Flow Intersection at Pine Ridge and Livingston
By Oliver T., Giovanni M., & Carson R., Mentor: Dr. Ashraf Badir

Redesigning Oil Well Road and Camp Kaeis Road intersection
By Daniel D., Zack H., Rawley M. & Paulson O.
Mentor: Dr. Ashraf Badir

Air & Climate 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Air & Climate?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Air & Climate:
Learn Robotics - Using robotics to revitalize chemistry UG lab experience and combat climate change - Student researchers Anusha M., Ciera T.

Testing Air Quality Through Indoor Outdoor Approach
By Joseline T., Cristyn R., & Richelle J.
Mentor: Dr. Clifford Renk

Airborne Fungi in FGCU Dorms
By Ryan E.
Mentor: Dr. Clifford Renk

A Determination of Air Quality and Mold Residence in Whitaker Hall Research Rooms
By Katherine R.
Mentor: Dr. Cliff Renk

Incidence of Fungal Spores at FGCU Study Hotspot
By Sabrina B.
Mentor: Dr. Clifford Renk

Comparative Study of Air Quality Utilizing Morphological Examination of Fungal Specimens
By Amanda R.
Mentor: Dr. Cliff Renk

Potential Fungal Pathogens Around FGCU Campus
By Alden S.
Mentor: Dr. Clifford Renk

Outdoor Fungal Aerosol Sampling in Southwest Florida
By Chayah B.
Mentor: Dr. Clifford Renk

Buildings  

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Buildings?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Buildings:
A Comparative Evaluation of the Impacts of a Decade of Urban Development on Native and Invasive Hylids at Florida Gulf Coast University
By Bryce S., Mentors: Matthew Metcalf & Dr. Charles Gunnels

Feasibility of Using Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Fresh Concrete by Oliver T., Giovanni M., Mentor: Dr. Claude Villiers

Feasible Recycle and Virgin Aggregates by Stanley L., Trent R., Abed P., Mentor: Dr. Claude Villiers

Testing Air Quality Through Indoor Outdoor Approach
By Joseline T., Cristyn R., & Richelle J.
Mentor: Dr. Clifford Renk

Airborne Fungi in FGCU Dorms
By Ryan E.
Mentor: Dr. Clifford Renk

A Determination of Air Quality and Mold Residence in Whitaker Hall Research Rooms
By Katherine R.
Mentor: Dr. Cliff Renk

Incidence of Fungal Spores at FGCU Study Hotspot
By Sabrina B.
Mentor: Dr. Clifford Renk

Energy 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Energy?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Energy:
Water-energy-food (wef) Nexus System: Multiple Scale Biodigester and Mobile Power Kiosk Project by Gabriel A., Terence W., Alisha P., Trent R., Mentor: Seneshaw Tsegaye

Food & Dining 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Food & Dining?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Food & Dining:
Dietary Restrictions as a Source of Food Insecurity among FGCU Students, Faculty, & Staff By Musarrat S., Mentor: Dr. Charles Gunnels

Impacts of Microplastics in Soil on Germination of Alfalfa and Mung Bean
By Abigail T., Mentor: Dr. Vanaja Kankarla

Project: Reduce Food Waste by Storing Food Efficiently
By: Bridget Dargavage, Community Partner: FGCU Residential Housing Association; FGCU Food Forest Gulf Coast Compost
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Responsible Consumption & Production
Award Considerations: Cobalt; Best First-Year Student Project

Grounds 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Grounds?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Grounds:
A Comparative Evaluation of the Impacts of a Decade of Urban Development on Native and Invasive Hylids at Florida Gulf Coast University
By Bryce S., Mentors: Matthew Metcalf & Dr. Charles Gunnels

The Influence of Prey Abundance on Wading Bird Abundance Within FGCU Campus Wetlands By Jamie D., Cassie V., Haim C., Shannon H., Mentor: Dr. Andrew Durso

Comparison of Fish Communities in FGCU Stormwater Ponds By Carter A. Mentor: Dr Edwin Everham

What Vegetation Features Help Explain the Presence and Absence of Aquatic Snakes on FGCU's Campus By Cassie V., Jamie D., Haim C.,
Shannon H., Mentor: Dr. Andrew Durso

Project: Soils Around Us
By: Ashton C., Adam K., Ed R., Christina U., Rion V.
Community Partner: FGCU Department of Marine and Earth Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Vanaja Kankarla
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life On Land
Award Considerations: Emerald; Best Sustainability & Environmental Awareness

Project: Understanding the Significance of Soil Microbiomes
By: Morgan C., Victoria M., Emily R., Victoria V.
Community Partner: FGCU Department of Marine and Earth Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Vanaja Kankarla
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life On Land
Award Considerations: Emerald; Best Sustainability & Environmental Awareness

Pilot-scale phytoremediation of landfill leachate using floating treatment wetlands: Analysis of chemical oxygen demand and ammonium removal in three matrices of native South Florida aquatic plants
By Quillan A.
Mentors: Dr. Jan DeJarnette, Dr. Lauren Redfern, & Dr. Ashley Thomson

Purchasing 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Purchasing?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Purchasing:
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Transportation 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Transportation:
Traffic Management: Commercial Tool vs Open-Source City-Building Simulation Game
By Bradley W., Sebastian W., Noah W., & Jocelyn C.
Mentors: Dr Claude Villiers & Dr Anna Koufakou

Waste 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Waste?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Waste:
Project: Decreasing Food Waste at FGCU Through App Involvement in Campus Food Businesses By: Sophia F., Community Partner: FGCU Campus Food Pantry,
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald, Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Responsible Consumption & Production
Award Considerations: Cobalt; Best First-Year Student Project

Project: Increasing Awareness of Proper Recycling at FGCU Through the Creation of the Program "Eagle Recycling" By: Sofia H., Community Partner: The Environmental Coalition of Florida Gulf Coast University, Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald, Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Award Considerations: Cobalt; Best First-Year Student Project

Project: Gulf Coast Compost (FGCU Food Forest) By: Hannah R.,
Community Partner: FGCU Food Forest
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Life On Land
Award Considerations: Best Sustainability & Environmental Awareness

Project: Reduce Food Waste by Storing Food Efficiently
By: Bridget D., Community Partner: FGCU Residential Housing Association; FGCU Food Forest Gulf Coast Compost
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Responsible Consumption & Production
Award Considerations: Cobalt; Best First-Year Student Project

Project: Upcycling! How you can do it too
By: Eric G., Alberto Z.
Faculty Mentor: Diane Odeh
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Responsible Consumption & Production
Award Considerations: Cobalt; Best Sustainability & Environmental Awareness

Water 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Water?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Water:
Well Ground Water And Surface Water Measurement And Sampling At Fgcu Water School Internship By Victoria M., Mentor: Dr. Rachel Rotz

Eco-Eagles Water taste tests - Tap vs. Bottled
By Leah G., Josephine H., Krista C., Billy R., Evan S., Austin G.
Community Partner: Eco FGCU
Faculty Mentor: Bryan Schaffer
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Clean Water & Sanitation
Award Considerations: Best One Class, One Project

Benchmarking Drinking Water Consumption during Construction Phase by Jeanette Hariharan, Hashem Izadi Moud, Kenneth Sands, Craig Capano, Kailey Stockinger and Jalen Vowels
CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH CONGRESS 2022: INFRASTRUCTURE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND RESILIENCE, pp.560-568 01-01-2022
As global warming impacts the climate, severe cases of droughts, abnormalities in precipitations, unusual patterns of hurricanes, and excessive heat are becoming more frequent. Excessive heat and droughts in US have made dehydration a problem on construction job sites. Despite the studies about the efficient use of water in buildings post occupancy, little has been explored about water consumption during the construction phase. Given this lack of focus, this study investigates drinking water consumption by construction personnel during construction of a new academic building located in Fort Myers, Florida. Daily potable water consumption data on a jobsite have been recorded during construction through daily interviews with site personnel.

Coordination & Planning 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning:
Gender Differences in Environmental Policy Support
Student Cory M., Mentor: Dr. Joseph Ross

MPA Capstone project: The Role of Strategic Planning in University Sustainability Ratings – Comparing FGCU to Similar Institutions - Student Kathleen C.

Diversity & Affordability 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
Does Equity Cause Unfair Advantages?: Analyzing the Relationship of Academic Merit, Family Financial Need and Racial Identity among Awardees of a Non-Profit Community Scholarship, 2018-2022 By Aaron S., Mentor: Dr. Max Stein

Dietary Restrictions as a Source of Food Insecurity among FGCU Students, Faculty, & Staff By Musarrat S., Mentor: Dr. Charles Gunnels

Are Stigmas Surrounding Student Aid-seeking Risk Factors For Negative Academic And Health Outcomes? By Abigail S. & Cameron S., Mentor: Dr. Max Stein

Project: Supporting Foster Care and Homeless Youth at FGCU
By: Sadie W., Community Partner: FGCU Student Care Services, Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald, Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Quality Education,
Award Considerations: Cobalt; Best First-Year Student Project

Project: Enhancing the Representation of Mexican Americans at FGCU
By: Julia H., Community Partner: New Horizons of Southwest Florida
Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Peace, Justice, & Strong
Institutions
Award Considerations: Cobalt; “Standing For Social Justice” Award

The FGCU Effect: How Income, Burnout, and Learning Practices Predict GPA
By Kaitlyn B., Tara N.
Mentor: Dr. Starlette Sinclair

Investment & Finance 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance:
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Wellbeing & Work 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
Project: Decreasing the Stigmas Regarding Mental Illness at FGCU Through Education By: Caitlin B., Community Partners: Quality Life Center, FGCU Counseling and Psychological Services, Faculty Mentor: Justin Fitzgerald
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being
Award Considerations: Cobalt; “Creating Healthy Communities” Award

A Mathematical Model of Student COVID-19 Cases at Florida Gulf Coast University
By Jordan B. Mentor: Dr. Cara Brooks

Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Yoga on Cognition, Self efficacy, and Psychological Wellness among College Students with Autism
By Brittany L., Taylor B., Ci C., Mikayla P.,
Erin A., Paige B., Nicholas S., Dr. Annemarie
Connor, Dr. Sarah Fabrizi, Dr. Leslie Meskin, Dr. Joanna SalapskaGelleri, & Dr. Ann Tilman,
Mentor: Dr. Annemarie Connor & Dr. Sarah Fabrizi

Project: World Kindness Day By: Alyssa O., Community Partner: FGCU Roots of Compassion and Kindness (ROCK) Center
Faculty Mentor: Andrea Fortin
Sustainable Development Goal Focus: Good Health & Well-Being
Award Considerations: Cobalt; “Creating Healthy Communities” Award

A Determination of Air Quality and Mold Residence in Whitaker Hall Research Rooms
By Katherine R.
Mentor: Dr. Cliff Renk

Effectiveness of Program Style Wellness Programming on Undergraduate Students Who Live On Campus
By Emily C.
Mentor: Dr. Megan Atha

Employee Wellness: Low Back Pain & Self-Perceived Wellness
By Deborah H. & Fladjy R.
Mentor: Dr. Eric Shamus

Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s living laboratory program is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Over the past three-years, there have been so many instances of students and faculty using our campus as a living learning laboratory, that it is difficult to track. This is something to be proud of but means that not all projects that deserve being recognized in this credit are listed in this report. The Environmental Health & Safety department tasked with completing FGCU's STARS report has written descriptions of projects that they are aware of and hope to continually build better infrastructures for collecting this important information.

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.