Fordham University
AC-6: Sustainability Research

We currently do not have a system to track specifically sustainability research, only incentives for now. The attachated is the answeres from a survey on how the current full-time faculty feels about the accessibility to sustainability research.

Environmental Studies Student Research Program
Exemplifies a robust initiative to foster sustainability research across various academic disciplines. This program actively encourages students to delve into original research through a multitude of avenues including coursework, internships, and notably, a senior thesis—ENST 4000. It is not merely a supportive framework but an immersive research environment where students can apply for funding, showcase their work at conferences, and achieve publication, emphasizing the institution's dedication to academic inquiry and sustainability. The description of this program answers affirmatively to the question posed by Fordham University, demonstrating a clear and substantial effort to engage students in sustainability research. The inclusion of actual student theses on pertinent environmental issues ties back to the university’s Jesuit mission of "care for our common home," illustrating the university's commitment to the ethos of environmental stewardship through rigorous academic exploration and community engagement.

Website: https://www.fordham.edu/academics/departments/environmental-studies/research/student-research-program/

Internships organized by the Department of Facilities Management
Fordham University has established a comprehensive student sustainability research program that exemplifies its dedication to environmental stewardship and interdisciplinary learning. This program is centered around a set of internships organized by the Department of Facilities Management, aimed at actively reducing the university's carbon footprint and fostering a culture of sustainability across its campuses. Students from a variety of disciplines, including environmental studies, sociology, theology, economics, and marketing, are recruited to tackle real-world challenges such as energy conservation, food waste management, and the integration of renewable energy systems. The initiative not only provides students with hands-on experience in sustainability practices but also prepares them for careers that have a positive environmental impact. By involving students in projects like the analysis of energy consumption and the exploration of sustainable technologies, the program contributes significantly to Fordham's goal of cutting CO₂ emissions significantly by 2030 and 2050. This program clearly answers the need for an ongoing effort to engage students from multiple disciplines in sustainability research, demonstrating Fordham's proactive approach to integrating sustainability into its educational framework and operational strategies.

Website: https://news.fordham.edu/science/students-work-to-create-a-sustainable-campus/

United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME)
Fordham University's involvement in the United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) as one of the 37 Champion schools globally—and notably, the only representative from New York—illustrates its deep commitment to fostering sustainability research among students across multiple disciplines. This prestigious designation aligns with Fordham's strategic emphasis on integrating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into both its academic and co-curricular activities. As a Champion school, Fordham actively participates in collaborative projects and research initiatives that not only enhance its curriculum but also prepare students to tackle pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges through innovative solutions. A notable aspect of this engagement is Fordham's participation in the Breakthrough Innovation Challenge, an annual event led by the UN Global Compact. This initiative allows students to work directly with multinational corporations to develop sustainable business models and strategies that address specific SDGs. By providing such platforms, Fordham effectively encourages students from diverse academic backgrounds to engage in significant sustainability research, thereby nurturing future leaders who view business as a vehicle for positive change. This involvement directly answers the inquiry regarding Fordham's programs aimed at promoting multidisciplinary sustainability research among its student body.

Website: https://www.fordham.edu/about/sustainability-at-fordham/green-campus-initiatives/partnerships-and-recognition/

The Calder Summer Undergraduate Research (CSUR) Program
At Fordham University exemplifies a robust initiative to foster interdisciplinary sustainability research among students. Hosted at the university's Louis Calder Center—a 113-acre biological field station—the program provides undergraduates from various disciplines a structured opportunity to engage in detailed, independent research projects over a ten-week period. Students, under the mentorship of faculty and graduate students, delve into a wide range of ecological studies, from the behavioral patterns of local wildlife to the ecological impacts of non-native plant species. This hands-on research experience, supported by a $5,000 stipend and free on-site housing, is designed to integrate students into the scientific process fully, from hypothesis generation and experimental design to data analysis and presentation of findings. The CSUR program not only enriches students' educational experiences but also aligns directly with the university's commitment to promoting sustainable research practices and addressing environmental challenges through innovative solutions. This initiative clearly answers the need for a program that encourages sustainability research across multiple academic disciplines at Fordham University, preparing students to contribute effectively to global sustainability efforts.

Website:  https://www.fordham.edu/about/campuses/the-louis-calder-center/research-opportunities/

Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)
Fordham University, in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo, offers a dynamic program called Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) that vividly embodies the institution's commitment to fostering sustainability research among students from multiple disciplines. This initiative engages high school sophomores and juniors from the Bronx in authentic field research that spans a variety of ecological and environmental science topics, such as mammal species distribution, bird community composition, water quality, and invasive species management. Through hands-on research and mentorship from Fordham University undergraduates and WCS staff, participants gain comprehensive insights into scientific processes, from data collection to the presentation of their findings. This program not only enhances participants’ understanding of urban ecology but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to sustainability solutions, aligning perfectly with Fordham's objective to encourage interdisciplinary academic involvement in sustainability research.

Website: https://bronxzoo.com/teens/project-true