Abstract

The purpose of this project was to identify and develop a solution that will address the lack of engagement in sustainability at WPI. Our research included assessing sustainability engagement initiatives at other universities, reading academic journals regarding student engagement, interviewing individuals from WPI and other universities, and conducting student surveys. We analyzed this information and determined that implementing more service-learning at WPI is the most impactful method of encouraging student engagement and changing the mindset of sustainability.

Project Experience

While starting the project by the idea of implementing Sustainability Engineering Program at WPI, we studied the curriculums of various universities such as University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Vermont, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and some other universities that have already implemented the idea of sustainability in their engineering programs. It included studying the courses, attending seminars and interviewing program directors from respective universities.

Project Achievements

1. Studied the behaviors and attitudes of WPI students for the concepts of sustainability,

2. Determined the feasibility and advantages of implementing Sustainability Engineering Program at WPI,

3. Made recommendations on WPI’s curriculum to implement service-learning in future courses