UNL Sustainability

05/18/2026

Meet Dave, our first ever Reusable Champion! As Director of Dining Services, Dave has led the implementation of the reusable container program in Selleck, Abel, and the Nebraska East Union, showcasing Dining’s strong commitment to sustainability. Thank you, Dave, for your dedication to increasing reusables on campus!

Comment below how you practice sustainability through reuse for the opportunity to be featured next.

05/15/2026

Maggie Luttrell graduated from the ESS program this semester. She reflects on her time as a Husker below.

--- What is the most impactful thing you learned in ESS?

“How to use systems thinking. I constantly use this method of problem solving and it has also opened my mind up to see every side to every issue. I think it has changed the way I think as a whole and has made me a more understanding and well-rounded person.”

--- What are your plans for after graduation?

“I'm currently working as a co-op in Environmental Health and Safety at Entegris and was just extended until the end of the year. After that, there is a possibility of a full-time job, but I'm also open to other opportunities!”

--- What was your favorite on-campus study spot?

“The Dinsdale Family Learning Commons. The atmosphere is so calming, and the gardens and other wildlife are so beautiful.”

05/14/2026

Julia Ramsay wrapped up her final semester with the ESS program, but her time at UNL isn’t quite over! Julia shares her plans and offers some advice for her fellow students below.

--- What drew you to the ESS program?

“Growing up constantly being outdoors, I knew from a young age that I wanted to someday work in environmental conservation. I was drawn to this program specifically because it offered a mix of environmental science and humanities courses that I knew would help me better understand the environment through multiple perspectives.”

--- What are your plans for after graduation?

“I am going to continue to work at the UNL Water Sciences Laboratory over the summer so I can gain more lab experience and work with what I’m most passionate about: water!”

--- Do you have any advice for ESS students graduating next year?

“Do a thesis project in something that really interests you. These projects are so fun, and everyone should take advantage of the opportunity to research at the collegiate level.”

05/13/2026

Signey Russell is concluding her time in the ESS program this semester! Learn more about Signey below.

--- What drew you to the ESS program?

“My desire to make a lasting change on this beautiful planet we all share by educating others and spreading awareness about conservation and environmental stewardship.”

--- What are your plans for after graduation?

“I have a job lined up at Fontenelle Forest as a Lead Summer Educator. After that I hope to find a permanent position in environmental education.”

--- What are your career aspirations?

“My career aspirations are to have a job that allows me to have a meaningful impact every day and allows me to travel the world.”

05/12/2026

Katie Morland is graduating from the ESS program this semester! Read more about her experience below.

--- What is the most impactful thing you learned in ESS?

“How interconnected environmental challenges are. These issues aren’t easy to fix because they’re influenced by many different factors that shape what solutions are possible. This has changed the way I approach problems. I now look at them from multiple perspectives. It’s shown me that effective, long-term solutions require systems thinking and collaboration across different fields to create the best outcomes.”

--- What are your plans for after graduation?

“I plan to pursue a career in the energy and environmental field. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned about energy systems and the environment to real-world work and continue building experience in areas related to sustainability and energy.”

--- What is your favorite Husker tradition?

“Home football games at Memorial Stadium. The atmosphere and energy in the stadium are like nothing else I have experienced.”

05/11/2026

This week the Office of Sustainability will be highlighting the outgoing class! Starting off with Meg Brady, one of the first Sustainability Ambassadors, who is graduating with a double major in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Dance! Meg reflects on her time as a student and ambassador below:

--- What is the most impactful thing you learned in ESS?

“The ESS emphasizes experiential learning and that element of our curriculum has made the biggest difference for me. In ENVR 319 I was able to work with a client on an urban-rural solar panel collaboration. In ENVR 489 and 499 I was able to write my own thesis on the sustainability of UNL’s biodigesters. This program has taught me about the ‘process of doing’ and how sometimes you must create that roadmap for yourself.”

--- What are your plans for after graduation?

“I am currently applying for jobs in corporate sustainability or where I can interact with sustainability’s social dimension. I want to make sustainability initiatives relevant and important to the public, like the work I’ve done as a Sustainability Ambassador,”

--- What was one of your most influential experiences on campus?

“I was a Sustainability Ambassador for two years, and it was one of the best decisions I made in college. This role was new when I started, and I was able to help build the program and watch sustainability initiatives flourish at UNL. The people working in this program inspire me every day, and I can’t wait to see how it grows for years to come!”

03/24/2026

The Sustainability Ambassadors are so excited to see everyone at the HSS Courtyard from 1:00 - 3:00 PM on Friday for the second annual Blooming into Spring event!

Students are welcome to snag a plant from the UNL Horticulture Club and stick around to decorate their pots.

02/22/2026

Not all signs are subtle ☁️
Apply to be a Sustainability Ambassador to create lasting relationships and help spread the message of sustainability across campus!

Applications close Friday, February 27th. Link in bio.

02/19/2026

Here’s a round up of recent sustainability news from across campus! Sign up for The Sustainability Scoop newsletter for a monthly dose of good sustainability news sent straight to your inbox! Sign up using the link in bio

02/14/2026