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The ���ҹ�����Docs Team Focuses on the Slow Food and Farm-To-Table Movement

Filmed Across France and New York

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���ҹ�����’s documentary film team, ���ҹ�����Docs, will premiere its latest film, "" at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023 at the .

The documentary -- produced by Dr. Maria Luskay, Professor Lou Guarneri, and ���ҹ�����’s documentary film team -- focuses on the slow food movement, which began in Europe during the 1980s to preserve the culture of eating locally and combating the popularization of fast food.

During 14-weeks of production that included filming across France and New York, ���ҹ�����Docs filmmakers spoke with farmers, chefs, and restaurateurs who have dedicated their lives to making slow food a reality in a fast-paced world.

“‘For the Love of Food’ is yet another extraordinary accomplishment from the ���ҹ�����Docs team—a film that not only gives our students hands-on experience in the art of documentary filmmaking but also enables them to explore the values and environmental impact of the farm-to-table movement,” said ���ҹ����� President Marvin Krislov. “At ���ҹ����� we believe in the power of learning by doing, and year after year this course, under the leadership of Dr. Maria Luskay, provides a great example of real-world education that makes a difference in our students’ lives.”

This film explores the guiding principles of good, clean, and fair – and why that is a healthy recipe for a sustainable future. While eating farm-to-table has become a global phenomenon, nowhere is this passion for clean eating more apparent than in France where generations have relied on locally grown foods. From family-owned farms and markets in the Laon and Lorraine countryside, to beautiful restaurants in the heart of Paris, all the way back to a farm-to-fork eatery in Westchester, New York, this documentary explores the environmental and health benefits of eating clean, locally grown goods, the value of family traditions, embracing culture and heritage through cooking, and of course, the love of food.

“It’s gratifying to travel internationally once again and to be filming with students on location in France,” said Professor Luskay. “Sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with our students is as rewarding as it is educational as we learned the importance of where our food comes from as well as what it takes to complete a professional quality film on a strict deadline.”

The documentary is the focus of the popular class, “Producing the Documentary,” which is part of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at ���ҹ�����’s highly regarded film program that requires students complete a full-length environmentally themed documentary within one semester.

Students in the class are a mix of graduate and undergraduate with varying academic focuses, experience, and skillsets. They come together as a film crew and learn all aspects of filming and production. During the process, they learn teamwork, problem-solving, research, and organization, along with technical skills such as lighting, sound, camera work, interviewing, and other real-life lessons necessary to complete a film.

“For the Love of Food” continues a proud tradition of producing high quality, meaningful, and award-winning films. In recent years, ���ҹ����� filmmakers have produced documentaries around the globe focusing on a number of topics, including the economic and environmental importance of oysters in our ecosystem (2022); the essential role of bees as pollinators in our food supply (2021); the impact of earthquakes in Hawaii (2019); the endurance of the people of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria (2018); Cuba at a cultural crossroads (2016); reviving Curacao’s coral reefs (2015); as well as many other poignant films.

“Dyson College’s student filmmakers are impressive: They have produced another documentary that is timely and topical,” said Tresmaine R. Grimes, dean, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education. “The students learn their art and craft with hands-on production experience that will serve them well after they graduate from ���ҹ�����. I am so moved by the talents of this team and the compelling film they have produced. Congratulations to them and Professors Luskay and Guarneri for another impressive ���ҹ�����Docs production.”

About ���ҹ�����

Since 1906, ���ҹ����� has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, ���ҹ����� offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

���ҹ�����’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

Gamr - ���ҹ����� Entrepreneurship Studio Startup

Seyi Fakoya '23, co-founder
Eniola Edun, co-founder
Kunmi Adenipebi, co-founder

Interview with Lubin student Seyi Fakoya

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Tell us about your startup.

Gamr is building infrastructure for gaming and esports communities in underserved markets throughout the world. Founded by myself, Eniola Edun, and Kunmi Adenipebi, our mission is to unlock economic opportunities for all in gaming. Gamr's innovative solutions are built on inclusion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or location, has an equal opportunity to earn money and have fun playing games.

Initially, Gamr's focus was centered on the African continent due to the potential we perceived to exist there. However, with the assistance of the team at the ���ҹ����� Entrepreneurship Studio, we were encouraged to think beyond our current boundaries, as our technology could be applied on a global scale.

How did you come up with the idea for your company?

My co-founders with whom I started a business ventured into hosting esports tournaments under a tech conference platform named Techplus. This endeavor was successfully executed for a span of five years until the advent of the pandemic lockdown in 2020. We believe that the Covid-19 pandemic acted as a significant impetus for the creation of Gamr, as it facilitated a shift toward online gaming and esports, which ultimately resulted in heightened engagement rates. At the time, we used a bunch of tools like WhatsApp to manage the community, but there was no software we knew about that could be adapted to our market to manage tournaments. My co-founders approached me to join in building the technology in 2021, and that is how Gamr was started. Amidst the pandemic, we began conducting weekly scrims for PUBGM and CODM, with a minimum of 3,000 players participating on a regular basis.

How has the ���ҹ����� Entrepreneurship Studio been beneficial to your company and its growth?

Initially, Gamr's focus was centered on the African continent due to the potential we perceived to exist there. However, with the assistance of the team at the ���ҹ����� Entrepreneurship Studio, we were encouraged to think beyond our current boundaries, as our technology could be applied on a global scale. We have benefitted immensely from the weekly check-ins and resources provided by the Studio, as it has offered us a wealth of valuable insights on how to build a billion-dollar company. Nofar Nistani, the inaugural Studio Program manager, in particular, has been an invaluable asset to our team.

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What have your experiences been like with PES?

So far, my involvement with PES has largely entailed leveraging the wealth of resources that are readily available to me. I have frequently been reminded of the extensive support and resources that I, as a studio member, have at my disposal. While I admit that I may have previously underutilized these resources, I am gradually making strides toward changing this.

As a student entrepreneur, how have your classes at ���ҹ����� prepared you to start your business?

���ҹ����� has played a pivotal role in spurring me to consider the opportunities that have been presented to me. Through the faculty and my classes, I have gained a broader perspective on the world of business and expanded my understanding of it. By analyzing case studies in entrepreneurship, delving into financial modeling, and comprehending financial statements, as well as completing group assignments that involved managing teams, I have been able to gain insight into the workings of the world and establish realistic expectations as I embark on starting a business.

What is a challenge you've had to overcome as a student entrepreneur?

Being a student entrepreneur has presented me with a host of challenges, including balancing academic excellence while managing other priorities that are often time-bound, such as assignments and case studies. Although I occasionally don’t have time for myself, I am thankful for the support and guidance provided by my professors, who consistently encourage me to strive for success amidst the chaos.

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Do you have any words of advice for a student looking to kickstart their own business?

For students interested in launching their own business or technology startup, I strongly recommend seeking out available resources, particularly those provided by the ���ҹ����� Entrepreneurship Studio. Additionally, it is essential to take full advantage of the resources offered by ���ҹ����� itself, including the library, clubs, and even fellow students, in order to ensure optimal success.

Connect with Gamr:

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Erika Hostrop

Director of Social Media Marketing, NY Bakery and Desserts

Class of 2023
BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications

Member Of: Study Abroad Club (President), The Advertising Club, Brand Marketing Team

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

When she first enrolled at the Lubin School of Business, Erika Hostrop immediately knew she wanted to take advantage of everything ���ҹ����� and Lubin had to offer. Not only has she studied abroad, but Erika has also put in the work to revamp an on-campus club, routinely checks in with Career Services, and has gone after opportunities presented to her outside of the classroom.

Why did you choose ���ҹ����� and the Lubin School of Business?

There were several reasons why I ultimately decided to attend ���ҹ�����. One of the most compelling factors was the vast array of opportunities available to students to connect with top employers in New York City, both for internships and full-time jobs. In addition to the professional opportunities available, I was also impressed by the passion and dedication of the faculty and staff, particularly within the Lubin School of Business. Their commitment to excellence and their willingness to go above and beyond for their students was evident from the moment I first visited the campus. I believe that ���ҹ����� provides an ideal environment for students who are looking to build a strong network and gain the skills and experience necessary to succeed in their chosen field.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

I have always been committed to being an active and engaged member of the campus community. To me, being a well-rounded student means not only excelling academically but also taking advantage of the many opportunities available to explore my interests and build my skills. As a freshman, I became involved with the , a club that connects students with recruiters, alumni, and potential employers in the industry. Through my participation, I was able to get my first internship as a Marketing Intern at the Clio Awards. The connections I made through the club have been invaluable, and I continue to be an active member. In addition to the Advertising Club, I am also the president of the . I believe that these clubs have enhanced not only my educational experience but also my professional development. I have gained important skills such as strategic thinking, time management, and communication, which will be valuable in my future career.

How has the Pforzheimer Honors College benefitted you?

The Pforzheimer Honors College has provided me with many valuable benefits. One of the most significant advantages has been early registration for all my classes. This allows me to secure a spot in smaller classes that were exclusively reserved for honors students. I received close mentorship from my peers and advisors and was awarded an honors scholarship of at least $15,000 per year. Currently, I am in the process of finishing my thesis, which has taught me the importance of time management and motivated me to challenge myself academically. Overall, being part of the Pforzheimer Honors College has been an integral part of my college experience, and I am grateful for all the ways it has helped me grow as a student and a person.

Thanks to the support of the Figueroa Family Fund for Semester Study Abroad Program scholarship through Lubin's Center for Global Business Programs and an external scholarship, the Gilman Scholarship, I was able to make my study abroad dream a reality. The financial assistance provided by these scholarships was incredibly helpful, and it reminded me of the tremendous support available to students at ���ҹ�����.

You serve as the Associate Director for Account Planning for the Brand Marketing Team. What motivated you to get involved?

Since my freshman year, I have been attending nearly every Lubin School of Business Marketing and Advertising alumni panel, and I have always been amazed at how many successful professionals attribute their career success to their experience on the Brand Marketing Team. It has always been my dream to be a part of the Brand Marketing Team and work with Professor Larry Chiagouris and Professor Conrad Nankin to gain hands-on experience in the marketing and media industries. As the Associate Director for Account Planning, my responsibilities include analyzing consumer insights using primary and secondary data. Working on the Brand Marketing Team has given me the chance to put everything I've learned in my first three years at ���ҹ����� to work, and I feel incredibly confident going into the workforce after graduation.

During the Spring 2022 semester, you were part of an exchange program to Mannheim, Germany. What inspired you to participate in the exchange?

Last spring, I had the opportunity to study abroad at Mannheim University in Germany, one of Europe's top-ranked business schools. As an Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications student, I was eager for the chance to be academically challenged in my field. Thanks to the support of the Figueroa Family Fund for Semester Study Abroad Program scholarship through Lubin's Center for Global Business Programs and an external scholarship, the Gilman Scholarship, I was able to make my study abroad dream a reality. The financial assistance provided by these scholarships was incredibly helpful, and it reminded me of the tremendous support available to students at ���ҹ�����. My education in the Lubin School of Business gave me the knowledge and skills to succeed in my classes abroad, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied at such a prestigious institution.

Why was it important for you to revamp the Study Abroad Club?

During my freshman year, I encountered a situation where all the executive board positions for the Study Abroad Club were filled by graduating seniors. Therefore, I stepped up to take on the role of president and proceeded to interview and advertise for the remaining three positions, ensuring the continuity of the club. At that time, the club had sparse advertising and only about 300 followers on Instagram, with low event attendance. Recognizing the numerous personal and professional growth opportunities studying abroad can offer, I aimed to increase students' awareness of its power and create a community where students who had studied abroad before and those who were currently abroad could come together to share and learn from each other's experiences. In my sophomore year, I took it upon myself to rebrand the club, creating a new logo and assigning specific tasks to different members of the executive board based on their strengths. Through our collaborative efforts with other clubs on campus and the Study Abroad Office, we managed to grow the club's Instagram following from 300 to more than 1,000, successfully spreading the word and tripling the amount of active club members.

As President of the Study Abroad Club, you are responsible for leading and directing club members. What is the most rewarding aspect of your leadership position?

In the last four years, I have learned to be responsible for guiding the club and making important decisions. It's important to assign certain people tasks based on their strengths to be the most effective as a team. I developed strong leadership skills such as decision-making, delegation, and problem-solving. Running a club requires me to manage my time effectively and balance club meetings and events with other responsibilities. I also need to stay organized to keep track of important information, such as meeting agendas, event schedules, and our budget product purchases. These organizational, leadership, and time management skills are invaluable, and I can use them in my academic and professional life moving forward.

You have held several internship positions and currently work as the Social Media Marketing Intern for Catch'N Ice Cream. How have your Lubin classes helped prepare you for this role?

As the Social Media Marketing Intern at Catch'N Ice Cream, I have full creative freedom to manage their social media platforms. I utilize various software such as iMovie, Canva, and Adobe Premiere to edit the videos and photos I post. In the last 30 days, I have reached 3 million accounts on their Instagram and their engagement has skyrocketed. I have been able to apply my knowledge gained from my Lubin classes such as and to target Catch'N Ice Cream's specific audience.

What has been your favorite opportunity at ���ҹ�����?

During Fall 2022, I took Business Analytics, taught by Professor Chongyu Lu. Professor Lu introduced the BBC Studios Competition, and I jumped at the chance to participate. Only seven students, including myself, were chosen to represent ���ҹ����� in the Next Generation Case Competition. Our task was to develop a campaign in just two weeks and pitch it to senior BBC employees at their New York City headquarters. Thrilled to be selected, I approached the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Drawing on my marketing knowledge from ���ҹ�����, I pushed myself to think creatively and outside the box. Our team worked tirelessly to come up with a winning strategy, and in the end, we were proud of the campaign we presented. Overall, the experience taught me the value of teamwork, quick thinking, and creative problem-solving in a high-pressure situation.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

I urge Lubin students to take advantage of all the resources ���ҹ����� has to offer. From career services to club events, there are countless opportunities to explore your passions and achieve your goals. I highly recommend attending the weekly resume workshops offered by Career Services. This is a valuable chance to hone your professional skills and network with like-minded students and alumni. Start building your professional network as early as possible. By attending events and reaching out to potential contacts, you can lay the foundation for meaningful career connections that will serve you well beyond your time at ���ҹ�����. Remember, your success is in your hands—so make the most of every opportunity that comes your way!

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means embracing a lifelong journey of growth and discovery. It helps you to progress through your academic and personal life, remembering that every step of the way is a chance to learn and improve. By staying curious, pushing boundaries, and seeking out new challenges, you can build the foundation for a fulfilling and successful career. Ultimately, the Lubin community is here to support and inspire you along the way. Don't be afraid to take risks, pursue your passions, and strive for excellence in everything you do. After all, the path to professional success begins with a commitment to lifelong learning and growth.

Connect with Erika:

���ҹ����� will host At a Point of Change II, an outdoor student photography exhibition, which will be on view in front of One ���ҹ����� Plaza from May 1–15 before moving to ���ҹ�����’s Westchester campus until October 1.

At a Point of Change II features photography from two ���ҹ����� alumni, as well as 14 undergraduate students enrolled in the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences interdisciplinary course entitled “Seeing the World Differently…Through Economics and Photography,” which combines economics concepts with photographic principles.

“The goal of this exhibit is to create a powerful visual statement that ���ҹ����� is committed to sustainability, equity, and inclusion,” said Associate Professor of Economics Anna Shostya, PhD, who co-teaches the course with Associate Professor of Art, Inbal Abergil, MFA.

The course and the students’ work focus on using photography to represent the a group of 17 objectives set to be achieved by 2030 to better our world, centering on issues such as immigration, equality, climate action, and sustainable economic growth.

“The issue of sustainable development is critical in our world today, and what better way to raise it and call for action than to educate people about it,” said Jack Nierenberg ’25, Art. “This course not only educated me and my fellow students but gave us the opportunity to do the same for the public.”

This year marks the halfway point between the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 target. Shostya notes that this exhibit reflects ���ҹ����� students’ understanding of the success stories that have flourished since the goals were launched, as well as the challenges that continue to lie ahead.

“This exhibition creates a platform for students to connect to these subject matters on a personal level and highlights the power of photography and storytelling,” added Abergil.

Each photograph in the exhibit is accompanied by a written piece, showcasing the students’ understanding and creative interpretation of the underlying principles of the goals.

“This class gave me the opportunity to expand my perspective on the interconnectedness of the world,” said Tasfia Rahim ’23, Economics and Political Science.“Professor Shostya and Professor Abergil have found a way to connect two seemingly unrelated subjects and spark conversations.”

About ���ҹ�����

Since 1906, ���ҹ����� has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, ���ҹ����� offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

���ҹ�����’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

Works Featured Are By ���ҹ����� Art Students in the Senior Capstone Class, Project Studio

���ҹ����� Art Gallery is pleased to present “Cut the Slack: Project Studio Senior Capstone Exhibition,” featuring students enrolled in the Spring 2023 Project Studio B course, taught this year by Prof. Roger Sayre. The exhibit opens to the public with a reception on Friday, April 28 from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. and continues through Thursday, May 11.

Project Studio is the capstone course for the BFA in Art at ���ҹ�����. Enrolled students spend the full semester working on a single body of work in their chosen medium, whether it be a series of sculptures, suite of paintings, or a video short, which is then exhibited in the ���ҹ����� Art Gallery. Jenna Meyer, who is among the student artists whose work will be in view, says, “The class has given me a chance to explore my identity as an artist.” The exhibition also features art by Hasan Akinyele, Brianna Chiriboga, Xandria Anderson,Mariana Garcia Tinoco, Francisco Maldonado, Helen Markoglu, Brittany Patterson, Michael Segal, Caroline Schneider, Christian Solar, Kristina Vantasi, Yana Vulakh, and Naz Yilmaz. Prof. Sayre comments, “These students have been working really diligently all semester. I can’t wait to see everything completed and hanging in the gallery! It’s going to be great!”

Reflecting on the evolution from conceptualization to exhibition, student Francisco Maldonado says, “It is important for us to remember that this is study, so it’s not about making sure that the final piece is a 100% perfect. It is an introspective process in which we promise to deliver something of ourselves for ourselves.” As they prepare for their final student exhibition before graduation in the ���ҹ����� Art Gallery, Michael Segal adds, that he and his fellow Project Studio course students are “excited not only to see the work of other students, but to allow people in other circles to see the completed artwork.” Student Kristina Vantasi concludes, that although, designing an independent project for the capstone is “challenging at first, we are excited to see what everyone has made. It is a great way to end our time studying at ���ҹ�����.”

The ���ҹ����� Art Gallery’s exhibits and events are free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. and by appointment.

Image courtesy of Francisco Maldonado

About ���ҹ�����

Since 1906, ���ҹ����� has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, ���ҹ����� offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

���ҹ�����’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

About ���ҹ����� Art Department

Visual invention, critical reflection, and creative action are the cornerstones of ���ҹ�����’s Art program. Embracing the creative exploration of both traditional art practices and new media, our diverse student body is prepared to take on the complex challenges of today’s world. We help you cultivate your highest self as an artist or art historian, and prepare you to enter the wide range of creative sectors and professional fields in the workplace.

About the ���ҹ����� Art Gallery

Founded with the conviction that art is integral to society, the ���ҹ����� Art Gallery is a creative laboratory and exhibition space that supports innovation and exploration for both artists and viewers. Open to students, staff, and faculty from across the ���ҹ����� campuses and, equally, to the Lower Manhattan community and visitors from around the world, the Art Gallery encourages personal investigation and critical dialogue via thought-provoking contemporary art exhibits and public programming. Enhancing the Art Department's Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, the Art Gallery offers students real-world opportunities to exhibit their own art and to work directly with professional artists to install and promote exhibitions. All exhibits and events are free and open to the public.

‘The New York Climate Exchange’ to Address Global Climate Crisis

���ҹ����� is part of a winning collaboration chosen by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and The Trust for Governors Island that will create a world-leading climate solutions center on the 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor.

As a core partner in “,” ���ҹ����� will leverage its proximity and programs – particularly in the areas of environmental law, climate justice, water science, sustainability, ESG, business, and technology – in creating a first-of-its kind international center for developing and deploying dynamic solutions to our global climate crisis, while also acting as a hub for New Yorkers to benefit from the rapidly evolving green economy. Mayor Adams and The Trust for Governors Island on Monday announced the winning team and its objectives.

“At ���ҹ�����, our students, faculty, and staff walk the walk of sustainability every day and we are thrilled to bring our expertise to the New York Climate Exchange," said ���ҹ����� President Marvin Krislov. “As home to the nation's No. 1-ranked environmental law program – and our expertise in Land Use, climate justice, ESG and regional clean water initiatives – we are eager to work collaboratively and bring an interdisciplinary approach to climate actions that forge a more resilient future for New York City and communities worldwide. Our expertise, vast student and alumni network, and location in lower Manhattan provides the perfect springboard for creating opportunities in the green economy and engagement on Governors Island.”

The Exchange will host green job training and skills-building programs for residents to help them launch successful careers – and convene the world’s leaders and experts seeking climate solutions.

“Fighting climate change is a real battle and it's a battle that we are going to not only lead the nation, but we are going to win,” Mayor Adams said in his remarks. “And together we are creating climate opportunities across the city, investing in innovation and inventions, so that today's climate solutions become tomorrow's economic powerhouse. And I want to be clear, all New Yorkers will and must benefit from this major investment that we are making.”

Stony Brook University, as the anchor institution, will lead The Exchange while other partners, including President Krislov, will have a seat on The Exchange’s Board of Directors. Local partners include Pratt Institute, New York University, the City University of New York, SUNY Maritime College, Brookhaven National Labs and IBM.

In addition to local schools involved in The Exchange, the organization will also partner with Georgia Tech, University of Washington, Duke University, Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Oxford. Additional partners are the Simons Foundation, one of the largest charitable organizations in the United States; social justice and local advocacy groups such as GOLES, The Point and WeACT for Justice; treasured New York institutions including the American Museum of Natural History; and research and business leaders such as Boston Consulting Group and Moody’s.

“Duke is thrilled to be a partner in the New York Climate Exchange and its community-first approach to confronting the complex impacts of climate change,” said Vincent E. Price, President of Duke University. “We look forward to bringing Duke’s academic, research and applied expertise to this critical partnership, which will help provide transformational solutions to the climate crisis.”

Key elements of The New York Climate Exchange include:

• An engaging and interactive living laboratory with 400,000 square feet of green-designed building space, including research labs, classroom space, exhibits, greenhouses, mitigation technologies, and housing facilities, including:
  • All-electric powered campus with on-site solar electricity generation and battery storage with net-positive capability to serve the local grid
  • 100% of non-potable water demand met with rainwater or treated wastewater collection
  • 95% of waste diverted from landfills, making this one of the first sites in the U.S. to achieve certification
  • Climate-resilient design of new buildings, all raised to the Design Flood Elevation (DFE) of +18 feet with no basements and living shorelines
  • All new and renovated buildings will meet , and will be the first to achieve this certification in NYC
• A Research and Technology Accelerator that will source and nurture ideas, projects, and new ventures dedicated to solving the climate crisis.
• Workforce development opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by climate change — hosting 6,000 green job trainees annually — ensuring that New Yorkers most affected by climate change are well-positioned for new green economy jobs.
• Partnerships and collaborative grant opportunities with community-based organizations already working to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
• A Citizens’ Advisory Council, composed of key local stakeholders to ensure that partners’ and neighbors’ voices are heard and amplified as we jointly develop and implement new climate solutions, including those that affect low-income communities of color.
• A long-term plan for self-sufficient development that goes “beyond zero” toward net positive sustainability.
• Academic and community programs that prepare students at every level for careers focused on climate change solutions and environmental justice, encompassing hands-on learning, a semester “abroad” on Governors Island, fellowship and internship programs and continuing education.

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About ���ҹ�����

Since 1906, ���ҹ����� has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, ���ҹ����� offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

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Rudra is a PhD student at the University of Southern California studying synthetic organic chemistry in the lab of Valery Fokin. Using a click chemistry approach, he works on synthesizing covalent inhibitors which can be used to spy on biological systems, as well as improve drug discovery, drug development, and drug efficiency. Prior to starting his PhD, he obtained his BS in Biochemistry from ���ҹ�����.

In addition to being a PhD student at USC, Rudra is also a leading member of Biotech Connections Los Angeles (BCLA), an organization aiming to inspire, educate and connect emerging scientists and entrepreneurs through initiatives that focus on growth, development, and diversification of biotech in LA.

Rudra’s goal through his graduate studies and extracurricular work is to highlight translational science within the public and private sectors of STEM with hopes of contributing to the growth of innovation within the LA biotech ecosystem and to promote diversity within these fields.

Why did you choose to attend ���ҹ�����, and to pursue a major in Biochemistry?

I choose to study Biochemistry because, although I took biology and chemistry classes in high school and enjoyed them, I was naive and didn’t really understand the difference between them, so when I saw biochemistry as an offering for a major, I knew the decision was right for me. It seemed like the path of least resistance, which in retrospect, worked out for me, because ���ҹ����� gave me a good flavor of both chemistry and biology, which I can implement in the convergent research I participate in for my PhD.

At the time of making college enrollment decisions, I chose ���ҹ����� because it was in the heart of a global metropolis, which offered me an opportunity to tap into resources in New York City and in the surrounding biotech-rich Tri-state area closer to the Pleasantville campus. Additionally, they offered me a competitive financial aid package.

Tell us about your background, and what motivates you.

One of my main drives is to better understand human health and to uncover what makes the human body so resilient, and with this understanding, push our modern approach to medicine to improve health outcomes. My passion in this sense was solidified during my second year at ���ҹ����� while taking organic chemistry with Professor Rizzo, who is a fitness enthusiast and health guru. In taking inspiration from her, I learned a lot about natural remedies and ways to treat diseases with the tools that mother nature gave us. Following this, I was fortunate to cross paths with Professor Chang, who introduced me to a biochemical approach to study the body through enzyme activities and visualizing how enzyme morphologies play a role in different species.

Did you have any internships/research opportunities or were you engaged in any activities on campus?

As a student in New York City, you really get to experience what the rest of the world refers to as the “New York Minute” because time really does move very fast in the city. At ���ҹ�����, I have had the opportunity to participate in various undergraduate research projects since my sophomore year. Working with Professor Rizzo in synthesizing natural antibacterial and antifungal surfaces opened my curiosity to how chemistry affects the body, and, thereafter, working with Professor Chang to identify morphological changes among lactate dehydrogenase enzymes in different species.

One of my main drives is to better understand human health and to uncover what makes the human body so resilient, and with this understanding, push our modern approach to medicine to improve health outcomes.

In addition to all of the nerdy things I did as a student, there was also a lot of opportunity to explore my creative side. Some of my fondest memories at ���ҹ����� came from being a campus tour guide/welcome center representative, mentoring other students as a peer leader for general chemistry, participating in clubs and organizations like the Chemistry Club and Tri-Beta, and working at a nonprofit organization called Breakthrough New York to support the underprivileged across all five boroughs.

What did you do upon graduation and what are your career goals?

After graduation, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education, and I had a lot of support for this decision from my family and ���ҹ����� faculty, but I was not exactly sure of what to do. After reflecting over the summer, I realized I had the drive for STEM and STEM education from my exposure to the sciences at ���ҹ�����, research opportunities, and attending conferences, so I decided to pursue a PhD in Chemistry during my gap year.

What advice would you like to give our current students?

One of the guiding principles that is tried and true in my life is learning to take advantage of your surroundings! As a student in New York City, there is so much opportunity around; if you have a calling to do something, no matter how small, pursue that thought. Don’t pigeonhole yourself into fitting a specific karyotype.

As a student in STEM, I obviously spent a lot of time within the walls of a lab setting and spent many hours studying, but New York City gave me a chance to sometimes step away

from the academic environment to explore myself and other interests which taught me how to be a multifaceted person.