News and Events

Students from the Carbon Reduction Challenge course, instructed by Ryan McPhereson and Elizabeth Thomas, presented their climate action plan for local clients to provide strategies to decrease their overall carbon footprint. 

At the UB RENEW Institute’s spring poster session, 34 students presented projects spanning PFAS degradation, electrochemical CO₂ capture, and greenhouse gas tracking.

Throughout April, UB celebrated Sustainability Month with over 30 events that engaged students, faculty, staff, and alumni across all disciplines, highlighting campus-wide commitment to climate action, innovation, and community impact. Key moments included Earth Day’s Climate Action Plan showcase, the announcement of major sustainability initiatives, and the recognition of changemakers through the 11th annual SLICE Awards.

Omar Suri (MUP ’25) spearheaded the creation of Western New York’s first Miyawaki mini‑forest on UB’s North Campus, a densely planted, self‑sustaining ecosystem of nearly 1,400 native saplings and understory species to transform invasive greenspace into a resilient, community‑oriented sustainability hub.