UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Park graduate student Harman Singh has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2024 John Roe Sustainability Impact Award, in recognition of her significant contributions and leadership in advancing sustainability efforts within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) and across the broader University community. This accolade, commemorating the late mathematics professor John Roe, is awarded to individuals who have profoundly committed to integrating sustainable practices into the fabric of the University.
Singh has been at the helm of multiple high-impact projects, notably spearheading a tree-planting initiative aimed at rehabilitating previously mined lands. Her efforts have not only fostered environmental restoration but have also served as a rallying point for student and alumni involvement in sustainability actions.
"Harman has orchestrated events that both directly contribute to environmental restoration and significantly engage the community in sustainability efforts, showcasing her innovative and inclusive approach to sustainability," said Timothy White, research professor in the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute.
As chair of the EMS Sustainability Council Student Committee, Singh has been dedicated to embedding sustainability into campus life. Her leadership in the "Dodge the Dumpster" campaign, which diverted substantial quantities of usable goods from waste, underlines her innovative approach to promoting eco-conscious behaviors. This campaign, as highlighted by nominator and EMS undergraduate student Irena Potochny, showcases Singh's ability to merge sustainability with service, positively impacting both the campus and the local community.
Singh's commitment extends beyond project leadership to active engagement in sustainability education and advocacy, exemplified through her role in organizing the Penn State Water Conference. This initiative showcased her organizational skills and dedication to advancing Sustainable Development Goal #4 (Quality Education) by fostering dialogue and collaboration on water sustainability issues.
Ruth Buck, a fellow graduate student and nominator, commended Singh’s relentless drive and broad impact. "Harman has taken on every single service opportunity that has come her way, within the department, the university, and the discipline,” Buck said. “Her efforts to improve sustainability across Penn State, in addition to leading on various education and outreach initiatives, have been nothing short of inspirational."
Douglas Goodstein, associate director for student engagement at Penn State Sustainability, echoes Buck’s sentiment.
"Harman Singh embodies the spirit of the John Roe Sustainability Impact Award,” he said. “Through her innovative leadership and deep commitment to sustainability, she has played a pivotal role in advancing Penn State’s mission towards a more sustainable future."
Singh's dedication to helping to foster a culture of sustainability at Penn State has not only elevated the University's green initiatives but also set a benchmark for student-led environmental stewardship, according to Goodstein, adding that Singh's efforts illustrate the power of individual leadership in mobilizing collective action towards achieving sustainability goals.
For further details on Penn State's sustainability initiatives and the transformative impact of leaders like Harman Singh, visit sustainability.psu.edu or reach out to Douglas Goodstein at drg5343@psu.edu.