USD M.S. in Engineering, Sustainability and Health

Kelsey Pelton turned her passion for the environment into a thriving career at the Environmental Protection Agency—all thanks to the innovative MS in Engineering, Sustainability, and Health (MESH) program! 🌎

Discover Kelsey's inspiring journey and see how the MESH program at the University of San Diego can help you achieve your own career goals: https://hubs.la/Q02M4Xkr0

Words On MESH with Kelsey Pelton Kelsey Pelton landed her dream job at the Environmental Protection Agency, thanks to the innovative MS in Engineering, Sustainability, and Health (MESH) prog...

"Reimagining Engineering Education," edited by MESH co-creators Caroline Baillie and Paul Kadetz.

This book considers a radical change to engineering education. It argues for a reexamination of the traditional way in which engineering students are educated in disciplinary silos and how, instead, we might re-imagine their professional education to more appropriately prepare students to design innovative solutions to increasingly complex global challenges. It poses the question: “How can engineers think outside the engineers’ box?". A box that has over generations rendered engineers to be unquestioning servants of the socio-political systems in which they function.

The book introduces a unique framework and language for engineering education which considers both the problems of the past and present, and the potential solutions offered for the future. By reaching out beyond the bounds of traditional knowledge and thought collectives, this book will also offer a pathway for other professional education programs to explore.. 🚀
https://link.springer.com/book/9789819752607

Climate change analysts play an essential role in how we understand the effects of climate change. If you enjoy reviewing data, are passionate about fighting climate change and want to influence policy decisions on climate, then this could be a career for you. Learn more about this important position, including job opportunities and salary, in our latest blog post:

What Is a Climate Change Analyst? [Career + Salary Guide] Are you passionate about combating climate change? Here's why you should consider a career as a climate change analyst.

“Traditional approaches to malnutrition have focused on providing sufficient quantity of food and on production, without considering the importance of the broader food system, and particularly diet quality, in shaping nutrition and health outcomes. People’s diets are affected by multiple factors that determine the desirability, affordability, accessibility, and availability of diverse, healthy foods”

https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/global-food-policy-report-spotlights-need-for-a-shift-to-sustainable-healthy-diets.html

This might be an interesting summit:

E+E Leader 2024 Solutions Summit.

Industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability enthusiasts gather to explore the collaborative landscape of sustainable leadership.

June 4 and 5!

Register here:

https://events.zoom.us/ev/AhaterRC6C6jSNB8Zj0J8Ie9RdNb0f5GV2JCTHDASPdZO2LgM5is~AvpvdksAuDXITGi6WR2gj6lRsAkV4bdGFhlqeVCdT4OV_tmKNEbV57RBLgR9VyVqMJLezM9jMXvny_nx-4tB7khVUA

"Our global challenges require trans-national cooperation across disciplines. Similarly, our program's community consists of a diverse range of change-makers across the globe. Drawing inspiration from complex systems thinking that lends us tools for visual reasoning about ecological and social systems, I co-developed a range of communication concepts for our the post-graduation community of this program and beyond. I interviewed 16 people including students and experts in the field of knowledge management and trans-disciplinary cooperation. Based on interviews, I co-designed a practice of communication where the community reasons about ways they seek to sense each other such as "what our your current struggles?" or "what skills can you teach to other students?". In addition, I developed a visual interface concept that looks like a living room to give different forms of communication a location. I further developed a prototype for systems-reasoning that creates a visual depiction of answers to a survey responses." - Leon Santen

Congratulations, Leon!

"Water conservation is no longer considered status quo. We need to tackle this challenge head on so that we can provide water security to all. By learning from past indigenous practices, and present methods that have been effective, we can begin to adapt to the water challenges that lie ahead as water is not guaranteed. Water is life and without it, life will cease to exist." - Jon Colon, Water Resource Engineer

Congratulations, Jon!

We are all still riding the high from graduation here!

"Studying the social and ecological impacts of the biopharma industry and finding ways to mitigate said impacts through engineering solutions, behavioral programs, and boundary spanning initiatives." - Daniel Madsen

Congratulations, Daniel!

"This Capstone Project is a feasibility study exploring how repurposed construction and demolition waste can improve living conditions in Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi through a circular economy model that examines how supply-side and demand-side needs can be harmonized. By leveraging interviews with informal settlement residents and ethnographic observations, this research identifies the critical needs of Kibera residents in areas of home improvement like poor drainage, poorly constructed homes, and leaking roofs, as well as their constant efforts to improve their built environment through any means possible. The project highlights inspiring community-driven initiatives where residents use repurposed construction and demolition waste to address these issues. By analyzing these initiatives through social and environmental frameworks, the project demonstrates the potential of C&D waste as a cost-effective and sustainable approach for Kibera's development." - Lilian Maruti Wanjala

Congratulations, Lilian!

🎓🌟 Congratulations to the change-makers, innovators, and disruptors of the Master of Science in Engineering for Sustainability and Health (MSESH) program! 🌟🎓 Your diverse backgrounds and disciplines have converged to create a powerhouse of talent dedicated to driving positive change. As you embark on this new chapter, may your innovative spirit continue to shine, shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Here's to your success and the transformative impact you're destined to make! 🚀🌍

Congratulations to MESH student, Simren Kaur, for being a 2024 Institute Fellow of the San Diego Leadership Alliance. The San Diego Lead­er­ship Alliance (SDLA) is a non­par­ti­san non­profit formed to develop San Diego's pro­gres­sive leadership by providing the skills, relationship and opportunities to build a sustainable progressive infrastructure in the San Diego region. Learn More here: https://www.sdleadership.org/

Simren, we're happy to see you getting involved in the community. What an example of being a Changemaker!

Unveil the next generation of San Diego leaders at 'Launching the Next Generation' by San Diego Leadership Alliance's 2024 Institute Cohort! May 16, 6-9PM @ Mujeres Brew House. Tickets @

SDLA 2024 Fundraiser Launching the Next Generation San Diego Leadership Alliance Fundraiser

"The central idea is simple: Stop generating so much garbage and reap the many intertwined social, economic, and environmental benefits"

Read on to see what France is promoting in this ambitious zero-waste plan and the challenges it presents.

https://www.yesmagazine.org/environment/2024/05/03/france-zero-waste-plan

Ecology, biology, zoology, oceanography, geology, chemistry and more. Environmental scientists can find careers across many different fields as they work to study and protect the environment. Learn more about this important position, including job opportunities and salary, in our latest blog post:

Environmental Scientists - Salary, Qualifications and Career Path If you're passionate about preserving and protecting the environment, here’s why you should consider a career as an environmental scientist.

Environmental policy analysts help to set goals for corporations, organizations and entire countries. Learn more about this important position, including job opportunities and salary, in our latest blog post:

Environmental Policy Analyst — Job Description, Salary and FAQs If you're passionate about having a say in environmental policy, here’s why you should consider a career as an environmental policy analyst.

Both environmental scientists and environmental engineers do important work to preserve, restore and regenerate our natural environment — but they differ in fundamental ways. Learn more about these positions, how they inform each other and which may be right for you in our latest blog post:

Environmental Science vs. Engineering Degree: How to Choose Explore the similarities and differences of environmental science vs. environmental engineering to see which may be a better choice for your career.

Are you looking for a career that can help to address the challenge of ? You might be surprised at the number of available opportunities. See our overview of 19 different climate change jobs on our latest blog post:

19 Climate Change Careers Changing the World [+Education & Experience Requirements] Are you looking for a career that can help to address the challenge of ? You might be surprised at the number of available opportunities. See our overview of 19 different climate change jobs on our latest blog post:

Major media outlets aren’t giving and issues the coverage they deserve. Thankfully, alternative media outlets — like podcasts — are bringing important global issues to light. Discover some of the best on sustainability that provide insights on climate justice, sustainable development and goals:

15 Best Sustainability Podcasts You Need to Listen To & Why Looking for podcasts on sustainability? Read our list for the best sustainability podcasts on environmental justice and sustainable innovation.

“Cultural capital” — how everyone can use their background, advantages, and even perceived disadvantages to succeed in the classroom or workplace.

This week, “At the Edge of It All” was joined by Rhonda Harley, Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Inclusive Excellence at USD’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.

Listen to it here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-use-your-cultural-capital-or-personal-story/id1644441847?i=1000645186928

Join this free event presented by USD's college of arts. Open to the public.
Please email [email protected] for any questions.
Examining the role of farmers as custodians of knowledge of the land and traditional practices, which form the root of contemporary international grassroots movements.

This past Saturday we hosted a MESH meet-up after the College of Arts Cluster Theme Symposium. Local-ish students, faculty, including the academic director and staff, got to meet each other in person and exchange some tips and stories.

Thank you to those who made it!

May peace reign and may you enjoy the time with your loved ones.

Our school will be closed from Dec. 25th to January 1st.

We will see you in 2024
Cheers!

Looking for ways to advance your professional and personal development for practices or achieving goals? Here’s what you need to know about sustainability certifications and how they can help your career:

Best Sustainability Certifications and Certificate Programs How you can build trust and credibility by earning a sustainability certification in green building, ESG and other areas.

Non-government organizations can be a great career choice if you’re looking to help a specific cause or gain valuable experience. Read our latest blog for what you need to know about careers, opportunities, salaries and more:

Want to Work at an NGO? Here’s Everything You Need to Know If you’re looking for a career at a non-government organization, here are details on NGO career opportunities and salaries.

Meet student Mahtaub Golab: A nontraditional student who wanted a program in . Read about what she found in MESH and what surprised her about the program in our student profile:

Student Spotlight: Mahtaub Golab MESH student Mahtaub Golab talks about her experience in the program and how it’s helping her realize a career in sustainability.

Caroline Baillie, MESH academic director and Christopher Marquis, current MESH student, presenting at the Degrowth conference in Zagreb, Croatia

"The conference is amazing- so many ideas, and like-minded scholars and practitioners from different disciplines and countries!"