Students Talk Climate Action at 19th Annual Muddy River Symposium

people gathered in a large room with multicolored flags adorning the walls

More than145 attendees gathered for an inspiring evening of conversation and collaboration at the 19th Annual Muddy River Symposium, hosted by the Colleges of the Fenway Center for Sustainability and the Environment at Simmons University. The event showcased the innovative research of over 88 students from across the Colleges of the Fenway—including Wentworth Institute of Technology—and representing 35 distinct research groups, all focused on tackling pressing issues related to climate, sustainability, and environmental justice. 

The symposium, held in April at Simmons University, kicked off with welcoming remarks from Adam Silver of Emmanuel College and Paul Geisler of Simmons University, setting the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking program.  

A highlight of the evening was a powerful keynote address delivered by John Rogers from the Union of Concerned Scientists. In his timely talk, titled “Environmental Policy Progress in Uncertain Times,” Rogers offered valuable insights into strategies for advancing environmental policy amidst today's complex political and social landscape. 

A significant portion of the symposium was dedicated to celebrating the impactful work of student researchers. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with poster presentations detailing a wide range of projects, from exploring turbine design to cultivating native habitats for urban pollinators. 

The symposium also recognized the recipients of the 2024-2025 mini grants, designed to support student-led sustainability initiatives on their respective campuses. The awarded projects include: 

  • Emmanuel College Residence Hall Composting Pilot Program: Led by Amelia Knowles and Alison Hrivnak (Emmanuel College), this project aims to establish a composting program within Emmanuel College's residence halls. 

  • Pollinator Pathways: Cultivating Native Habitats for Urban Pollinators at Simmons University: Cailey Plainte (Simmons University) will focus on creating and enhancing habitats for vital urban pollinators on the Simmons University campus. 

  • WickedWind: Exploring Turbine Design: Sammy Riadi (Wentworth Institute of Technology) will delve into the intricacies of turbine design. 

The symposium also announced the winners of the highly anticipated poster awards, recognizing outstanding student research in various categories: 

  • WATER POSTER WINNER: Ella Poor (Emmanuel College), Madison Williams (Simmons University), Felicity Gonzalez (Wentworth Institute of Technology), Lily Cohen (Wentworth Institute of Technology), and Katie Kranz (Wentworth Institute of Technology) for their work assessing the effects of road salting on Muddy River salinity. 

  • LOCAL SOCIAL ACTION POSTER WINNER: Nick Dosremedios and Brian Carriero (Wentworth Institute of Technology) for their project on the COF Sustainability Hub. 

  • SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE POSTER WINNER: Joshua Luedke (Emmanuel College), Katie Doran (MassArt), Nora Connolly (MassArt), Mads Otis (MassArt), and Evelynn Powers (MassArt) for their innovative research on a Lithium – Hydrogen Converter. 

  • ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE POSTER WINNER: Gio Houle (MassArt), Yasemin Isaacs (MassArt), Michaela O’Donnell (Simmons University), Cailey Plainte (Simmons University), and Avery Swasey (Simmons University) for their impactful work addressing youth representation in climate activism and the climate space, and the need to make polluters pay. 

The 19th Annual Muddy River Symposium underscored the dedication and ingenuity of students in addressing critical environmental challenges. Their research and initiatives are poised to make a tangible difference across their campuses and in the wider community, shaping a more sustainable and just future. 

Find more photos through the Colleges of the Fenway.