Introducing our new Sustainability Coordinator for 2024/2025
Hello everyone! I want to introduce myself as the new sustainability coordinator for the 2024/25 school year. My name is Eliza and I’ve just graduated with a degree in international relations and sustainable development. Although I am originally from New Jersey in the US, I have loved living in Scotland over the past four years and cannot wait to stay for the near future.
During my final few years at the university, I was able to focus my studies on critical theory looking at topics ranging from migration to diplomacy to activism. I studied unconventional security studies in international relations while exploring blue economies and green politics in sustainable development. I was lucky enough to love every module I took thanks to the amazing staff in both departments. I hope to later pursue a master’s degree in a related subject.
As a student, I volunteered for The Tree, a student-run food cooperative providing organic and ethically sourced food to the St Andrews community. In my final year, I became The Tree’s president, working to expand our customer base and build partnerships with other societies in town. I am excited to again work with Transition, who oversees The Tree, to work towards the University’s sustainability goals.
Last summer, I worked with Transition and the Fife Communities Climate Action Network under the guidance of Alistair Macleod to help develop a trajectory assessment of Fife’s carbon emissions. During this process, I was able to provide recommendations to improve the reporting procedures for organizations in Fife.
Over the course of this coming year, I will build on these experiences to help to promote the University’s sustainability strategy. I am excited to engage students through the school and hall sustainability representative program this year, as well as collaborating with student societies like the environment subcommittee. My other initiatives will look at promoting Fairtrade projects and sustainable behaviour change communications.
Follow along to see more of the environment team’s projects this year on our Instagram and Facebook. Feel free to get in contact with me at any point through [email protected]
