by Aleena Siddiqui
The 2024-2025 Sustainability Initiative team welcomes back interns Purva Bommireddy, Cristina Goeller, and Aleena Siddiqui, who will focus on three priorities this year: 1) Expanding the youth sustainability network and programming that has been built across colleges in Pittsburgh; 2) Amplifying and supporting sustainability-focused work in academic departments and operational units; and 3) Connecting with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to reinforce the multi-faceted nature of sustainability. Check out our website and follow us on Instagram to keep up with our events.
Purva Bommireddy (she/her)
Purva, a senior double majoring in Civil Engineering and Statistics & Machine Learning, returns as the Community Engagement Intern. She spent this past summer interning in the Building Envelope division at SOCOTEC where she analyzed facades for various new construction and restoration projects in NYC including Waldorf Astoria and 520 5th Ave. She also visited Acadia National Park and enjoyed some hiking and scenic views.
As the Community Engagement Intern, she will continue to provide resources, mentorship, and support to campus groups and individuals interested in the Sustainability Initiative. She’s excited to meet with passionate students one-on-one during her connection hours, so be sure to stop by the Sustainability Studio. In this role she also plans to develop and strengthen sustainability programs within CMU academic departments.
“As a senior, I’m currently thinking a lot about what it means to have a career in sustainability. I’d love to help make CMU students more aware of enterprises and companies that are committed to creating a positive societal impact.”
You can connect with Purva on Thursdays from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Sustainability Studio located on the first floor of Hunt Library.
Cristina Goeller (she/her/ella)
Cristina is a masters student studying public policy and management in Heinz College. This past summer she interned with the New York City Economic Development Corporation on their Economic Mobility Team. She had the opportunity to support the team in their initiatives to identify and remove barriers hindering economic mobility in NYC.
She returns as the Heinz DICE Liaison. In this role, she conducts qualitative research for the annual Voluntary University Reviews, assists in event creation, and serves as a general counsel for ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion topics are included in practices of sustainability.
“The facet of sustainability I am most passionate about sharing is the intersectionality of the goals, how our identities intersect with the issues, and what we can do to mitigate barriers.”
You can connect with Cristina on Mondays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Sustainability Studio.
Aleena Siddiqui (she/her)
Aleena is a junior double majoring in materials science & engineering and environmental & sustainability studies. She will continue her work with the Sustainability Initiative as the Outreach & Programming Intern. She spent this past summer traveling, including a study abroad program in Costa Rica. She studied sustainable agriculture through field work focused on coffee and chocolate production. She met with farmers to discuss organic certifications and was able to hike to volcanoes and waterfalls over the weekends.
As the Outreach & Programming Intern, she will continue to find meaningful ways to engage with the campus community and share resources that allow for connections between students, staff, and faculty in our collective efforts toward sustainability. She is excited to expand on her work with the Youth Sustainability Network that serves as a landing point for students across Pittsburgh colleges to connect and lead in efforts together.
“I’m passionate about having conversations that allow all of us to think critically about our work and what it means outside of the classroom. CMU has given us a space and the resources to grow in our knowledge and values and I believe it is our responsibility to utilize this to work towards social, economic, and environmental sustainability.”
You can connect with Aleena on Fridays from 3 – 5 p.m. in the Sustainability Studio.