Masters of the Environment (MENV) Students Showcase Innovative Solutions at Capstone Poster Session
Last week, the second-year Masters of the Environment (MENV) graduate students took center stage as they presented their Capstone Projects during a poster session to the MENV community. This event is a cornerstone of the program, highlighting the culmination of a year-long experiential learning journey. The Capstone Project offers students the chance to collaborate with organizations to tackle pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. Through courses like Capstone Innovation Lab (CIL) 1, 2, and 3, students enhance their skills in project management, partner engagement, and data analysis while crafting real-world solutions.
The students presenting last week were in their final Capstone course, CIL 3, where they focused on synthesizing data and producing impactful deliverables. The culmination of their summer work was showcased through engaging poster presentations that gave the MENV community insight into their year-long collaborations with external partners.
Innovative Projects Across Three Sessions
The poster session was divided into three groups, with each session highlighting a wide range of environmental and sustainability topics:
Session One Projects:
& : Focused on expanding zero-emission mobility access and education across the state.
: Worked on a climate resilience and sustainability plan.
: Developed capacity for inclusive outdoor opportunities.
: Conducted a comprehensive analysis of agrivoltaics in the western U.S.
: Focused on workforce development for the wind energy sector.
: Unified sustainability efforts within the outdoor recreation industry.
: Created a stewardship plan for Haystack Farms.
: Implemented a sustainable HOA certification.
: Supported public use of the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park.
: Created a sustainable cities innovation platform.
Session Two Projects:
: Devised a strategy for electric vehicle charging station deployment in grocery retail.
& Governor's Office of Climate Preparedness: Conducted climate risk assessments and resilience planning in Colorado prisons.
: Advanced the state’s regional partnerships initiative.
: Focused on strategic land acquisition for battery energy storage.
: Highlighted the importance of scratch cooking in school food programs.
: Developed forward-thinking approaches for B Corp assessments and sustainability analytics.
: Conducted a community food assessment and resiliency model.
: Worked on the Casa de la Esperanza rehabilitation project.
: Addressed climate change through reforestation of public spaces.
: Developed sustainable and circular public procurement strategies for local governments.
Session Three Projects:
: Explored sustainable design, transit, and solar integration for The River Mile.
: Studied the future of work in a climate-impacted Colorado.
: Identified siting opportunities for renewable energy development.
: Focused on transmission expansion through existing right-of-ways.
: Explored a brand-owned recommerce program.
: Investigated universal basic food access.
: Worked on decarbonizing the school district.
: Conducted an accessibility audit of the High Line Canal Trail.
Celebrating the Best of the Best
The day concluded with awards recognizing the standout teams. The Highline Canal team took home the Audience Award, while the ICLEI team received the Advisor Award. Additionally, the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority team earned a special award from Josh Radoff, the Renewable and Sustainability Specialization Lead.
Looking Ahead
Capstone Partner Proposal Submissions due October 1, 2024
Interested in working with our students? There’s still time to submit a Capstone Proposal for the 2024-2025 project cycle. Learn more about what it means to be a Capstone Partner and to be considered for our next cycle. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our Capstone Lead, Alice Renickova at Alice.Reznickova@colorado.edu
Capstone Symposium on November 15, 2024
The excitement doesn’t stop here! Mark your calendars for the Capstone Symposium on November 15, 2024, where these same student teams will present their projects in 20-minute sessions to a broader audience, including industry professionals and CU community members. Interested in attending? , and join us in celebrating the innovative, solution-oriented work of our MENV students.