Championing Sustainability Education at the U: Jennifer Watt, PhD
Jennifer Watt, PhD, leads sustainability education efforts at the University of Utah as the director of sustainability education. Her role focuses on expanding and advancing sustainability-related educational opportunities across the university.
Key Responsibilities
and
Strategy 2030.
![President Watkins at the Air We Breathe Symposium in October 2019](https://sustainability.utah.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2020/07/ca1-scaled-e1624483040417.jpeg)
Sustainability in Course Curricula
SUST Attribute:
The university uses a set of criteria to identify courses with the "SUST" attribute, making it easier for students to find classes focused on sustainability. Academic departments from a variety of disciplines offer sustainability-related courses.
Tracking and Reporting:
Tracking the SUST attribute helps the university meet external requirements, earn points in the STARS report and showcase the integration of sustainability into coursework.
Recent Initiatives
Faculty Research Project:
A recent project, funded by the Lemelson Foundation, allowed Dr. Watt to collaborate with the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering to integrate sustainability topics into ABET-accredited programs. This initiative will expand into other colleges in the future.
Faculty Focus Groups:
Dr. Watt and her team facilitate focus groups to gather insights from faculty on incorporating sustainability into curricula. Colleges interested in participating can contact her for more details.
![](https://sustainability.utah.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2022/01/humansoftheU.jpeg)
Faculty Engagement
Dr. Watt is available to attend faculty meetings to discuss opportunities and incentives for integrating sustainability into teaching. To schedule a presentation, please contact sustainabilityeducation@utah.edu.