Sustainability Projects Making Impact in NH & Beyond

Kayla Maggio, Northern Arizona University, B.S. Biology '22, M.S. Climate Science & Solutions and Certificate in Greenhouse Gas Accounting '25
Host: City of Concord, NH

Kayla is working with the City of Concord, NH to meet its 100% renewable energy goal by updating its greenhouse gas inventory and exploring a fleet electrification program. Using the ICLEI ClearPath tool, Kayla will analyze the impacts of recent renewable energy and energy efficiency projects on Concord's greenhouse gas emissions. She will then work in collaboration with city staff, businesses, non-profits, community members, and the Concord Energy & Environment Advisory Committee to propose policy initiatives to further reduce emissions.

Farzaneh Sabbagh, University of New Hampshire, Ph.D. Economics: Environmental Economics '27
Host: ProAmpac

Farzaneh is working with ProAmpac to identify energy and emissions hotspots across their global sites. She will analyze greenhouse gas and energy data to find key areas for improvement and create practical recommendations to reduce energy use and emissions. Her work will support ProAmpac's goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and help drive positive change in their operations.

Akshika Kandage, University of California, Berkeley, Master of Development Practice, Goldman School of Public Policy '25
Host: Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire

Akshika is working with the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) to conduct a comprehensive market analysis of the state's Community Power sector. Her work involves researching market share, program types, growth trends, and customer savings, as well as comparing models from states like California, Massachusetts, and Ohio. She is developing a final report, outreach materials, and a replicable methodology to support CPCNH's strategic planning, enhance member engagement, and inform broader efforts to expand equitable, community-based energy solutions in New Hampshire and beyond.

Madeleine Diaz, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Wildlife and Conservation Biology '26
Host: Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership

Madeleine is working with Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership as an educator and researcher focused on marine ecosystems, ecology, and sustainability. She is developing new curriculum, lesson plans, and projects aimed at middle and high school students to analyze the climate-driven changes seen in the Gulf of Maine, as well as the external political and economic influences that may affect the manner in which these changes are addressed. Additionally, she is aiding in shellfish, kelp, and sustainable aquaculture research conducted on the island.

Olivia Audet, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Environmental Conservation and Sustainability, Dec. '24
Host: Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Olivia is working with Lawson’s Finest Liquids, a craft brewery based in Waitsfield, Vermont. Building on the work of UNH students in the Climate Action Clinic, she is completing Lawson's greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Her work mainly focuses on Scope 3, indirect upstream and downstream emissions. This comprehensive footprint will inform her recommendations for emissions reductions that can be integrated into the company’s daily business operations.

Rachael Blansett, M.Ed., University of New Hampshire, Master of Social Work '25
Host: NH Community Development Finance Authority & NH Fiscal Policy Institute

Rachael is working with the NH Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) and the NH Fiscal Policy Institute (NHFPI) to advance a more equitable, data-informed approach to community development across the state of New Hampshire. She is helping to support the refinement and expansion of the Community Progress Indicators (CPIs): a set of 13 key metrics designed to assess socioeconomic well-being and community needs, especially for underrepresented and historically marginalized populations. Her work includes analyzing current data sources, identifying gaps, and proposing adjustments to ensure these indicators reflect an authentic, inclusive picture of community experiences throughout New Hampshire. Through this project, Rachael is leveraging her background in DEI leadership and community engagement to bridge the gap between technical data analysis and community-centered decision-making.

Emory Bachand, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Business Administration: Accounting, Sustainability dual major '27
Host: Prime Buchholz

Emory is enhancing Prime Buchholz's impact reporting to clients and identifying ways to improve the firm's sustainability efforts. She is collecting, structuring, and analyzing data while utilizing artificial intelligence to improve the firm's impact reporting. Emory is participating in meetings with the mission-aligned investment committee and making recommendations to improve survey, reporting, and scoring rubric. She is partnering with the firm’s other interns to participate in a firm-wide and cross-functional project where she brings in a sustainable lens. Emory is preparing a report for clients and presenting the results of the project to senior leadership.

Anna Frisbie, University of New Hampshire, M.S. Recreation Management and Policy: Recreation Administration '26; University of Richmond, B.S. Biology and Environmental Studies dual major '22
Host: The Nature Conservancy

Anna is working with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) on the Community Development and Conservation Collaboration Project to find affordable, equitable, and sustainable solutions to New Hampshire's housing crisis. Her role includes networking with community members, reviewing local and regional land-use policies, and mapping environmental characteristics to support data-driven decision-making. The key theme of this project is engaging communities to find a balance between conservation and development in New Hampshire. Anna is compiling a report of her findings to share with TNC and their partners, which will help guide TNC's agenda for conserving land through real estate purchases. Overall, this project aims to support New Hampshire's rural character and to conserve the diverse lands and water of the Granite State.

Ella Longacre, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Business Administration: Information Systems and Business Analytics, Sustainability dual major '26
Host: ClimateWork Maine

Ella is working with ClimateWork Maine on the Climate Action Business & Innovation Network (CABIN) project. CABIN is a new statewide program designed to help small businesses succeed in a carbon-constrained economy by providing them with the tools, resources, and connections they need to reduce emissions and become more sustainable. Ella is helping develop and launch CABIN by researching and helping to build an online resource library for Maine businesses, creating a catalog of immediate, tangible actions businesses can take, and providing practical examples of how businesses are implementing low-carbon technology. Additionally, she is working on outreach and communication strategies to make sure this resource is accessible and widely used by businesses across the state. This project will create lasting value for the state of Maine and engage a larger audience of businesses to work on climate change.

Liz Barteldt, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A. Environmental Studies (Sustainability Track), minors in Business Administration and Advertising/Public Relations '25
Host: Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Company

Liz is leading the development and design of Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Company’s first-ever Sustainability and Social Impact Report. Drawing on Dean’s Beans’ 32-year legacy of ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and social justice, she is conducting a comprehensive review of the company’s history and initiatives, alongside a broader analysis of sustainability reporting practices across the industry.

With a focus on storytelling and visual impact, Liz is crafting a branded report that weaves together creative writing, powerful imagery, thoughtful design, and compelling infographics to bring Dean’s Beans’ mission to life. Once the report is complete, she is supporting outreach and marketing efforts to share it with stakeholders and build a replicable framework for future annual reporting.

This report aims to do more than just inform – it is designed to inspire coffee drinkers to choose with purpose and encourage other coffee companies to embed sustainability and social impact into their business models.

Alex Mangin, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Environmental Engineering, Sustainability dual major '27
Host: Hypertherm Associates

Alex is partnering with Hypertherm Associates this summer to reduce plastics used in the company's products and packaging. His initial project is researching current and upcoming plastics regulations across multiple countries. Alex is then gathering data on dimensions, weights, and materials used in products and packaging. The end goal of the project is to establish how plastics regulations provide risks and opportunities for Hypertherm, as well as create a roadmap to reduce the use of plastics and transition towards a more circular system.

Priscilla Kayku, Skidmore College, B.A. Environmental Studies '25
Host: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Office of Sustainable Energy

Priscilla is working with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Office of Sustainable Energy to support research and outreach related to Thermal Energy Networks (TENs). Her work is focused on conducting a site suitability analysis using GIS and other data tools to identify optimal locations for TEN pilot projects in southeastern Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on low-income and disadvantaged communities. She is also helping develop educational materials to raise awareness among local governments and stakeholders about the benefits and feasibility of TENs as part of a just and equitable clean energy transition. 

Isioma Nwayor, Indiana University Bloomington, Ph.D. Geography '25
Host: Unitil

Extreme weather events, including wildfires, are increasingly becoming a serious risk to lives and properties. Particularly, wildfires cost the United States billions of dollars annually. As a climate scientist, Isioma is interested in helping communities, companies, and policymakers understand and prepare for these growing risks by translating complex climate data into practical tools that support resilience, safety, and long-term planning. This summer, she is working with Unitil, a utility company based in New England. Isioma is helping Unitil evaluate the vulnerability of the company’s infrastructure to wildfire. In this role, she is converting global climate model data into local data that will be applied to mapping tools to identify which parts of Unitil’s infrastructure are at risk of wildfires. This is especially important because Unitil owns many poles, wires, and power lines that stretch across forested regions. The goal is to help Unitil stay ahead of climate threats and keep energy delivery safe and reliable for the communities that it serves.

Sophie Goodwin, University of New Hampshire, M.A. Sociology '26; University of New Hampshire, B.A. Sociology, Sustainability dual major '24
Host: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

Sophie is working with the Air Resources Division at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to complete an updated statewide greenhouse gas inventory for the NH Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) through the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. This also includes detailed emissions projections through 2030 and 2050, based on current emissions patterns as well as state and local policies and programs. Sophie’s work is adding climate action capacity at the state level, informing policy decisions and inspiring more productive efforts towards emissions reductions.

Nilofar Karami, University of New Hampshire, Ph.D. in Economics
Host: New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission

Nilofar is working with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission to develop more accurate monetary estimates of the benefits and costs of environmental and health externalities. By quantifying these externalities in dollar terms, she aims to provide a clearer picture of their impacts and support balancing the interests of ratepayers and stakeholders. Through literature review and data analysis of benefit-to-cost metrics from different states, she is identifying best practices that ensure both tangible and non-tangible impacts are captured. The project will conclude with a final report offering practical recommendations for refining regulatory frameworks and supporting more equitable policy decisions.

Luiza de Almeida Lucena, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, Ph.D. Natural Resources Science and Management '25
Host: Low Impact Hydropower Institute

Luiza is collaborating with the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) to advance the integration of social and governance considerations into LIHI’s existing Low Impact Hydropower Certification Program. Building on the foundation laid by the previous year’s fellow, she is evaluating how LIHI’s science-based environmental criteria align with broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting frameworks. Over the summer, Luiza is conducting interviews with stakeholders, assessing ESG reporting practices among certificate holders, and working closely with LIHI’s Certification and Communications teams to develop key messaging and practical guidance. She is also producing recommendations for voluntary, supplemental social and governance criteria to improve the program’s alignment with ESG standards and help hydropower operators more effectively communicate their sustainability achievements. Through this work, Luiza aims to help position LIHI’s certification as a model for comprehensive, values-driven sustainability in the hydropower sector.. 

Matthew Gunther, University of New Hampshire, B.A. Communication, Business Administration minor '25
Host: Clean Energy NH

Matt is supporting the Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) team at Clean Energy NH, which works with over 120 communities statewide to advance local clean energy efforts. The ECR Program helps municipalities and small businesses pursue energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electrification projects.

Matt’s focus is on boosting the program’s capacity by creating a strong network and shared resource hub to streamline technical support. His work includes developing user-friendly contact lists, organizing focus groups and surveys, building a ListServ and newsletter system, and producing case studies for the CENH blog. He is also expanding funding resource tools and helping design new webpages, making it easier for local energy champions to learn from each other and take action.

Jordan DiPrima, University of New Hampshire, M.S. Earth Sciences '27
Host: UNH’s New England Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership

Jordan is working with the New England Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) located at UNH to undertake a variety of tasks that aim to lower information barriers to the effective deployment of clean energy technologies. Jordan is using ArcGIS to organize industry, energy, and demographic data into an online dashboard that provides readily accessible data to the TAP. Jordan is also elaborating on policy landscape research and providing concise profiles for policies and programs throughout New England. Additionally, Jordan is assisting with technical topics such as solar hot water systems and geothermal borefields. Jordan’s work aims to increase effective communication of data, policies, and technical assistance.

Alex Soucy, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Business Administration: Management, Sustainability dual major '26
Host: Tanbark

Alex is working with teams across Tanbark to collect, organize, and document the data needed for the B Impact Assessment. Additionally, he is assisting in developing policies and practices necessary to meet various requirements in the assessment. This work is supporting Tanbark's journey to B Corp certification, an important step in showcasing their dedication to sustainable business practices.

Caleigh Mullins, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Environmental Engineering '27
Host: Northern Forest Center

Caleigh is working with the Northern Forest Center to develop an outdoor recreation planning toolkit for those interested in the region. The Northern Forest Center is a regional innovation and investment partner creating rural vibrancy by connecting people, economy, and the forested landscape. Caleigh is conducting stakeholder interviews with successful outdoor recreation projects to compile case studies that tell their stories, inspiring future projects. Taking replicable commonalities from each case study, a toolkit is being created outlining specific, successful planning steps to make outdoor recreation project ideas a reality.

Ian Watt, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Environmental Science: Ecosystems '26
Host: MAYO

Ian is working with MAYO to research and develop a comprehensive report on the state of the solar marketing industry. By interviewing industry leaders, analyzing data, and reviewing marketing strategies, he is exploring how solar companies are adapting to economic and policy shifts in an evolving market. The final report will serve as an informational resource for companies, aimed at improving the effectiveness of solar marketing and accelerating the adoption of green technology.

Sharmane Tan, University of Michigan, MBA/MSc Environmental Policy '25, Erb Institute
Host: ProAmpac

Sharmane is working with ProAmpac to lead a policy and sustainability initiative focused on aligning packaging solutions with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. She is conducting a comprehensive policy analysis, measuring environmental impact, and proposing insights to make packaging more sustainable. The goal is to help drive industry-wide change, support municipal waste systems, and enable thousands of customers to meet their sustainability goals.

Aidan Turner, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Recreation Management and Policy: Program and Event Management, Minor in Business Administration '25
Anona Pattington, Vassar College, B.A. Sociology '25
Host: Town of Groton, CT

Aidan and Anona are working with the Town of Groton's Office of Planning and Development Services. Their day-to-day work largely consists of knocking on doors, tabling, and planning community events. They aim to implement multiple engagement strategies in order to better represent all communities, especially those that are underserved or marginalized. The input that is collected over the summer will be invaluable to two major planning projects for the town's future: Climate Ready Groton, which will focus on developing climate mitigation and adaptation priorities to pursue by 2050, and Groton 2035, formally known as the Plan of Conservation and Development, which will be used to make decisions improving the quality of life and balancing growth with preservation. The largest deliverable for the two fellows will be the Summer 2025 Engagement Plan, mapping out the most effective outreach approaches and a timeline of activities to be used as a possible model in other regions.

Brooke Rafter, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Business Administration: Marketing, Sustainability dual major '25
Host: Tom’s of Maine

Brooke is working with Tom's of Maine to support their Corporate Social Responsibility program. Throughout her Fellowship, she is engaging with Tom's of Maine and various sustainability consultants and stakeholders to help fulfill the company's sustainability objectives, enhance their annual Goodness Report, and assist in renewing the B Impact Assessment. Her responsibilities include compiling and synthesizing data for future goals and targets, analyzing communication strategies, and identifying storytelling opportunities related to Tom's Everyday Good for inclusion in the report.

Phoebe Green, University of New Hampshire, B.A. Economics, Sustainability dual major '26
Host: Bristol Seafood

Phoebe is working to improve Bristol Seafood’s supplier onboarding process by developing a digital platform that integrates food safety, accounting, and B Corp requirements. She is specifically focused on designing a dynamic system that tailors documentation requests to each supplier’s unique needs, improving organization and efficiency. The goal is to streamline supplier engagement by providing a centralized, user-friendly space for document submission and review. Phoebe is also supporting Bristol’s broader mission by aligning the onboarding process with sustainable sourcing practices and B Corp standards.

Norkplim Mattah, North Carolina State University, Master of International Studies '26
Host: Sewall Foundation

Norkplim is working with the Sewall Foundation’s Beyond the Grant team to boost fundraising and grant-writing skills for small, grassroots nonprofits led by BIPOC, rural, and women’s groups across Maine. He is interviewing Maine foundations and organizations to uncover challenges and promote grantmaking transparency. Using what he learns, Norkplim is building a Maine-specific grant-writing toolkit with sample templates, FAQs, checklists, and best practices for proposal development. He is also creating a mentorship program to connect experienced fundraisers with newer nonprofit staff. In the end, this project aims to build trust-based philanthropy and lasting statewide progress by encouraging more flexible, multi-year, and general operating grants.

Dija Haq, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Applied Mathematics: Economics '26
Host: Tide Cycle Resources LLC

Dija is serving as an Impact Investment Analyst Intern at Tide Cycle Resources LLC, a boutique investment firm focused on aligning wealth with sustainability and social impact. Her work involves researching a broad range of ESG-aligned investment opportunities, meeting with asset managers, and contributing to the development of the firm’s internal investment database. By helping identify and evaluate values-driven financial strategies, Dija is supporting Tide Cycle’s mission to connect clients’ financial legacies with the causes that matter most to them.

Cindy Lee, University of Pittsburgh, B.S. Biology, Dec. ‘24
Host: Piper Shores

Cindy is working with Piper Shores, a nonprofit retirement community in Maine. She is supporting the implementation of their sustainability plan by managing carbon footprint data through SIMAP and analyzing data from a transportation survey and infrastructure waste audit. Cindy is also collaborating directly with residents and staff to increase education and engagement with sustainability initiatives on campus. Her work will culminate in a report outlining the methods, findings, and recommendations for reducing Piper Shores’ emissions and ensuring the long-term success of the organization’s environmental goals.

April Hopcroft, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Master of Public Health in Social & Behavioral Sciences '26; Smith College, B.A. Neuroscience & Spanish '21
Host: NH Department of Health and Human Services

April is working with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to conduct a gap analysis of the state’s Viral Hepatitis Surveillance Program. She is analyzing case data, reviewing protocols, and interviewing key stakeholders to determine how well the program is meeting CDC and community objectives. April is producing a formal gap analysis report as well as a series of recommendations to improve the quality of data collection. As an MPH student, she is applying her background in program evaluation and qualitative and quantitative data analysis to support this project. Her work is contributing to quality improvement of statewide surveillance, with the ultimate goal of advancing prevention and elimination of viral hepatitis.

Rachel Hazelwood, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Human Development and Family Studies, Sustainability dual major '26
Host: TAVO

Rachel is working with TAVO, a mission-driven investment and advisory firm focused on reshaping access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Her project involves researching entrepreneurial ecosystems across the United States to better understand where and how overlooked founders are building and scaling their businesses. Through this research, she is helping create a resource hub that shares tools and information to support entrepreneurs within their own communities and strengthen TAVO’s relationships with them. Rachel’s work is grounded in the belief that underrepresentation in entrepreneurship is not a matter of talent, but the result of systematic barriers that limit opportunity from the start. By contributing to TAVO’s long-term strategy, she aims to help create sustainable pathways to inclusive economic growth and generational wealth.

Marisa Bianchi, University, B.A. Geography and Sustainability dual major '26
Host: Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts

Marisa is working with the Boston Local Food Program, part of the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, on their Eat Local Always campaign. This summer, she is creating and implementing the social media and in-person engagement calendar to connect community members with producers to strengthen the local food system of Massachusetts. She is planning and hosting events such as a documentary screening and library talks, and she is planning four weeks’ worth of social media posts and events for the month of August to encourage engagement with Massachusetts farmers, fishers, and producers. Supporting local agriculture is of utmost importance in a time of climate catastrophe and food insecurity, and education surrounding it can lead to a shift from our culture's transactional and industrial relationship with food to a relationship that is more community-based and sustainable.

AB Monisha Raju, Parsons School of Design, The New School, MS Strategic Design and Management '26
Host: Thornton Tomasetti

Monisha is working with the Sustainability and Resilience team at Thornton Tomasetti, on ethical decarbonization and labor practices in the built environment. Her research focuses on tracing the material supply chain and mapping just labor practices across upstream and downstream tiers, based on industry standards. The study is grounded in cross-disciplinary inquiry, stakeholder engagement, and critical analysis of impactful building materials. Monisha will develop a library of materials and manufacturers vetted for their fair and transparent practices throughout the supply chain. She will translate this extensive study into a visual format to support broader understanding and collaboration across the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. Her work aims to serve as a resource for meaningful dialogue around ethical labor practices both within Thornton Tomasetti and with the firm’s external collaborators and stakeholders. 

Shane Gleeson, University of New Hampshire, B.S. Analytical Economics, Sustainability dual major '27
Host: Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce

Shane is working with the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce to continue and expand their Career Pathways Trades Awareness Program. The program helps connect students to careers in skilled trades by providing scholarships and connecting them to career resources they may not have been able to afford or may not have been aware of. Shane's project focuses on creating a comprehensive analysis report of the program's successes, impacts, and areas for growth. Then he will build a plan to secure new funding for the continuation of the program, as well as a framework for expanding and replicating the program.

Marie Collins, University of New Hampshire, B.A. Music Education ‘13, M.Ed Elementary Education ‘14, PhD candidate: Curriculum & Instruction and Teacher Education, Dec. ‘26
Host: The Climate Initiative

Marie is working with The Climate Initiative, a U.S non-profit that empowers youth aged 12-23 to take positive climate action through education. TCI creates learning resources for educators and learners that connect students with their local landscape by helping them understand and address climate challenges in their community. Increasingly, these resources are being utilized in classrooms outside of the US, highlighting the need for more inclusive and globally relevant materials that reflect diverse experiences and integrate local perspectives and knowledge. This summer, Marie will be helping TCI expand their international reach while assessing and updating current learning resources to be more relevant and impactful for the international educators hoping to utilize them.. 

Koorosh Asadifakhr, University of New Hampshire, Ph.D. candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering '26 
Host: EZ-CRETE 

Anisha Jain, University of Chicago, MPP, Dual Major: Energy & Environment and Finance '26
Host: BlueWave