Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

Amelia Dougherty was a sophomore studying civil engineering when sustainability caught her attention. She wanted to change her major, but it felt like jumping into the unknown.

“It’s definitely been a roller coaster,” Dougherty said. “Changing my major was the spark, then I found what I’m passionate about.”

Now a senior, she is involved with UD’s Hanley Sustainability Institute, working to promote energy efficiency in student housing. Dougherty will be presenting at the Association of the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education conference and expo, and becoming a LEED Green Associate in sustainable design and construction.

During the summer of 2023, Dougherty was an HSI undergraduate sustainability fellow placed with the city of Dayton’s Office of Sustainability alongside Sustainability Manager and fellow Flyer, Meg Maloney ’18.

Dougherty worked on the city’s preliminary decarbonization plan (a part of the city’s commitment to being carbon neutral by 2050). She was challenged to understand how other cities approach the issue; identify steps the city of Dayton should consider; and navigate the best way to work on projects.

“That’s a challenging task for anyone, let alone a college student, and she jumped in feet first,” Maloney said. “Initially, I had her pull information, but she took it to the next level by creating a comprehensive framework we could use in our plan moving forward.”

In addition to working with students like Dougherty in these fellowship positions, Maloney also has given projects to UD engineering students related to energy work the city is doing, guest lectured and volunteered. Mentorship, though, stands above the rest.

“The mentors in my life have been very selfless to educate, believe in and treat me with respect, allowing me the freedom to learn, so I try to return the favor in my professional life,” said Maloney.

The combination of policy work with an encouraging guide sealed the deal for Dougherty. “Meg’s been a great mentor for me,” said Dougherty. “I think that’s been driving me forward … that I made the right choice.”

As Dougherty moves through her last year in undergrad, she continues to amass experiences and network with faculty, staff, alumni and professionals in the field. Most recently, she spent this summer interning with 3R Sustainability, a consulting business, as an assessment reviewer.

“I’m out of the nose-in-the-book [part of my studies] and getting to do what I like to do in my classes and work experiences,” she said. “It’s crazy to think about, but I’ve received all the things I need from UD to take the next step.”

What’s even crazier? She’s already doing it.