University of Dayton sophomore mechanical engineering major Lauren Bower has been named a Newman Civic Fellow for her commitment to creating positive change in the community.

"Lauren Bower is an innovative leader passionate about applying her mechanical engineering skills to addressing environmental and social justice issues in our community," said UD President Eric F. Spina, who nominated her. 

With faculty and community members, Bower is helping form a community owned and operated enterprise that will create off-grid electricity using gas emitted from a major landfill located in West Dayton. The electricity would power bitcoin mining and a farm. The goal for both is to create jobs and clean emissions. It's anticipated the farm will increase access to food in West Dayton.

Bower joins 173 students from the U.S. and Mexico in the 2022-23 Newman Fellows cohort. 

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a program of Campus Compact, a national coalition working to advance the public purposes of higher education. Fellows receive training and resources geared towards personal, professional and civic growth, in addition to exclusive scholarships and post-graduate opportunities. 

"We are proud to name such an outstanding and diverse group of students Newman Civic Fellows," said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. "Their passion and resolve to take action on the wide range of issues challenging our neighborhoods and communities is inspiring and deeply needed. We cannot wait to engage with them through this transformative experience."

For more information visit the Campus Compact website.