Believe it - extended

HELPING COMMUNITIES, GARDENS, AND POLLINATORS TO THRIVE

Community gardens are really important amenities in city spaces. They provide urban greenspace and access to local food. Our goal is to help everyone become a sustainable gardener and learn how to grow better. Urban gardens can act as a refuge for pollinators because urban spaces are characterized by impervious surfaces. A good urban garden provides food and forage for bees, as well as nesting sites, supporting pollinators, biodiversity, and a healthy ecosystem. They provide fresh, local food and promote well-being. Pollinators are responsible for pollinating up to 75% of our staple food crop. Gardening is perhaps the easiest way for people to get involved with pollinator conservation. The concept of community gardens is to build community so that everyone has access to a safe space where they can connect with gardens and grow their own food.

ENGINEERING A NOVEL SOLUTION TO PLASTIC WASTE

This is something we need to do for the planet. Pyrolysis is the breakdown of plastic chains into smaller sizes in the absence of oxygen. These carbon hydrocarbon chains break down and vaporize instead of combusting, producing a clean diesel. OSU works with Agri-Plas, a plastics recycling company, to convert plastic waste into alternative fuels. Instead of taking oil from the ground, we take clean materials like plastics and produce clean diesel from them. We've mixed biomass like seaweed in with the plastic to simulate ocean plastics and make diesel. The goal is to implement small reactors into underserved communities to produce fuels for boats and tractors.

MAKING THE OUTDOORS AND ADVENTURE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE

Becoming blind was caused by a pituitary tumor. Being blind forces you to have a better memory. Climbing for about 15 years, it feels amazing to get to the top. OSU's Adventure Leadership Institute creates extraordinary outdoor experiences for people of all abilities. Meeting new climbers is one of my favorite things. We have gear and different ways to adapt so everyone finds what suits them. My experience with the ALI has been amazing. Anyone can rock climb, even if it seems difficult at first.