Students leading the way in sustainability are about to gain recognition for their research efforts.

The Sustainability Practices and Research Center and the Weber State University Alumni Association will be awarding two WSU students with a $500 award each for their outstanding research projects focused on sustainability.

The deadline for submitting research projects was March 1. The WSU Faculty Senate Environmental Issues Committee will select the winners.

The students’ projects will be judged on their sustainability objectives, the outcomes and impact they have and the overall creativity and originality.

Vivian Arthus, a WSU art major, got the chance to submit a project she had been working on with her Intro to Printmaking class last year.

“It was one of the most eye-opening and fulfilling experiences to have been given the opportunity to create artwork for such an impactful and important subject. It was awesome to just be part of something bigger in general,” Arthus said.

WSU has already started taking initiative toward sustainability and is on track to reduce the campus greenhouse gas emission and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

The university wants student participation to help meet their sustainability goals, to help make a positive impact and get the chance to be recognized and awarded for their contributions.

“I knew that the campus had a sustainability program and that they were making efforts for change with programs and community projects, but I had no idea that there was an award for students who also are contributing,” student Jake VanBeekum said. “I am glad that students are given the chance to be recognized and awarded for all the research they have been working on for the rest of us.”

To be eligible for the award, the student’s primary research had to focus on sustainability and take place during the 2017-2018 school year.

“I was not aware of the awards for research projects, but I’m glad to hear that my peers are getting the chance to be rewarded for their hard work and dedication towards making the world a better place for future generations,” student Annie Young said. “I can’t wait to learn more about the research projects that winners did because we all know we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

The Sustainability Practice and Research Center is a campus resource for students who are interested in learning more about sustainability and what they can do to help the environment. Visit their page on WSU’s site to learn more.