Interns in the SIU’s Stainability Office have put sustainability projects on the map, including those at University Farms. (Photo by Todd Duermyer)
June 24, 2025
SIU sustainability interns create interactive maps highlighting green initiatives
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Becoming more sustainable isn’t mere talk at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. People and units across campus, including students and Sustainability Office interns Fisayo Akinde and Rajee Tamraker, are bringing sustainability to life in myriad ways.
Akinde and Tamraker each completed sustainability projects during the past year that will have a significant impact on the SIU community and beyond, said Aimee Lemrise, sustainability director.
“Fisayo’s and Rajee’s projects both not only contribute to SIU’s sustainability goals outlined in the Imagine 2030 strategic plan but also empower the campus community to engage in environmentally responsible actions,” Lemrise said. “We are proud to have had them on our team and look forward to the lasting impact of their work. We are grateful for their dedication and innovative contributions to sustainability at SIU.”
Mapping sustainability projects
Akinde, a Nigerian who completed his master’s degree in geography and environmental resources with a concentration in geographic information systems in May, used GIS software to create a comprehensive, centralized, interactive map illustrating many of the diverse projects funded by SIU’s Green Fund Grant program, supported by a student Green Fee of about $10 per semester. The map focuses on spatial data analysis, remote sensing and environmental challenges and is easily accessible through the university’s sustainability website. Explore the interactive map.
The program has awarded nearly $3.8 million to 357 sustainability projects since its inception in 2009 as the result of a student-led initiative. The diverse projects include the green wall/vertical garden inside the Agriculture Building as well as the green roof atop it, a solar-charging picnic table, bicycle maintenance repair stations, big belly solar trash compactors, a rain garden, a variety of lighting projects, a biological science greenhouse, a forced aeration composting facility and vermicomposting facility, a sustainable farm and much more.
During his studies, Akinde has been involved in research in various areas including artificial intelligence and machine learning, hydrology, remote sensing and GIS.
Promoting bicycling
Tamraker, a May master’s degree graduate in geography and environmental resources from Nepal, worked to document SIU’s commitment to sustainability through its support of bicycling, recognized by the League of American Bicyclists when it named SIU a “Bicycle Friendly University” in 2016, 2021 and 2024. The university currently holds a “bronze” designation lasting for five years.
Tamraker created an interactive story map that showcases all of the bike fix-it stations and bike racks on campus so students and visitors can easily find and use them and help reduce the campus carbon footprint. The goal is to improve awareness of the bike-friendly campus and encourage use of the facilities and amenities. The project aligns with several United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals, including those that focus on cities and communities, climate action and good health and well-being. Check out the map.
Tamraker’s research interests at SIU have included sustainable urban planning, climate adaptation and disaster resilience.
Learn more
SIU’s Sustainability Office has been quite active since its inception, and the 2024-25 academic year was no exception. Numerous workshops covered a wide variety of topics, including recycling Valentine’s cards and hair scrunchies, sustainable menstrual hygiene and creating spring seed bombs. The office has provided expertise and grants to assist various campus offices and units and funded many campuswide initiatives.
Numerous campus and community events the office sponsored, including a community feeding luncheon with music, a fashion show featuring recyclable material designs and clean-up days for Campus Lake, brought people from SIU and the greater community together.
Visit sustainability.siu.edu for more information.