Andrew Gamper ’25 glanced at the classroom in front of him. Not a single seat was open, and all eyes were on him. Projecting his presentation onto two drop-down screens, he began telling students, faculty, and staff the benefits of strategically placing bioswales — landscape features that collect and filter stormwater — as well as storm drains and permeable walkways across campus.
“Bioswales and green infrastructures create natural habitat for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. This improves Bryant’s green spaces while improving stormwater management; a healthier ecosystem makes for a more vibrant and resilient campus,” said Gamper, noting that these infrastructure investments would mitigate flooding and, in turn, reduce safety risks.
Gamper represented one of the five groups that shared sustainability proposals at the university’s first ever Sustainability Challenge Pitch Competition on April 4. As part of Bryant’s efforts to promote environmental responsibility, students across campus were challenged to create an innovative solution to address a campus sustainability issue. Winners will then work with university leadership on implementation.
To develop a viable initiative, undergrads homed in on the following: feasibility, impact, engagement, sustainability, and collaboration. Each group delivered a three-minute pitch, followed by questions from three judges — Biological and Biomedical Sciences Adjunct Professor Paul Roselli; Assistant Vice President for Planning, Design, and Construction Thomas Mann; and Bryant alum Taylor Vahey ’23. Questions spanned from how project costs were calculated to who would complete the proposed work.
“I'm excited for the ways we can push sustainability here on campus forward,” Biological and Biomedical Sciences Lecturer Robert Patalano, Ph.D., shared with attendees during his welcome speech. Patalano, who introduced each group, collaborated with School of Health and Behavioral Sciences Director Kirsten Hokeness, Ph.D., and Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking Director Kristie DeJesus to bring this competition to life.
Throughout the afternoon event, pitches ranged from minimizing food waste by giving away unsold, pre-packaged, perishable items to implementing solar parking shades to increase renewable energy. Antonio Soares ’26, Zachary Nassar ’25, and Aidan O’Neill ’25 presented a way for students to develop sustainable habits through leveraging Kasa smart power strips.
Proposing a pilot program to assess the initiative’s effectiveness, the three undergrads suggested each townhouse unit receive nine of the six-outlet Kasa power strips and use the company’s app to track and manage energy consumption. Students with verified energy savings could earn rewards.
In a similar vein, Joseph Madan ’25 and Brandon Kemp ’25 spoke about incorporating motion sensor technology in townhouses to reduce energy consumption.
“It would reduce that carbon footprint, help save electricity, and it's convenient for students,” said Madan.
Following the presentations, Patalano noted that winners will be announced at the Earth Day Symposium on April 22. On that day, all competition entrants will have a chance to meet Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Kolbert, who is delivering the Earth Day keynote address. Additionally, winning teams will present their proposals to the Sustainability Working Group and university leadership to jointly develop a plan for implementation.
