Meet Jessica Barthel
Jessica Barthel is the passionate education coordinator for the Office of Sustainability. With a background in environmental science and experience in stormwater infrastructure, she is focused on engaging faculty and staff in sustainability efforts across campus, including the Sustainability Ambassador program.
Can you share a bit about your background, and what led you to pursue a career in sustainability?
Before joining UNC Charlotte, I worked three years with an engineering and consulting company on stormwater infrastructure and water quality. Stormwater felt like a natural start once I graduated since I researched water quality and plastic pollution while earning my environmental science degree. I enjoyed aspects of that job, but I began to realize that I didn’t want to stay so narrow in focus, and I wanted to take on a more proactive role. I wanted to do something where I could contribute to positive change, what better space than sustainability? I’ve always seen sustainability as a mindset, and I want to help others embody that idea.
What are your main responsibilities as the education coordinator for the Office of Sustainability?
As the education coordinator, I focus on faculty and staff engagement by serving as a resource and developing programs. For faculty, that includes running a workshop on infusing sustainability into the curriculum, speaking to classes and sharing resources. For staff, which also includes faculty, I work on education and engagement projects like the Sustainability Ambassador program, staff orientation and sustainability tours. One program in the works is a Green Workplace program to support units.
What are some of the key achievements/highlights of the Sustainability Ambassador program since its launch last year?
An early win was hitting our goal of 40 individuals and the resounding support from supervisors. Every participant had the support of their supervisor to join. Among the participants, we had a wide range of departments and positions represented, everything from an AVC to a recycling technician, faculty to office staff. This was major highlight of the program, as it led to rich discussions during the training sessions and resulted in the formation of new relationships. The program also allowed us to partner with departments across campus to deliver high-quality training and connect ambassadors with staff resources. Building environmental services and recycling, energy management, dining services and the purchasing office were all valuable contributors.
On a personal note, it’s been a highlight to see how the ambassadors are using the knowledge and experiences they gained in the program to support their colleagues and projects. For Earth Month, we hosted an entire film and panel series, made possible by some of our ambassadors doing those events as projects. I could list many examples of how the ambassadors are making an impact, but I think the key takeaway is that individual actions make a difference, and I hope they see that too.
How did it feel to receive shout-outs about the program from Earth Share North Carolina and Sustain Charlotte?
It was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t contact either organization to share the success of our Sustainability Ambassador program, yet they saw the value of it. The shout-outs affirm that the program we’ve created is strong and meaningful. As the program manager, I am grateful to Earth Share NC and Sustain Charlotte for touting the program. It’s an encouraging feeling, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish with this year’s cohort.
If you could travel anywhere in the world to study sustainability practices, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Amsterdam to visit the cutting-edge sustainable development work in their industrial district, Noord. Through multiple projects, they have created circular living and working neighborhoods, like Schoonschip, an energy-neutral neighborhood along the canal. Another site I would tour is De Cuvel, a circular living lab project that used recycled construction materials, smart grid technology and regenerative landscaping to transform a polluted shipyard.
If you could have dinner with any environmentalist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would say, Jane Goodall. I’ve watched all of her documentaries and find her to be an inspiring person, especially in the conservation space. I would like to ask her about living in the wild as a field scientist, her perspectives on human nature relationships and tips for spreading hope.
Outside of your professional work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy being outside and staying active! That takes many forms but some of my favorite activities include cookouts with friends, hiking, dancing, playing pickleball and visiting Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden. On the other hand, I like a laid-back night watching a movie or doing a puzzle.