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The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ (UA) welcomed students, faculty and industry professionals from across the country for ESWcon2025, the national conference of Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW), held March 28–30. Hosted by the UA chapter of ESW, the event celebrated student-led initiatives and interdisciplinary collaboration around sustainability, innovation and design.

This year’s theme — “Designing Our Sustainable Future: Circularity, Community & Creativity” — set the tone for a weekend filled with hands-on workshops, design challenges, professional networking and inspiring conversations. The conference brought together more than 150 attendees from 13 universities, featured three keynote speakers, 29 additional speakers, 29 visiting companies and a dynamic career fair with 14 sustainability-driven employers.

Participants explored cutting-edge topics in sustainable engineering, materials science and climate-resilient design while making valuable connections with peers and professionals. One of the most anticipated elements of the weekend was the student poster session where students showcased original research and innovative design work.

Dr. James Eagan, assistant professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and faculty advisor for the UA ESW chapter, found the event especially meaningful. “It was really inspiring to see not only the awesome work happening at UA around sustainability but also what other schools were doing in the areas of biodiversity, hydroponic agriculture and polymer recycling,” he said. “There will definitely be new collaborative ideas coming out of this event.”

The career fair offered a unique opportunity for students to connect with sustainability-focused employers. Ben Linson, an undergraduate member of UA’s ESW chapter, shared, “When I signed up for ESWcon, I had no idea how many new people I’d meet who share my exact strive for sustainability, especially at the career fair. I met many employers who I felt I could actually connect with due to our shared interests. I was initially hesitant to attend the career fair but now I can confidently say it was 100% worth it.”

Organized entirely by the UA ESW student chapter, the conference reflected months of dedicated planning, teamwork and leadership. Pailey Vitale, a third-year polymer science and polymer engineering student and UA ESW Design Team lead, remarked, “Seeing the conference actually happen was amazing. All of the hard work and planning efforts by the UA ESW members Delora Grace Allen, Andrew Yassall and me paid off. I loved watching the other ESW chapters collaborate with each other and have fun with sustainability on our ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ!”

Vitale highlighted one of the most memorable sessions, “Mycotecture: Using Fungi to Shape the Built Environment,” which offered a hands-on activity where participants created flowerpots using fungi-based materials. “It was a perfect blend of creativity and science,” she said.

Delora Grace Allen, UA ESW president and a fifth-year chemical engineering student, also reflected on the success of the event. “It was so surreal to witness the hard work all the planning committee members put into this conference and watch it exceed expectations. Seeing each chapter collaborating and enjoying the conference sessions and additional opportunities provided was very rewarding.”

Allen also praised the closing keynote, delivered by Eagan, which explored the circularity of polymers and emphasized innovation in sustainable materials. “It was very inspiring and empowering, and it tied beautifully into our conference theme. The bar was set for the next ESW conference and it fills me with joy that we played a part in hosting such a successful event.”

ESWcon2025 was made possible through the generous support of The Lemelson Foundation, Engineering for One Planet, ABET, the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, DLR Group, Ecomend Solutions – Empowering Sustainability, Spheros Environmental, Charter Next Generation, the PPG Foundation and the Synthomer Foundation. These sponsorships enabled registration scholarships, design challenges, and valuable networking experiences for students and faculty.

The event concluded with a conference-wide awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions in several areas, including the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Design Competition — a poster session highlighting sustainable chapter projects and a photo contest featuring impactful images submitted by ESW chapters. In addition to competition awards, chapters and individuals were also recognized with honors such as Outstanding Member, Outstanding Chapter and Outstanding Leadership.

The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ chapter of ESW was honored with multiple awards for its leadership, creativity and contributions throughout the conference:

Outstanding Leadership:

• Delora Grace Allen (president, fifth-year chemical engineering)
• Pailey Vitale (Design Team lead, third-year polymer science and polymer engineering)
• Andrew Yassall (vice president, fifth-year electrical engineering)

Best Photo:

• Zips Precious Plastics Double Recycle Project led by Pailey Vitale

Design Challenge Winners:

• 1st Place: Delora Grace Allen
• 2nd Place: Melissa Adrion (third-year mechanical engineering)
• 3rd Place: Callie Lewis (fifth-year chemical engineering)

As students packed up posters and said their goodbyes, the atmosphere was filled with energy and optimism. ESWcon2025 not only connected student leaders in sustainability from across the country — it affirmed the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s role as a hub for innovation and environmental stewardship.

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Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.