Impacts and Benefits

• Coordinated the Sustainability Integration Program for Students (SIPS), engaging over 750 students in diverse, impactful sustainability projects since 2019.
• Secured annual funding for five years to support student salaries, enhancing the scope and impact of SIPS.
• Facilitator for the Education for Sustainability Community of Practice, fostering interdisciplinary relationships and empowering sustainability initiatives across the University.

Leadership and Engagement

• Facilitated the development of the University’s Sustainability Engagement Plan, coordinating a team of four part-time staff and leading numerous community workshops at major events.
• Mentored 20-50 students annually, guiding them through sustainability projects and helping them develop leadership skills.
• Established the Students for Sustainability Working Group (SfSWG), ensuring diverse student representation in sustainability governance.

Wider Societal Impact

• Catherine represents the University on the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) Working Group, sharing best practices globally.
• Catherine is the Unit Coordinator for the Sustainability Placement Experience unit, partnering with Tasmanian organisations to provide students with real-world sustainability project experience.
• Catherine mentors and supports students in participatory action research on climate and food environments.

Achievements

• Under Catherine’s leadership, SIPS won an IGGA award in 2022 for best practice in place-based student engagement and sustainability education.
• SIPS students have been instrumental in participating in the development of University strategic plans for sustainability.
• Recognised in the Divisional Vice-Chancellor’s Student Focus Award for her commitment to student partnership and leadership.