The BLI Social Transformations Fellowship started in the Fall of 2023 by taking ALA 170 (a LEARN Experience) that helped teams discover and research their project topic, make connections with stakeholders, and prototype/test their ideas. The fellowship theme Sustainability and the Environment.
Eight teams participated in ALA 170 and four of the teams took the LEAP to participate in the 2023 Social Transformations Fellowship, and were granted funds up to $15,000 to implement their projects. Each team has the opportunity to display their posters and pitch their projects at the 2024 BLI Graduation on April 12, 2023.
Electronics Waste and Recycling
Members: Bradley Gatov
Project Overview: Host a large, university-wide electronic recycling event to reclaim energy components and rare earth metals.
Impact of Industrial Agriculture & Supporting Small, Local Farmers of Color
Members: Liaya Blueford
Project Overview: Write a research paper about the impact of industrial agriculture and support small, local farmers of color.
Environmentally-Friendly Take-Home Robotic Kit
Members: Dan Altman, Nathan Nakkapalli
Project Overview: Design an environmentally-focused robotics take-home kit aimed at children ages 11-13.
Industrial-Grade Surface Cleaning Robot to Reduce Water Waste
Members: Elyse Soracco, Miti Shah, Erin Alcott, Laasya Chukka
Project Overview: Design and beta test an industrial-grade autonomous flatwork pressure washer designed to aid medium companies in meeting their efficiency goals, even during labor shortages, while saving water throughout the process by eliminating human error.
Neonatal Asphyxia Project
Members: Audrey Wong, Mihika Rayan, Rohan Patil, Jason Lin
Project Overview: Design a low-cost, sustainable solution to neonatal asphyxia in India
Residential School in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
Members: Shriya Mehta
Project Overview: Develop and furnish a study hall and computer lab for a pilot residential building in the town of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, India, which supports the education of underprivileged students. Further, recruit weekend tutors/educators to supplement students' education and include education on environmentalism and sustainability in the curriculum.
Outdoor Education & Mindfulness
Members: Tegwyn John, Helen Shanker
Project Overview: Introduce youth in under-resourced areas to the beauty of nature areas using mindfulness.
Reduce Plastic Waste at Sporting Events
Members: Jacque Boney, Kendall Murray
Project Overview: Replace plastic cups at sporting events at U of M with aluminum souvenir cups.
