Join the Collective here.

The Global Terps for a Greener Future Collective (GTGFC) is a student-led organization dedicated to advancing sustainability through global collaboration and education. The Collective connects undergraduate and graduate students to address pressing social and environmental challenges from a multidisciplinary and intercultural perspective. Members participate in meetings, projects, and research that promote sustainable practices in international education while developing leadership skills and a global outlook. By fostering dialogue and innovation, the GTGFC strives to build a more sustainable campus community and a healthier future for all. 

What to Expect

• Bi-weekly collaborative meetings led by the GTGF interns to exchange ideas and prepare impactful action plans.
• Active involvement in ISSS campus events to promote sustainability on campus and in the broader global community.
• Opportunities for hands-on research that drives the Collective’s projects forward.
• Experience in event planning and execution from concept to completion.
• Membership in an interdisciplinary and intercultural student group committed to protecting our environment to improve the quality of life for all. 

Learning Outcomes

• Refine leadership and project management skills
• Enhance intercultural competence
• Apply interdisciplinary sustainability knowledge

Participation Requirements

1. Current UMD student.
2. Demonstrated interest in sustainability and intercultural collaboration.
3. Willingness to actively engage in bi-weekly meetings, research, and event participation, contributing to team projects.

Alina Darchieva is an international student and a junior pursuing a B.S. in Bioengineering. She is part of both the Engineering Honors and Bioengineering Honors programs. She is passionate about sustainability and exploring how science and global perspectives can help solve environmental challenges. On campus, Alina conducts research in the Molinari Lab, studying engineered living materials and synthetic biology, and in the VIP Biosensors Lab, where she develops accessible diagnostic technologies for dengue fever. Beyond research, she is involved with Women in Engineering, TerpsEXCEED, Alternative Breaks, and the Maryland Shakespeare Players theater club. Through her work with GTGF, Alina hopes to promote sustainable practices on campus and encourage students from diverse backgrounds to become active participants in building a more sustainable future.

Luke Guiyab is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Public Health Science and is in the Honors Global Challenges and Solutions Program. His passion for environmental science advocacy is shaped by his interest in understanding the social determinants of health, especially for underserved communities. On campus, he is vice president of the UMD Science Policy Group, where he hopes to continue advocating for research that affects both environmental health and people. He is also a member of the Maryland Student Legislature and the Global Communities Student Association. As a Global Terps for a Greener Future intern, he hopes to raise awareness of the importance of environmental research in building a sustainable tomorrow. 

Global Sustainability Spring Fair Highlights

On May 1, 2026, ISSS and the Global Terps for a Greener Future Collective hosted the Sustainability Spring Fair, showcasing innovative projects from Terps across disciplines to promote sustainable communities worldwide. From engineering solutions to creative art, the event highlighted the inspiring efforts of undergraduate and graduate students driving change.

Special congratulations to Maureen Norah Nabulime, an international student from Uganda and PhD candidate in Environmental Science &Technology, for earning the Outstanding Project Award for her work, “Recovering Bioenergy from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)”.

This event was made possible thanks to the Sustainability Fund. We look forward to seeing you next year!