Global Terps for a Greener Future Pilot
The Global Terps for a Greener Future (GTGF) is a multidisciplinary co-curricular program that offers students the opportunity to engage in a dynamic intercultural exchange on campus to address global and local sustainability challenges. This program allows students
to advocate for sustainable practices in the international education field, connect the UMD campus with sustainable projects and practices worldwide, and earn a Sustainability in International Education digital badge upon completion.
If you're interested in joining the collective, please apply by filling out this form.
The Global Terps for a Greener Future Collective (GTGFC) offers a co-curricular opportunity for participants to collaborate in an interdisciplinary and intercultural setting. With the support of dedicated staff, the Collective aims to advance sustainability in international education, showcase global research, and share best practices. By promoting a global perspective on sustainability, the Collective strives to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life around the world.
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
- Current UMD student status with a commitment to participate for the full academic year.
- Demonstrated interest in sustainability and intercultural collaboration.
- Willingness to actively engage in bi-weekly meetings, research, and event participation, contributing to team projects.
Chloe Gaines is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science & Policy with a concentration in Global Environmental Change. She is passionate about advancing climate solutions and protecting natural systems. On campus, Chloe serves as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for Principles of Ecology and Evolution. She is also a member of Epsilon Eta, the co-ed professional fraternity focused on the environment and sustainability. She enjoys participating in environmental service projects and exploring diverse natural landscapes. As a Global Terps for a Greener Future spring intern, Chloe plans to research environmental impact mitigation strategies and highlight sustainability-focused projects across UMD. Through her work, she hopes to raise sustainability awareness and strengthen the connection between people and the environment at both local and global scales.
Truc-Quan “Bambi” Dao is a freshman majoring in Environmental Science and Technology with a concentration in Soil and Watershed Sciences. Bambi’s interest in sustainability and the natural world was shaped by her time as a Girl Scout, where she developed a strong appreciation for environmental stewardship. As a Global Terps for a Greener Future intern, she hopes to raise awareness of global sustainability on campus, particularly among the international student community. As an international student from Vietnam, she enjoys exploring diverse cultures and connecting them to her passion for environmental sustainability. On campus, she also serves as a Terp Guide for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Interested in showing how sustainability connects to your research or creative work and contributes to global sustainability efforts?
We’d love to hear from you! The Global Terps for a Greener Future (GTGF) Spring Fair invites UMD undergraduate and graduate students from all programs to explore how their research, projects, or creative work can address sustainability challenges locally and globally through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Tackling the climate crisis requires diverse perspectives, skills, and areas of expertise - including yours!
The GTGF Spring Fair will be held on Friday, May 1st from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in Thurgood Marshall. A jury panel will evaluate the presentations, and outstanding projects will be formally recognized.
There will be two information sessions on zoom for students looking to submit a proposal.
