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.
Join the GTGF Collective!
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.
Meet the Fall Interns
Omarichachukwu “Oma” Obiorah is a sophomore at the University of Maryland pursuing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Originally from Nigeria, she speaks three languages and enjoys storytelling, culture, and building connections across diverse communities. Oma is passionate about exploring how machines and systems affect both the environment and people’s lives, integrating this interest with her commitment to sustainability. She previously served as Vice President for Sustainability in the Residence Hall Association, raising awareness of sustainable practices among UMD students. This fall, Oma is interning with ISSS to support the Global Terps for a Greener Future initiative, where she works on social media campaigns, outreach, and research projects.
Abbey Vanasse is a junior at the University of Maryland, majoring in Information Science with a minor in Sustainability Studies. As a Global Terps for a Greener Future intern, Abbey connects international students with campus sustainability initiatives by researching global models, launching literacy campaigns, and leading informational, hands-on activities. They have also interned with UMD’s Department of Residential Facilities, the Alice Ferguson Foundation, and Clean Water Action, and this fall are beginning a new role as a Clean Energy Education Intern with the Office of Sustainability. On campus, Abbey is an Energy and Environmental Policy Federal Fellow and serves as President of External Affairs for oSTEM. They are passionate about fostering intercultural dialogue on climate action and advancing equitable, community-driven environmental solutions.
