Hugo Neu Corporation Sustainability Seminar Series: SM 2026 Individual Capstone Projects

ABSTRACT

This presentation serves as an example of a Sustainability Management capstone project. While we will primarily discuss our capstone project deliverables and work breakdown, the panel will also be happy to answer any questions regarding time management, client (external partner) meetings, or presentations to update the class on work completed.

PROJECT ABSTRACT (A): Antimicrobial Resistance: Refining a Great Responsibility for a Great Power

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a great global public health concern that contributes to millions of deaths each year. It is a big problem that encompasses environmental, social, and economic systems and disproportionately affects developing countries and low-income communities. The goal of this project is to aid the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors— strong opponents against AMR—to understand where to place their efforts in solving the many issues surrounding AMR. Exploratory data analysis and literature readings were conducted to understand the many problems of AMR and its impacts today across the world. This information was used to then create a survey and conduct interviews with experts and professionals knowledgeable in different areas surrounding AMR. The findings are summarized and analyzed in this whitepaper. Recommendations for solving AMR issues are at the end.

PROJECT ABSTRACT (B): Implementing Green Infrastructure Capstone

Climate change is driving severe flood risks in urban areas, demanding proactive stormwater management. The report identified priority locations for rain gardens and green infrastructure (GI) within the Second River floodplain, with a specific focus on the Watsessing neighborhood.

Through hydraulic analysis at Fairview Elementary School, it was demonstrated that how integrating rain gardens can significantly reduce peak stormwater runoff. The report outlined an actionable roadmap for gradual GI implementation and highlighted available grant funding pathways to finance these projects. Finally, the report emphasized environmental justice, illustrating the critical importance of prioritizing infrastructure investments in overburdened communities that bear disproportionate climate burdens.

BIOGRAPHY

Mariel Bacolod recently received a Master of Science in Sustainability Management at Stevens after completing his Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology and Society with minors in Medical Humanities, Green Engineering, Social Science, Pre-Law and Public Policy, and Science Communication, also from Stevens. She is also skilled in graphic design, allowing her to communicate ideas in eye-catching and accessible ways. Mariel strives to connect sustainability and health and is currently studying for the Associate in Infection Prevention and Control certification to aid in her career path.

Jessica DeCelie is a water resources civil engineer with 7 years of experience in industry. She received her BS in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, and her MS in Sustainability Management from Stevens. Her capstone study was on a community heavily impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021 in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

Zoom Link:

https://stevens.zoom.us/j/99998532806

Website:

https://www.stevens.edu/sustainability-seminar-series

Jointly Sponsored by:

HUGO NEU Corporation
WSP
HDR
NOMADICS
H2M Architects and Engineers
Dewberry

Contact:

Dr. Dibs Sarkar