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I never expected that my graduate studies would allow me to play a role in a regional sustainability initiative. Yet, as an inaugural graduate research assistant for the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE, the Engine), I had the opportunity to apply my passion for environmental resilience on a much larger scale. Through my graduate program at the University of Utah, I became part of a collaborative partnership spanning Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). SWSIE is tackling some of the most pressing climate challenges in the Southwest – aridification, water conservation, renewable energy, and air quality – all while promoting economic and workforce development and sustainable tech innovations (https://swsie.asu.edu/).

The field of project management has increasingly shifted towards a focus on value creation, recognizing that long-term success depends not only on meeting traditional project objectives—such as scope, time, and cost—but also on delivering broader value. Sustainability has emerged as a key component of this value, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact, fostering social responsibility, and ensuring economic viability. Project managers are expected to balance financial performance with the ability to create lasting positive value for multiple stakeholders, including the environment and future generations. This evolution in project management underscores the need for a more holistic approach that integrates sustainability into every phase of the project lifecycle, from planning to execution and evaluation.