Alyssa Higham Fosters Regional Sustainability in Collaboration with SWSIE

Fostering Regional Sustainability: My Experience with SWSIE and STEMAP

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/).

With rapid population growth intensifying climate pressures across these states, the urgency for innovative, localized solutions has never been greater. But communicating complex environmental topics in an accessible way is a challenge. That’s why I joined the STEM Ambassadors program (STEMAP) – to develop the skills needed to engage diverse communities in meaningful conversations about sustainability.

Building Bridges: Lessons from STEMAP to Foster Cross-State Collaboration

To prepare for my engagement event, I participated in STEMAP trainings, where I learned to design outreach efforts that connect scientific concepts with the public. My goal was to create a space where SWSIE partners and interested community members could connect, share knowledge about the Engine’s work and goals, and make them directly relevant to communities to inspire future participation. STEMAP provided me with the tools to design an event that not only informed but also fostered a sense of agency among participants.

While an in-person event would have been valuable, given the regional scope of SWSIE, we held a virtual convening to ensure stakeholders from all three states could participate. The event focused on leveraging localized innovations and sharing successes across industries and states. Five ‘lightning speakers’ presented sustainability initiatives within SWSIE’s core areas of carbon/air, energy, and water. Each speaker highlighted a workforce challenge their organization had encountered and a successful strategy they had implemented to address it. A common theme emerged: collaboration is essential for achieving sustainability goals and strengthening workforce development.

Amplifying Voices and Building Momentum

To enhance engagement in a virtual format, I designed a series of poll questions issued pre-event and during, that helped shape the discussion and provided valuable insights for SWSIE’s future direction. The polls weren’t just data collection tools; they created a sense of collective momentum among participants, reinforcing that their perspectives mattered. My colleagues noted that this interactive element added significant value, especially given the lack of time for open discussion in the meeting format, as it created a sense of ownership among participants.

I hope this event was only the start of ongoing conversations and collaborations among stakeholders in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Moving forward, the spotlight should continue to be placed on the professionals driving sustainability initiatives across the Southwest – those whose sustainability efforts will continue in their local communities even after the Engine stops running. By highlighting under-considered voices and needs and fostering cross-state partnerships, SWSIE can help to build a more sustainable and resilient future for the region.

I’d like to thank my fellow facilitators who keep the show running smoothly (both on Zoom and off!) – Meghan Dovick, Thomas Wilson, and Nathan Chai. I also want to give a shout out to Corinne Ryan who led STEMAP with empathy and encouragement.