Rhonda Dzakpasu’s Reflections

Associate Professor
Director of Undergraduate Studies

What is your connection to sustainability or the environmental movement? This can be on a personal or professional level.

I taught a course for a few semesters on the physics of climate change as well as on earth’s energy balance.

What is an action you are taking to improve the environment, whether in your personal or professional life?

I routinely bike to work or take public transportation. I have not owned a car for 10 years and I compost my fruit and vegetable waste.

Do you have an environmental “fun fact” you would like to share? This can be an anecdote, something you’ve read, or anything else that feels important to you!

People should have house plants. They are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also filter the air we breathe. We can use our “excess” drinking water that often lingers in our water bottles or drinking glasses. Instead of putting this water down the sink, use it to water the plants.

Do you have a recommendation or piece of advice for Hoyas who wish to do more to help the planet?

One should think about our lifestyles and how we measure success. It may be that we need to recalibrate in order to be more sustainable. What defines luxury – a big house, an expensive car — should be cast aside. Living closer or within urban centers can greatly facilitate more sustainable living.