University Innovation Fellows champion green innovation

A bold vision for Central Michigan University's future took center stage at the Nov. 7 University Innovation Fellows stakeholder meeting, where a team of student changemakers presented their plan to transform unused campus green spaces into functional, sustainable outdoor hubs.  

The power of student-led change 

The program, a global initiative of Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school), empowers students to lead transformative projects on their campuses. Through a rigorous, six-week training in design thinking, responsible futuring and leadership, students learn to envision and implement solutions. 

“Imagine a campus where green space enriches the social fabric of our community,” cohort member Vibeke Rivet said.  

The team’s green space optimization project was inspired by student feedback, proposing geodesic domes equipped with Wi-Fi, seating and soundproofing to support outdoor learning, meetings and recreation.

"When exposed to nature and natural light, people do better — better attention, better productivity, better work performance," cohort member Reeve Katt said. 

Stakeholder insights and next steps 

The stakeholder meeting with other students, faculty and staff sparked collaboration and generated ideas to refine the project. Breakout sessions identified project strengths, from environmental benefits to its potential to enhance student mental health. Stakeholders also shared suggestions to strengthen the proposal and offered help making campus connections to maintain momentum. 

The team plans to start with three prototype domes, refine the project based on feedback, and explore donors and grants for implementation. 

Meet the 2024 cohort 

While the program is housed in the College of Business Administration’s Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship, it welcomes students from all academic disciplines. Members of this year’s cohort are: 

• Michelle Amoo, law and economics major, junior from Romeoville, Ill.
• Mela Hammond, Entrepreneurship major, senior from Hartland, Mich.
• Reeve Katt, human resources major, senior from Benzie County, Mich.
• Vibeke Rivet, mechanical engineering major, junior from Ludington, Mich.

A legacy of innovation 

As the team explores next steps, they also are preparing for a Netherlands trip in April. There, they will join peers from other universities, participate in workshops, visit innovation centers and present their project on a global stage. 

“The impact of adding the University Innovation Fellows program to campus has been outstanding,” said Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship director Julie Messing. “The students have grown and created high impact projects to enhance the CMU community in ways that support student success and happiness.”

“Beyond that, the engagement and collaboration from faculty, staff and deans across campus has been so impressive. This program is building bridges that amplify student success, innovation and pride,” Messing said.

For information on the program or to learn how to apply for the 2025 cohort, visit the IBIE program page.