Sustainability Ambassadors

Jade Carranza

BS. Electrical Engineering- 2026

Project: Greenhouse Automation

The plan to automate the Greenhouse in building 6S focused on two areas: watering and temperature control. Automation was necessary because plants often died during winter and summer due to extreme temperatures and underwatering. While temperature control is still in progress, a semi-automatic watering system was installed in Summer 2025.

The system uses moisture sensors to detect dry soil, triggering valves that open to water all plants via an irrigation setup. This also helps increase humidity. The system was designed by Muhammad Talha, Energy Ambassador, in Spring 2025 and installed by Jade Carranza in the Summer.

Due to water pressure concerns, a fully automated system wasn’t feasible. However, the irrigation setup remains connected to the faucet. Now, watering the greenhouse takes just a minute instead of an hour—simply by turning on the faucet.

Muhammad Talha

BS Mechanical Engineering - 2025

Project: Campus Energy Efficiency/ Dorms Energy Competition

I’ve gained invaluable hands-on experience at the Sustainability Office and Facilities Management Departments. When I first started, I had little knowledge of how CSI operates from an engineering perspective, but thanks to my incredible team, I quickly learned the intricacies of campus operations. My work involves a mix of research, site visits, and implementing efficiency upgrades to enhance sustainability on campus. I manage multiple projects simultaneously, but one of the most impactful was leading a Dorm Energy Conservation Competition. Over six weeks, my team and I worked to reduce energy consumption in the dorms, ultimately achieving a 37% decrease in energy usage. I’d like to give a special shout-out to Frank Salzillo, Chief Engineer, and Nora Santiago, Sustainability Program Manager for their continued mentorship and support throughout my internship. Their guidance has been instrumental in my growth as an engineer and person.

Keair E. Brown

MA Liberal Studies - 2025

Project: Compost Drop-Off 

To advocate and educate student peers and staff of the CSI community on the importance of food waste.

In 2023, Keair Brown became the compost Ambassador. She is a student at the College of Staten Island who is currently completing both, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Anthropology and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. Keair is also the President of the College of Staten Island Green Garden Club.

One of the great achievements of the sustainability department is being able to create a compost drop-off located on campus. this has helped encourage students and employees to compost with their daily food scraps and the importance that this action has in sustainability and also the importance that habit has in sustainability.

Keair Brown at CSI Today Talks
 

Brenda Franco

BS. Business Management - 2023

Brenda began working for the office as an intern while persuing her degree in the School of Business in Business Management and double minoring in Public Administration and Spanish. She assisted with Greenhouse Workshops, composting events, annual Daylight Hour and other sustainability events. She quickly learned how to run the office. She monitored and reported progress on our initiatives that helped promote sustainable practices on our campus.

Upon graduation she joined our office on a part time Sustainability Coordinator. Brenda coordinated campus programing and activities related to sustainability, managed the Sustainable Community Planning Office, completely redisigned our CSI Sustainability website. She created monthly reporting and biannual newsletters.

Marc Girgenti

BS. International Business - 2021 

Project: Japanese Knotweed eradication project, 6S garden 

Marc helped to kickstart various sustainability initiatives on campus. He was an essential part of the 6S building Biodiversity Area cleanup where the Japanese Knotweed eradication project is still taking place working in conjunction with the Biology Department. Marc had single-handedly managed the 6S greenhouse and over 640 plants on a daily basis with watering, propagating transplanting over the years.

“It’s not the money we save or the contribution we make that matters. But, the hearts and minds that transform, innovate, and magnify the responsibility that every community member has to reach our sustainability goals.“ Marc Girgenti, Campus Community Garden Manager

Marc Girgenti graduated with a BS in International Business. He is currently an investment Analyst for NBT Bank Wealth Management working towards his Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) professional designation.

Natalia Sandor

BS. Business Management - 2020

Project: Bottle Drive, Clothing Drive 

In 2018, Natalia Sandor, founder and past president of the newly created Sustainability Club was a Junior at the Macaulay Honors College at CSI. She is originally from Long Island where she owns a wholesale ice cream sandwich company called Sand Bars Handcrafted. Natalia also played Division III soccer and enjoys writing. Natalia graduated in 2020 with an BS in Business Management. She is now focusing on business development and administration work alongside running her business.