José González (B.A., history, ’04) has always loved the outdoors. In 2013, he took his love for the outside one step further, founding Latino Outdoors, an organization that seeks to get Latinos into nature and engaged in environmental issues. The group now has a nationwide presence, and González has been commended by former President Barack Obama for his engagement in environmental protection.

In her native India, recent Department of Design MFA graduate Nikitaa Sivaakumar saw people struggling with inadequate lighting and noxious fumes from kerosene lanterns. Her solution is MakeGlow, a lantern made from a small solar panel, rechargeable battery, LEDs and recycled cardboard.

Thomas Cahill, professor emeritus of physics and atmospheric sciences, and Virginia Cahill, J.D. ’81, who teaches water law in the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, established the Cahill Applications of Physics to Environmental Research Fund to encourage faculty in the Department of Physics to conduct research that tackles important environmental challenges.