Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity

March 10, 2021February 28, 2022

The Forgotten Fuel: Energy Efficiency in our Homes & Buildings

A Collective Action Program for ImpactNights®

The Texas winter storm brought more than subfreezing temps to the state. The power outage left dozens of Texans dead, millions in the dark, and nearly 15 million with water issues. Damages from this storm may exceed the $125 billion in damages from Hurricane Harvey, potentially making it the costliest disaster in state history. Residential and commercial buildings account for 40% of US energy demand and for 74% of all electricity use. Energy efficiency retrofits can reduce consumption by as much as a one third to one-half and build resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs. Supplementing energy efficiency with renewable energy can further enhance the impact.

So why isn’t more happening in this area and what can we do about it was the focus of this month’s sold-out ImpactNights® event with panelists Pharr Andrews (Senior Climate Coordinator as City of Dallas), Eva Csaky – Executive Director, Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity, Alan Hoffmann (Award-Winning Green Builder and President of Hoffmann Homes), Michael Martin (President of MM Solar Advisory), facilitated by Anna Clark, Co-Founder of the Inclusive Economy Consortium.

Clark opened the event with an introduction highlighting the timeliness of this topic; “something that I know matters very personally to all of us. Texas was in international news recently for a historic winter storm that left several dozen people dead and millions in the dark,” said Clark. “We are all here in an interest of preparing for the next [storm] or just being a little more comfortable in our homes.” Csaky set the stage for the discussion highlighting what is possible through international examples of successful energy efficiency efforts from the past 20 years. Panelists shared various ways in which we can advocate, collaborate, and raise awareness to find solutions to the critical issue of energy efficiency.

Andrews emphasized that “energy poverty is not only an economic and environmental issue, it is also a public health concern.” Hoffmann and Martin discussed not only the challenges we face with respect to the adoption of energy efficient solutions but also shared their recommendations for “low-hanging fruit” improvements to increase energy efficiency in our homes.

Martin summarized it perfectly when he reflected on the high level of interest in the event and the lively attendee participation in the discussion, concluding that “we need to keep discussions moving ahead to create positive change, and I will do my best to be a contributor to that”, a sentiment that many others who convened for the March ImpactNights® shared.

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ImpactNights™ is the physical manifestation of the Inclusive Economy Consortium where we connect, share, and act. This event is about like-minded people coming together to share experiences and knowledge from the local, national, and international community within the Consortium to share their best practices and expertise. Monthly discussions are around pressing social issues facing our society. All of this is designed to get collective action for a more inclusive economy. Follow us on Eventbrite to be the first to know when event details are published so you can register to join the conversation.

This event is generously sponsored by Target Corporation and hosted by the Inclusive Economy Consortium, an initiative of Hunter & Stephanie Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity located in Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University.

Join us next time to be a part of the conversation to CONNECT – SHARE – ACT!

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

March 1, 2021February 28, 2022

Natalie Owings

Natalie Owings is currently pursuing a BBA in Marketing with minors in French and Graphic Design. She is intending to graduate in May of 2023.

Natalie is involved on campus as Intern for SMU Athletics Hospitality, and as a Design Editor for the SMU Lookbook. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, working out, taking photos, and making personal projects within the Adobe programs.

In her role as an Undergraduate Social Media Marketer at the Hunt Institute, Natalie will be managing the digital marketing day-to-day campaigns and compiling analytical data to inform decisions for the communication’s team strategy. She also helps to implement the communication for the marketing of events for the Institute, the Inclusive Economy Consortium, and project-related events. In the future, she plans to pursue a career with a marketing team for internationally connected brands or sports industries.

When asked what drew her to work at the Hunt Institute, she replied “I was drawn to the Hunt Institute because it provided me an opportunity to expand collaboration with my peers while creating impactful projects for national and international communities. To me, it satisfied my desires to involve myself into a purposeful organization at SMU and intertwine my fascination with foreign matters.”

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

March 1, 2021February 28, 2022

Sofia Murillo

Sofia Murillo is currently pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science, and she is intending to graduate in May of 2024. Sofia is a member of both the SMU Distinguished Scholars and the SMU Discovery Scholars programs.

Sofia is involved on campus as a Chief Marketing Officer at SHPE SMU and as a Hilltop Scholar. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the violin, drawing both traditionally and digitally, and playing tennis.

In her role as Undergraduate Web Developer at the Hunt Institute, Sofia will be curating coding content, working with web development, and providing technical support to any initiatives throughout the Institute. In the future, she plans to pursue a Computer Science Ph D and create innovative tech solutions that change the world for the better.

When asked what motivated her to work at the Hunt Institute, she replied, “”It is beyond gratifying to work with World Changers at the Hunt Institute in order to solve and impact pressing world problems.”

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

February 12, 2021February 28, 2022

How Civic Journalism Can Restore Trust and Create a More Inclusive Economy ImpactNights

A Collective Action Program for ImpactNights

The program for this month’s ImpactNights was facilitated by Anna Clark, Hunt Institute Fellow, and co-founder of the Inclusive Economy Consortium on February the 11, 2021. Anna opened the event with an introduction that set the stage for a timely discussion on civic journalism and its role in rebuilding trust.

“The year 2020 was defined by a confluence of unprecedented challenges made worse by a fractured media landscape that sows divisiveness and undermines trust,” said Clark. “A new year is an opportune moment to consider how we can use the power of the media for good in our own community.”

The panelists included four of DFW’s most committed media advocates for inclusion, each of whom edits an important outlet in our local media ecosystem:

Tom Huang, assistant managing editor for Journalism Initiatives at The Dallas Morning News, where he leads The News’ community-funded journalism initiative;
Keri Mitchell, executive director at Dallas Free Press, a non-profit she launched in early 2020 with the belief that all neighborhoods deserve reporting and storytelling that values their community and holds leaders accountable;
Stephanie Drenka, editor of Visible Magazine, Public Voices Fellow at The OpEd Project and communications director for Dallas Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation; and
Bernice Butler, publisher of Natural Awakenings Magazine, DFW’s premier green, healthy, and sustainable living publication, and executive producer of Healthy Living Healthy Planet Radio.

In their discussion, panelists shared various ways in which we can leverage the media to address systemic problems while also giving more power to the people through civic journalism. A Q&A led by Hunt Institute Senior Fellow Chris Kelly followed the panel.

Dr. Eva Csaky, executive director of the Hunt Institute and co-founder of the Inclusive Economy Consortium asked Stephanie Drenka how she sources the voices she features in her online magazine. “A lot of it has been word of mouth,” said Stephanie. “People who have not been given a traditional platform don’t always realize the influence they already have. So, when they share the post, it circulates more widely than they might have thought — and those readers see there is a space for their story, too.”

Stephanie added that she partners with organizations working in similar areas, underscoring the theme of media collaboration.

“The need to collaborate is more around the city’s most complex civic issues — the ones we have been talking about for 20, 30 years and haven’t seen the needle move much,” said Keri. “The Solutions Journalism Network describes it as 10 or 20 flashlights instead of one. A group of journalists focused in one direction and working in tandem can do exponentially more than one publication.”

After the event, Dr. Candice Bledsoe said that her favorite moment was when Keri Mitchell called social media an “equalizer” because organizations can leverage it for “more equitable exposure and influence.” Attendee Richard Dushl said it was “a wonderful panel about civic journalism and the coverage of local ‘on the ground’ issues. Very motivating.”

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Join us next time to be a part of the conversation to CONNECT – SHARE – ACT!

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

February 5, 2021August 10, 2021

Kijiji Innovative Sustainable Solutions Design Competition

Kijiji Innovative Sustainable Solutions (K.I.S.S.), in partnership with SMU’s MASD Program, the Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity and three universities in Tanzania, has officially launched an architectural design competition for the building of the Rulegura Center.

The primary purpose of the Rulegura Center, which will be located in Kasisa Village in northern Tanzania, will be to provide a place for education and training in sustainable methods and practices in the areas of energy, construction, clean water, agriculture, aquaculture, sanitation and health. The Rulegura Center is at the heart of K.I.S.S.’s mission, to promote sustainable development in rural Tanzania and protect the country’s wildlife and natural resources. The center will also serve as a community space for gatherings and meetings.

17 teams comprised of 31 students from 3 universities in Tanzania: Ardhi University, University of Dar es Salaam, and Mbeya University of Science and Technology have entered the competition. Each student team will be drafting building plans for the Rulegura Center, which will then be judged by a panel of 4 jurors. Since the building itself will stand as a model for appropriate sustainable design in rural Tanzania, students are highly encouraged to incorporate local materials into their designs as well as ensure energy efficiency and sustainable maintenance.

It was important to Clara Ford, founder of K.I.S.S., to involve local students in crafting the building plans. “It is part of our mission to empower and encourage young folks to be aware that they have the ability to solve problems facing the local community. I hope through this project to inspire self-confidence and self-determination among the young generation in Tanzania,” Ford says.

The community involvement will continue throughout the entire process of building the Rulegura Center, as K.I.S.S. begins the process of educating and training citizens on how to construct efficient, durable, and resilient buildings. Creating sustainable and durable buildings is just 1 of 9 objectives that K.I.S.S. sets out to achieve. Ultimately, Ford’s goals for K.I.S.S. are to reduce cyclical poverty and empower the local people with technical skills to improve their quality of life.

“Our program is designed to source solutions from the people living there on the ground. We understand the local folks are much more aware with problems they face in their daily lives and our role to showcase how these solutions can be implemented effectively for efficiencies and sustainability. For this strategy to succeed it is crucial to involve these folks and the local communities we hope to impact.”

Stay tuned to the Hunt Institute Digest for updates on the Kijiji project and to find out the winning student team of the architectural design competition!

February 4, 2021February 28, 2022

Brianna Flores

Brianna Flores is currently pursuing a BFA in Film & Media Arts and a B.A. in Journalism with minors in Arts Management and Photography at SMU, and she is intending to graduate in May of 2023. Brianna is a recipient of the Meadows Artistic Scholarship and Fulton Communication School Scholarship.

On campus, Brianna has been involved as Communications Coordinator for McElvaney Residential Commons and as Student Facilitator for the Emerging Leaders Program, a leadership development program for first-year students. In her spare time, she enjoys her job as a taekwondo instructor and discovering new restaurants in Dallas.

In her role as Undergraduate Videographer at the Hunt Institute, Brianna will be planning and producing a variety of visual content based on the projects and events going on in the Institute.

When asked what about the Institute was appealing to her, she replied that it “not only lets [her] learn about others’ innovative ideas, but also allows [her] to create something powerful with their ideas in order to inform people.”

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

January 7, 2021February 28, 2022

Julianna Bond, Social Enterprise 2021 Cohort Intrapreneur

Julianna Bond joins the Hunt Institute’s Social Enterprise 2021 Cohort as an Intrapreneur. Her focus is on enabling the enablers: how can consulting firms use their unique position—straddling organizations, industries, and sectors—to accelerate innovation and amplify social impact? Consultancies are already experts in fostering partnerships, disseminating knowledge, coordinating efforts, elevating solutions, and catalyzing change. Within these firms are consultants with the desire to leverage their collective knowledge and skills to tackle environmental and societal challenges. Julianna’s project will develop a replicable framework for empowering consultants to serve their local communities and champion sustainability.

Julianna is a Data & Analytics Consultant for Slalom Consulting and has experience across a dozen industries and functions, serving in data visualization, business analysis, project management, change management, and data strategy roles. Internal to Slalom, she is passionate about building bridges across capabilities and driving social, environmental, and community stewardship. In her previous firm, Sendero, Julianna co-founded the internal Diversity & Inclusion Committee focused on recruiting, cultivating, and celebrating diverse talent; she also played a critical role in coordinating pro-bono consulting projects.

In service of the community, Julianna has served as the board chair and development committee chair for Kids-U, a non-profit providing tutoring and holistic care for at-risk youths in low-income apartment communities. She is currently a partner at Social Venture Partners Dallas and is an alumna of their Dana Juett Residency program designed to help young professionals become philanthropic leaders. During this program, Julianna led a non-profit consulting, capacity-building project for The Educator Collective and was the winner of a fast-pitch competition on the non-profit’s behalf.

Julianna’s passion for social impact began during her undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University, where she graduated with degrees in Political Science, Management, and a minor in Chinese. Beyond campus life, she ran a 3-year long Big iDeas & Engaged Learning Fellowship project focused on food insecurity and sustainable micro-agriculture for urban environments, resulting in setting up an aquaponics garden at Jubilee Park Community Center in Fair Park. When she returned to SMU for her Master of Science in Business Analytics, she worked with the Hunt Institute to support research for the Collective Action for an Inclusive Sustainable Economy model and corporate stakeholder interviews. Her favorite quote by Frances Hesselbein is, “Carry a big basket. In other words, be open to new ideas, different partners, and new practices, and have a willingness to dump out the old and irrelevant to make room for new approaches.”

When asked what her motivation is as a social intrapreneur, Bond answered, “I live to help people realize their greatest potential and inspire us, collectively, to be better and do better. This starts with building deep, meaningful relationships based in genuine care and understanding of individual needs, motives, and struggles. Mutual understanding is the foundation for fruitful partnerships and cultural change.”

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

January 7, 2021February 28, 2022

Dr. Candice Bledsoe, Social Enterprise 2021 Cohort Intrapreneur

Candice Bledsoe, Ph.D., Social Intrapreneur and Executive Director of the Action Research Center

Dr. Candice L. Bledsoe is a well-known scholar, professor, and social entrepreneur. A strong advocate for innovation, leadership, and diversity, her unwavering efforts to combat social and economic gaps have earned her international recognition.

In 2020, the United Nations awarded Dr. Bledsoe with the UN Day Global Leadership Award, for Sustainable Goal 4: Quality Education, because of her tireless advocacy for increasing access to education and school enrollment rates, especially for young women.

Dr. Bledsoe joined the Hunt Institute’s Social Enterprise 2021 Cohort as an Intrapreneur in pursuit of her program’s success. The Young Social Innovators & Social Entrepreneurs Program aims to address issues of poverty in local communities by seeking to equip young individuals with the entrepreneurial skills they need to help close economic and social gaps.

With a focus on underrepresented and minority student education, the program is aiming to develop minority youth as change agents and successful social entrepreneurs through the promotion of personal development, academic excellence, and social change.

Dr. Bledsoe currently sits as the Executive Director of the Action Research Center in Dallas, Texas which is an organization that aims to enhance equity in local Dallas/Ft. Worth communities. In addition, she is also the founder of the Collective, a group of community leaders, writers, scholars, and entrepreneurs who tell the story of minority women in America.

Dr. Bledsoe conducts research on equity, equal access, and granting voice to minority narratives as a means of addressing wealth disparities and underrepresented groups. Over the years, she has led numerous international initiatives in partnership with organizations such as the Bank of Thailand, Microsoft, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Aba Dhabi Department of Education and Council (ADEC), and more.

Dr. Bledsoe is no stranger to the Institute; she sits as one of the distinguished Fellows, serves on the Leadership Council in the Inclusive Economy Consortium, and is an Expert in Residence for the Hunt Institute. Recently, in 2020 she completed a project in the Global Development Lab called Youth Up Next, which continued the development of The Young Social Innovators & Young Social Entrepreneurs Program.

“I believe that innovation is a tool to help improve organizations and create sustainable solutions,” Dr. Bledsoe said. “The Young Social Innovators & Young Entrepreneurs Program uses an innovation and social entrepreneurship framework to enhance students’ self-confidence, discipline, and self-efficacy. Not only do students help create a business while addressing a social need, they also develop leadership skills that will support them for the rest of their lives.”

Stay tuned to the Hunt Institute Digest to follow Dr. Bledsoe, and her Cohort, as she pursues developing youth into agents of change for the betterment of their communities.

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

January 7, 2021February 28, 2022

Pharr Andrews, Social Enterprise 2021 Cohort Intrapreneur

Pharr Andrews joined the Hunt Institute's Social Enterprise 2021 Cohort as an Intrapreneur to find solutions to address the energy poverty gap exasperated by the effects of climate change.

As an experienced scholar and fervent advocate for the mend of environmental and sustainability issues, Pharr Andrews joined the Hunt Institute’s Social Enterprise 2021 Cohort as an Intrapreneur.

Andrews aims to continue to push for solutions that address the energy poverty gap exasperated by the effects of climate change.

Currently serving as the Senior Climate Coordinator for the City of Dallas, her primary role is to coordinate the City’s first Comprehensive and Climate Action Plan (CECAP). Through her extensive experience, traversing 20 years of acquired knowledge in the field, she displays a strong commitment to preserving the environment and has earned a reputation among peers as a leader in the field.

Andrews’ social enterprise project “Energy Equip” attempts to provide basic energy services to low-income areas and proposes to address energy poverty symptoms through six main pathways: education, leveraging of resources, commitment to amplifying ongoing actions, expanding partnerships, outreach, and awareness-building.

Her employment background stretches across various environmental initiatives; these include Environmental Outreach Manager for the City of Richardson and Air Quality Manager for the City of Austin.

While in Austin, she chaired the region’s Clean Air Coalition Advisory Committee and helped implement three regional air quality improvement plans. She was also a founding member of the City’s Climate Protection Team and played a vital role in the climate planning effort. Prior to serving at the City of Austin, she worked for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on environmental policy issues.

This December, Pharr Andrews will be presenting her social enterprise project at the Hunt Institute’s Impact Forum where she will continue to spark discussion around reducing the energy burden and raise awareness for the issue’s urgent need for action.

When asked what has motivated her impact work, Andrews said, “Climate Change impacts everyone on the planet, but does not affect everyone equally. I am very motivated to help ensure vulnerable front line communities have access to the tools that reduce negative impacts, build resiliency and improve quality of life.”

Look forward to more from the Hunt Institute Digest, to stay up to date on Pharr’s work and progress as she pursues solutions to energy poverty in the DFW area.

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

January 6, 2021February 28, 2022

Matthew Sheldon, Social Enterprise 2021 Cohort Intrapreneur

Matthew Sheldon, Social Intrapreneur and Communications Lead for Toyota Motor North America Social Innovation

Matthew Sheldon is a highly dynamic individual with experience across corporate communication programs, public relations, investor relations firms, and a passion for combating societal and environmental challenges.

Sheldon joined the Hunt Institute’s Social Enterprise 2021 Cohort as a Social Intrapreneur with his project, which focuses on combatting bioplastic waste and decreasing the environmental impact of waste.

As the Communications Lead for Toyota Motor North America Social Innovation, Sheldon is tasked with developing and implementing communications programs for the division’s community sustainability, inclusive mobility, and workforce development initiatives.

Sheldon’s Social Enterprise Project is working to find ways to divert waste from landfills, putting forth initiatives that aim to create a circular system to recover food waste and bioplastics and convert them into energy. This system has many benefits: diverting waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating new revenue streams, and the potential for new fueling sources for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

This project is set to spur a coalition of local companies, government organizations, and academia to bring forward a solution in DFW while also creating a template to replicate in other regions.

Sheldon says he is motivated by “a sense of urgency to address societal and environmental challenges. Through social innovation, we can tackle systemic issues while strengthening business.”

Stay tuned to the Hunt Institute Digest to follow Matthew as he pursues waste-to-energy solutions in the DFW area.

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.