The North Carolina chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC NC) has named the winners of the 2015 Rob Eggers Memorial Scholarship. Each receives a $2,000 scholarship to support their continued education in sustainability studies.
They are:
Alma Beciragic doctorate of philosophy (PhD) candidate – environmental science and engineering
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health
Beciragic is a water science researcher. She focuses on membrane technologies, an interest applied in her water utility work. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Beciragic has addressed such issues as conservation and shoreline visualization. She intends to teach about the future sustainability of global water resources in the face of population, climate and contamination risks.
Karan Gupta dual master of science (MS) candidate – environmental management/forestry
Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment
Gupta is a building performance expert focused on innovations to cut energy and water consumption. He works with new construction and retrofits, applying strategies for energy conservation, energy management, demand response and energy modeling. Gupta specializes in the use of locally-sourced, non-toxic and renewable materials to decrease the impact of buildings on the environment.
Britsy Neale dual master of environmental management (MEM)/master of business administration (MBA) candidate
Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Kenan–Flagler Business School
Neale focuses on technology as a catalyst for sustainable, scalable impact. Her interest is in how the private sector leverages resources for environmental, social and financial gain. Neale works with the application of life cycle analysis, brand management and statistical analysis in the design of sustainability initiatives. Among other honors, she is a Fellow for the Duke Center of Sustainability and Commerce.
USGBC is best known for establishing the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) rating system. In North Carolina there are more than 1,800 LEED-certified buildings, over 5,700 North Carolinians with LEED credentials and more than 300 member organizations.
Beciragic, Gupta and Neale will compete for an additional $1,000 at the upcoming USGBC NC Green Gala. Guests will watch one-minute videos produced by the winners about their work and vote for a “Peoples’ Choice” winner. The 2015 Green Gala opens 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at the Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. For event details and tickets visit www.usgbcnc.org.