MIT Students Awarded for Pioneering Sustainability Initiatives in Healthcare

Anna Kwon, a senior at MIT, and Nicole Doering, a sophomore, have been recognized for their impactful contributions during their summer internships at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). Both students were honored with the Jane Matlaw Environmental Champion Awards, which acknowledge innovative leaders who drive changes aligning with BIDMC’s sustainability objectives, paving the way for a healthier environment for both staff and patients.

Recognition and Award Expansion

Established 25 years ago, these awards were traditionally reserved for individuals and teams within BIDMC. However, this year, the Sustainability Award Review Committee decided to introduce a student category to acknowledge the remarkable leadership demonstrated by Kwon and Doering during their summer tenure. “Their significant contributions align perfectly with our public commitments,” said Avery Palardy, BIDMC’s climate and sustainability director.

Driving Sustainability Through Internship Programs

Through MIT’s Social Impact Internship Program, which provides funded internships for students seeking to engage with government agencies, nonprofits, and social enterprises, both Kwon and Doering played vital roles in helping BIDMC achieve two key commitments under the Department of Health and Human Services Health Sector Climate Pledge. These commitments include developing a climate resilience plan by the end of 2023 and completing a supply chain emissions inventory by the end of 2024.

Individual Contributions and Expertise

Kwon, majoring in electrical engineering and computer science, expressed her enthusiasm for tackling new challenges. “This was my first experience in sustainability research. It allowed me to explore healthcare from a fresh perspective, enhancing my understanding of the environmental complexities within this sector.” Her internship focused on data analysis related to carbon emissions and formulating actionable recommendations for a comprehensive supply chain inventory.

“Anna exhibited exceptional diligence and attention to detail while conducting our greenhouse gas inventory,” stated Palardy. “Her market research skills shone as she explored best practices and emerging technologies, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of sustainable initiatives. Her insights have provided us with invaluable information to guide our sustainability efforts moving forward.”

Leadership in Climate Resilience

Doering, pursuing a degree in chemical engineering, led several departments through an internal assessment aimed at identifying best practices and vulnerabilities while planning future strategies to enhance climate resilience in BIDMC’s operations. This fall, she continues to refine the climate resilience plan and analyze food procurement data to uncover opportunities for reducing Scope 3 emissions.

Initially unfamiliar with climate resilience, Doering found her internship experience transformative, motivating her to explore further sustainability opportunities. “I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained at BIDMC. It’s an honor to contribute to initiatives that positively impact our community,” she shared.

“The significance of Nicole’s contributions is immense,” Palardy emphasized. “Her efforts in organizing essential focus groups and developing our climate resilience plan have been crucial in enhancing our strategies. I’m thankful for her collaborative spirit, passion, and leadership that have been instrumental in advancing our healthcare climate resilience priorities.”