The Temple chapter of Society of Environmental Engineers & Scientists brings together majors to focus on environmental activism & professional development.

When Aliya Poblete, a junior environmental engineering major, set out with fellow students to create a new student organization, the Aberdeen, Maryland-native wanted to tap into shared interest in sustainability.

The Society of Environmental Engineers & Scientists, an official chapter of the American Association of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, welcomes undergraduate and graduate students studying engineering, science or related disciplines.

"We want to aid and grow future environmental engineers and scientists through professional development and environmental activism to have these students apply not only their major to bettering the world, but also individually live an environmentally friendly consciousness.

Though organizing during COVID-19 increasingly difficult, SEES has been able to recruit more than 40 members and host a number of virtual events.

"We're working even harder this semester in order to further establish ourselves, and continue to build the environmental concentration communities," Poblete added. "Membership doesn't require attendance at every event! We know it's been hard and encourage anyone to come out whenever they can and get something out of each meeting or event."

Poblete steered toward environmental engineering following interest in sustainable technologies in middle school, and at Temple has found experience designing green infrastructure and re-designing water main paths.

"I see engineering as an integral part of shaping our future," Poblete said, adding that SEES is eager to welcome additional new members and plan additional virtual events for the near term.

To learn more about the Temple Society of Environmental Engineers & Scientists, visit their Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tu.sees.