Forging Sustainable Futures: New Construction Management and Sustainability Program Introduces Inaugural Cohort of Scholars
The Construction Management and Sustainability Scholars Program (CMSSP) housed within U-M CEE introduces a new chapter in educating future leaders in sustainable construction management. Thanks to the generous support of Dan and Sheryl Tishman through the Northlight Foundation, the program is a hub where committed students can acquire the knowledge and skills to bring about…
The Construction Management and Sustainability Scholars Program (CMSSP) housed within U-M CEE introduces a new chapter in educating future leaders in sustainable construction management. Thanks to the generous support of Dan and Sheryl Tishman through the Northlight Foundation, the program is a hub where committed students can acquire the knowledge and skills to bring about positive change in the construction industry.
The inaugural cohort made up of four undergraduate students, Madylin McLean, Andrew Wohlford, Andrew Sugarman, and Maryam Shafie Khorassani, reflects the program’s mission to meld diverse experiences with academic learning to address pressing environmental and social challenges.
Group of CMSSP Scholars & Faculty
Madylin McLean’s interest in sustainable development found a strong synergy with CMSSP’s aims. “This program offers many opportunities and hands-on experience that will allow me to gain valuable skills in the field of sustainable construction and development,” she shared, expressing her recognition of the program’s alignment with her career goals. McLean’s eagerness to lead the upcoming conference demonstrated her readiness to translate learning into action while reinforcing her communication and leadership skills.
For Andrew Wohlford, construction has been a life-long family affair—a background that contributed to his appreciation for the practical aspects of the program. “This program will allow me to get deeper insights from other people within the construction field,” Wohlford noted, emphasizing his expectation for the program to broaden his horizon and introduce him to innovative sustainable methods that could be applied in his future career.
Andrew Sugarman’s decision to declare civil and environmental engineering as his major was propelled by a newfound interest in construction, with sustainability being a core passion. “One issue I’m passionate about is reducing construction waste through innovative recycling and reuse strategies. I believe that by implementing these practices, we can significantly minimize the environmental impact of construction projects.” Sugarman’s commitment to sustainability drove him to join the CMSSP, hoping to prepare himself to integrate sophisticated sustainability practices such as innovative recycling and reuse strategies into his future career.
Maryam Shafie Khorassani approached CMSSP as a place to express her dedication to sustainability and social justice in engineering. “I am inspired to explore solutions that prioritize both environmental responsibility and equitable access to resources,” Khorassani stated, reflecting on how the program aspires to support her interest in advocating for socially and environmentally responsible construction practices. She saw the opportunity to lead a conference as an avenue to galvanize a collective effort toward sustainable construction and to bridge the gap between academic learning and community action.
The program’s structure of incorporating internships, thematic trips, and a student-led conference will play a central role in scholars’ development. Each scholar in the cohort brings a unique perspective to these experiences, which are designed to foster real-world skills such as problem-solving and teamwork, essential for a career in construction management and sustainability.
In addition to the program’s core experiences, the scholars are encouraged to deepen their knowledge by taking electives like Building Information Modeling and Materials Selection for Sustainable Design. These courses complement the practical experiences, ensuring that when scholars like McLean, Wohlford, Sugarman, and Khorassani complete the CMSSP, they do so with a robust toolkit for implementing sustainable practices in the industry.
The support does not end in the classroom. With tuition remission, funding for travel, and the opportunity to engage with external partners, CMSSP scholars are well-equipped to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways. Internships, whether with program partners or self-identified opportunities, are crucial for scholars to gain exposure to real-life sustainability challenges and put theory into practice.
Each member of the cohort represents the program’s commitment to preparing students to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of construction management. By fostering a sense of independence and self-direction within the framework of guided learning, the CMSSP seeks to establish a model for education that emphasizes the importance of sustainability and empowers students to become change agents in their field.
The faculty advisors – Dr. Carol Menassa, Dr. David Kelly, and Dr. Vineet Kamat – are there to help ensure the scholars receive the guidance needed to reach their full potential. Furthermore, the establishment of an external advisory board provides a critical link to the industry, giving the program valued insights and helping to set the direction for future cohorts.
As this group of scholars starts their journey in the CMSSP, they carry with them not only the knowledge and experience acquired but also the responsibility to lead the way in creating a more just and sustainable built environment. Inquiries about the program can be directed to CMSSP-TCMP@umich.edu, where faculty are ready to assist the next generation of construction management sustainability scholars.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mason Hinawi
Marketing Communications Specialist Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
