Mathematics and Science Academy Sustainability Ambassadors
The Mathematics and Science Academy sustainability ambassadors are a group of highschool students who are dually enrolled with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. These students are split into groups and are tasked with gathering data on companies, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other locations that contribute to and support their assigned United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goal. The goal of the map is to allow everyone to be able to contribute, collaborate, and connect with the presented organizations, non-profits, businesses, and other locations, which in turn allows us all to contribute to UNSDG goal 17, partnerships for the goals.
Below, you will find all of the research projects conducted on each of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In the "Sustainable Development in the RGV" tab, you can click on any of the goals to be directed to that goal's research project or simply scroll below. In the "Campus Sustainability Map" tab shows the current progress made by the msa sustainability ambassadors of the addition of a new "Sustainability" tab onto the UTRGV interactive map which will locate all of the sustainability related locations on the Brownsville and Edinburgh campus once completed.
The MSA Sustainability Ambassadors are led by MSA's program manager, Melissa Montes. For high school students gifted in mathematics and science, UTRGV’s Mathematics and Science Academy (MSA) offers an exceptional academic path to foster that potential and deliver unparalleled learning opportunities.MSA is an award-winning program where 11th and 12th-grade high school students learn from UTRGV faculty, alongside UTRGV students, and gain invaluable university experience with heightened supervision and guidance than traditional UTRGV students receive. The MSA differs from other state-supported math and science schools in that it offers students the opportunity to complete two years of college credits concurrently with their last two years of high school.
Sustainable Development Goals: 17 Goals to Transform our World
Click any of the goals below to view its research project.
UTRGV celebrates the endeavors of student organizations, faculty research, campus departments, staff, and community organizations in the way they incorporate sustainable development into every facet of their activities.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #1: No Poverty
This team was comprised of Makayla Salinas, Daniela Salinas de Alba, and Adolfo Balderas. It was found that the Rio Grande Valley contains many accessible resources provided by businesses, non-profit organizations, and programs that help those in need and attempt to prevent poverty through education, opportunities, and physical, mental, and financial assistance. Some of the found resources provide essential physical assistance in the forms of clothing, furniture, toys, school supplies, and groceries. Forms of financial assistance include free legal help, direct funding, grants for decent and affordable housing, budgeting assistance. Other resources attempt to prevent poverty, linked with illiteracy, through early educational development.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger
This team was comprised of Makayla Salinas and Daniela Salinas de Alba. In an effort to combat hunger across the Rio Grande Valley, several non-profit organizations, businesses, and charities are committed to providing assistance financially and food accessibility. These include the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, Open Hands, and the UTRGV Food Pantry and Campus Food Security, both located in Edinburg and Brownsville respectively. Initiatives such as the McAllen Farmer’s Market and the Fresco Mobile market in Brownsville allow farmers and locals to serve fresh and healthy, nutritious produce and food to their communities. Government-sponsored programs such as WIC and SNAP help assist low-income families with financial assistance.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well Being
This team was comprised of Jessenia Amaro, Andrea Riojas, Adriana Ortiz, and Fatima Qureshi. It is more important now than ever for people to be able to access the care that they need. It was found that many businesses, organizations, and non-profits in the RGV realize this as well and are contributing to providing the care its people seek. Ranging from clinics, hospitals, mental health and recovery and rehabilitation support and alongside strides in technological medical advancements, state of the art medical equipments, specialized services, extensive educational programs, and research being conducted on different sicknesses and disease, the RGV seeks to provides a wide spectrum of public health services that furthers the health, well-being, and quality of life for all of its people.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education
This team was comprised of Eric Mendoza and Julia Zhou. Equitable, high-quality education and learning opportunities across the Rio Grande Valley are available to all students at every level through higher education, dual enrollment, and sustainability-incorporated curriculums. The Valley has 2 higher education schools: South Texas College and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with multiple locations. UTRGV's Mathematics and Science Academy, alongside many other early college high schools offers eligible high school students dual-enrollment courses that allow them the ability to earn college credit. Programs such as the Department of Education, Region 1, and RGV Focus & Teach all ensure that sustainability is adequately incorporated into school curriculums.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Equality
This team was comprised of Ana C. Ledezma and Julia Zhou. There are a variety of resources and organizations that help support gender equality across the Rio Grande Valley and help empower women of all ages with the proper tools and support they need to succeed. From Brownsville, Rio Grande City, to McAllen, these non-profits are spread out all across the region to help provide the proper resources to women in need of support. These organizations include the Women’s Business Center, Friendship of Women inc, both located in Brownsville, South Texas Empowerment of Women Center in Rio Grande City, Mujeres Unidas, the Pregnancy Resource Centers of the RGV, the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, and the Organization of Women Executives, all located within the McAllen-Mission area.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Availability and access to clean water and sanitation is advocated across the Rio Grande Valley through various organizations making it their mission to make this effort a reality. Community-based organizations such as ARISE Adelante, BuildingCommunity Workshop, and LUPE work respectively to help provide underprivileged communities across the RGV the resources and support they need to voice concerns about drainage-related issues and improve the quality of water within their systems. Government organizations such as the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC), McAllen Public Utility, International Boundary and Water Commission, and the Rio Grande Valley Water Authority are all notable examples of work to ensure clean water and sanitation.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #7: Affordable and Clean Energy
This team was comprised of Mike Panuelos and Thomas Saenz. Through Mike's research, it was found that the Rio Grande Valley is booming with opportunities and is contributing to Affordable and Clean Energy through 7 located wind farms with over 700 wind turbines and 4 Solar Farms or Paneled Roofs. The windfarms located were Cameron Windfarm, Los Vientos 1 and 2 Windfarm, San Roman Windfarm, Los Mirasoles Windfarm, Hidalgo Windfarm, Los Vientos 3, 4, 5 Windfarm, and Magic Valley Windfarm. The solar farms or paneled rooms found were the H.E.B. Distribution Center, McAllen Ranch Solar Farm, Space X Solar Farm, and the UTRGV Engineering Building.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
This team was comprised of Bryan Lui, Anahi Davila, and Ryan Lawler. In an effort to create sustainable businesses that support economic development and stimulate industrial and commercial growth, each City across the Rio Grande Valley has support committees and organizations in order to help drive economic interest across their respective cities. These organizations include Chambers of Commerce, Development Councils, County Industrial Foundations, and WorkForce Solutions. Additionally, UTRGV offers a variety of resources such as startup opportunities, buildings focusing on innovations and commercialization, and entrepreneurship programs to help students and aspiring business owners strive.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
This team was comprised of Anahi Davila, Razeen Wadud, and Sankirth Tippur. Airlines such as Delta and American have committed to investing in cleaner and sustainable solutions in order to decrease greenhouse gases and Co2 emissions. Frontier Airlines has also committed to sustainability by taking sustainable measures and decisions into their aircraft. Locally, AIA Lower Rio Grande Valley, an architecture firm pledge to produce sustainable designs within their buildings and create healthier environments within their work. Skanska, one of the larger construction and development companies, strives to target social, environmental, and economic challenges and is embedded in their brand. E.R.O Architects uses LEED Gold designs to develop sustainably across the region.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #10: Reduced Inequalities
Approximately a third of the Rio Grande Valley lives below the federal poverty level, in which 30% of these individuals lack access to health insurance. While there is an inequality issue across the Valley, several non-profit organizations, such as Advocacy Alliance Center of Texas, American Civil Liberties Union, and Border Alliance of Texas, make it their mission to help provide educational resources and help provide a voice for issues such as income, politics, and race inequality. In addition, organizations such as RGV Down Syndrome Association, Capable Kids Foundation and Believe in God Heroes all help promote disability awareness and make it their mission to help families and children with disabilities have access to essential support to improve quality of life and education.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This team was comprised of Seema Shaheen, Delanie Sanchez, Yumiko Balotro, Sankirth Tippur, and Razeen Wadud. It was found that many are taking an active interest in the governance and management of the RGV and are striving to make its cities and communities more inclusive and safe. This includes putting the focus on environmental issues, posing potential solutions to them, and overall promoting synergy between the community and elected officials. Work is being done on land preservation through cleanups, comprehensive traffic and transportation infrastructure improvements, and historically. Many put emphasis on seeking to help those in need through education, land ownership, financial assistance, developmental and empowerment advocacy, and many more, all with the goal of advocating for justice in social structures.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #12: Sustainable Consumption and Production
This team was comprised of Mike Panuelos. With the problem of world hunger, depletion of renewable resources, and the inefficient use of fossil fuels, our consumption and production patterns have never mattered more. It was found that many different businesses and companies within the Rio Grande Valley are towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns. 17 farms in the valley were found that are producing fruits or vegetables like aloe vera, grapefruits, carrots, pecans, watermelons, and many more alongside 10 farms and ranch that grow livestock such as beef, Aberdeens, poultry, and others organically and through sustainable practices. There are also many recycling centers around the valley and a composting center to support sustainable consumption
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Change
This team was comprised of Brandon Lui, Adolfo Balderas, Diane Joseph, Lisa Manoj. With the well-being of the Earth and environment in mind due to rising global temperatures and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, it was found that programs, foundations, and non-profit organizations are taking measures in attempting to slow down or completely stop this ever-increasing problem and its impact in the Rio Grande Valley. This includes programs that seek to preserve forestry and wildlife through tree planting, education, and scientific research alongside addressing efforts towards combatting climate change and biodiversity loss through educating the next generation of future agricultural scientists and leaders that may deal with climate change issues.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water
This team was comprised of Delanie Sanchez and Seema Shaheen. The City of South Padre Island has been deeply committed to the conservation of the ocean and protecting its marine life. With sustainable efforts in mind, the region has a total of 14 organizations and non-profits that efficiently help preserve the Island’s marine scenery and resources. These organizations include Sea Turtle Inc., Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center, UTRGV Coastal Studies Laboratory, Texas By Nature, SPI Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary, Friends of RGV Reef, Sandcastle Island Inc., Costa Cleanups, Sierra Club, Steelcoast, Red Tide Rangers, RGV Fishing and Waterway Cleanups and Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land
This team was comprised of Amrit Bhakta and Michael De Los Santos. In an effort to promote public efforts for environmental and wildlife conservation, organizations 14 organizations across 11 cities across the Rio Grande Valley help support the terrestrial ecosystems located in the Rio Grande Valley. Notable establishments and organizations include the Hidalgo Pumphouse, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Alamo, Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen, Valley Nature Center in Weslaco, and the National Butterfly Center in Mission.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
This team was comprised of Sankirt Tippur, Seema Shaheen, Delanie Sanchez, Andrea Riojas. In an effort to combat child abuse across the Rio Grande Valley, a variety of non-profit organizations across the region make it a mission to combat abusive behaviors and provide gateways towards justice, security, education, and social welfare. These efforts made by these organizations are essential for improving the quality of life and sustainable development for children and women in need of justice.
The Office for Sustainability supports and pursues efforts to uphold the sustainable practices found within the UTRGV student body, organizations, and campus.
Mathematics and Science Academy Ambassadors - 2023
The Campus Sustainability Map Project was a collaborative effort undertaken by a group of student ambassadors and advisors with the objective of identifying and mapping out locations on the university campus that contribute to sustainable development in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17. This involved conducting extensive research, field surveys, and mapping exercises to locate areas that promote sustainable practices and align with the principles of the UNSDG 17. The project aimed to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices on campus by providing a comprehensive guide to sustainable locations and activities, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to actively engage in sustainable practices, and fostering a culture of sustainability within the campus community. Below you will see the sustainability category selected for both the Brownsville and Edinburg Campus. You can unselect the sustainability category and look into categories within sustainability like gardens, alternative transportation, water conservation, and health and well-being. The first phase of the project was completed by initializing the map and inserting the sustainability category and categories within, and the map will be continued by completing all the targeted sustainability categories. If you are an MSA student interested in becoming a sustainability ambassador and contributing to the map, please reach out to the office or to Mrs. Montes.
