" I see a growing sense of urgency in our field... I see less patience for the status quo, more disdain for virtue signaling, and a push to shift from talk to action."

~ Melissa Zaksek Associate Director, Research, the Frederick A. and Barbara M. Erb Environmental Management Institute

Previously, Melissa worked for the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute and for the U.S. Forest Service. She holds degrees from Michigan State University ( B.S.) and The Ohio State University (M.S.). At one point in her career she was a certified wildland firefighter, and spent some time with a hotshot crew in Idaho working on fires in Idaho, Arizona, and Utah.

Can you explain what you do?

In the very simplest of terms, I work with people to help them think about how their work can make the world a better place. As Associate Director of the Erb Institute, my work crosses all three of our platforms: research, engagement, and education. I work with scholars to connect their business sustainability research with practice. I collaborate with business leaders to identify pathways for achieving their sustainability goals. And I help our students apply their business sustainability knowledge and skills through action-based learning. This work is grounded in the belief that business plays a critical role in justly advancing social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

What is your favorite part about your job?

I am fortunate to have a job where I am constantly learning and growing. I work with a range of stakeholders representing broad interests, industries, and sectors, including business leaders, community advocates, and policy makers. Through these partnerships, I am continually gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of sustainability. Out of all of our stakeholder groups, however, the one from which I learn the most is hands down our students. Their perspectives, insights, and ideas challenge my thinking – in the best possible way – on a regular basis. I love that I get to work in this kind of environment.

News in a Nutshell

Neither A Greenwasher Nor A Greenhusher Be: A Guide To High Integrity Corporate Climate Action

The Race Is On: 5 Steps To Rapidly Develop Carbon Removal Technology

From fossil to green chemicals: sustainable pathways and new carbon feedstocks for the global chemical industry

The Lego-like way to get CO2 out of the atmosphere

Floating factories of artificial leaves could make green fuel for jets and ships

Is planting trees to combat climate change 'complete nonsense'?

Imminent Events

OpenAir Collective's 2024 Carbon Removal Challenge

Deadline is January 15, 2024

The Challenge is a worldwide challenge for students to create new processes, approaches, and prototypes to remove excess carbon from the land, waters, or air. Finalists will receive a travel stipend to fly to New York City to present during the opening night of the premiere carbon removal conference Carbon Unbound!

CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2024

April 17-18, 2024

This unique meeting and networking event will showcase the newest and most important developments in the fast growing field of CO₂ capture and utilization. It will include a presentation from Volker Sick, Global CO2 Initiative Director, on "Policy Support for CO₂ Capture and Conversion in the USA"

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