Capstone

CU Boulder’s MENV program has spent more than a decade pairing graduate students with community partners on sustainability capstone projects that address needs local organizations may not otherwise have the capacity to tackle. Recent projects supported BVSD’s district-wide decarbonization plan, assessed the market for regionally native plants in Boulder County, strengthened Boulder County Farmers Markets’ food hub, and advanced sustainability planning for Boulder Theater and Fox Theater. Together, the examples show how MENV capstones create practical, lasting impact across schools, landscapes, food systems, and cultural venues in Boulder and beyond.

MENV students are launching their summer Capstone Projects, partnering with organizations to tackle real-world sustainability challenges. At an April event, 25 teams presented project plans, highlighting collaboration, peer learning, and diverse approaches. Now in its tenth year, the Capstone connects nearly 80 students with public and private partners. Following presentations and feedback, teams will finalize scopes and begin work, delivering actionable sustainability solutions across Colorado and beyond.

Over the course of the year, MENV will feature various Capstone Projects to keep the community updated on the accomplishments of our students and partner organizations. The Capstone is the centerpiece of the MENV program and is a year-long project

Anna Kaelin and Jeremy Stefek, from the very first MENV cohort, have worked hard over the past three years studying the economic impacts of the Rush Creek Wind Farm. This research originally stemmed from Anna and Jeremy’s capstone with NREL. Along