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Montclair State University Mobilizes Green Teams for Environmental Solutions and Sustainability

In its 10th anniversary year, the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies engages students in impactful environmental projects across New Jersey including corporate sustainability, flood mitigation, urban greening and regenerative agriculture

Montclair, NJ (06/02/2025) — This summer, college students from universities across the country are tackling pressing environmental and climate challenges at Montclair State University as part of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies' annual Green Teams program. Their projects focus on critical issues such as regenerative agriculture, urban flood mitigation in Paterson, tree canopy equity in Montclair, corporate sustainability and inclusive workforce training for adults with autism.

"Today marks a milestone - a decade of collaboration, innovation and student-driven sustainability solutions," said Amy Tuininga, director of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, as she welcomed the new Green Teams cohort May 28 at the program's 10th anniversary launch event.

Since its inception, Montclair's Green Teams program has grown into a powerful model of experiential learning and real-world problem solving. Hundreds of impactful deliverables have supported sustainable solutions for municipalities, nonprofits and corporations across New Jersey and beyond.

10 Years of Purpose-Driven Progress

This year's Green Teams cohort includes 50 interns from 33 universities, 36 degree programs and 16 states - a reflection of the program's growing impact. United by purpose, these students are applying their knowledge and skills to 10 projects that address urgent environmental challenges, including:

  • Soil health and regenerative agriculture with drone and robotic tools (Food Shed Alliance)
  • Flood risk mapping and GIS-based tools in Paterson (The Nature Conservancy)
  • Urban greening and microforest creation in Bloomfield, Montclair and Newark
  • Climate-smart infrastructure development with NJ Natural Gas, Eisai and the Port Authority of NY & NJ
  • Inclusive workforce technology, including XR job training for adults with autism (Green Do Good)
  • Schoolyard restoration and food forest planning at Hazel Avenue School in West Orange

Celebrating Long-Term Partnerships and Impact

"Some of our partners are long-time collaborators, while others are new to the Green Team family. Each one plays a vital role in shaping a more sustainable, equitable future," said Tuininga.

Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell praised the Green Teams program as a shining example of innovation and hope. In a world full of challenges, the program reminds us that solutions are not only possible - they're happening right now, he said.

Dominique Lueckenhoff, executive vice president for Corporate Affairs, Environment, Health and Sustainability at Hugo Neu Corporation and keynote speaker, drew on her experience in government and private sector to urge long-term thinking and purposeful action.

She called for a "resilience revolution" to transform markets, infrastructure and communities - reminding us that sustainability means reimagining the systems we rely on, not merely reacting to crises.

"We stand at a crossroads. Choices we make today about our securities, markets, infrastructure and communities will shape generations to come."

Amy Tuininga, left, director of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, introduces this summer's Green Teams at the 10th Anniversary Gala and Launch Event. The 50 interns represent diverse academic backgrounds and are ready to tackle today's pressing sustainability challenges.

2025 Green Team Projects at a Glance

The Green Teams program is funded through the generous support of the PSEG Foundation, the National Science Foundation, USDA and NASA.

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Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master's and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools.

Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions.

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