Every year, Boston University recognizes graduating seniors who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to sustainability on campus through the Student Sustainability Leadership Award. These students showcase exceptional service to the University related to sustainability, peer-to-peer awareness of sustainability, and leadership in sustainability-related organizations.
This year, the University recognizes two graduates: Noah Sorin (Questrom ’24) and Sofiya Filippova (ENG ’24). Both Noah and Sofiya were recognized during Senior Breakfast and at their school/college’s convocation ceremonies.
Congratulations, Noah and Sofiya, on your graduation. We look forward to seeing how you continue to make sustainability a part of your lives beyond BU.
Noah Sorin
Noah’s dedication to environmental stewardship stems from a profound commitment to community service, shaping his values and life trajectory. His passion for innovation and entrepreneurship led him to establish Idori, a social enterprise where children experience the beauty of nature. Through books, stuffed animals, and a proven learning framework, children are empowered to be agents of change for environmental issues. Noah developed a partnership with the Boston Outdoor Preschool Network to prove it works. This passion project has not only garnered national attention but also serves as a beacon of innovative, sustainable business practices on our campus.
Noah’s ability to mobilize people around sustainable causes is truly remarkable, and his peers view him as a leader and role model. As co-president of the Entrepreneurship Club, Noah organized the first Sustainability Innovation Conference. He also received funding through the BU Campus Climate Lab to develop a Miyawaki Forest, recognizing the need for more impactful green space on campus. These projects and more leave a lasting legacy of sustainability awareness and action within our community.
Sofiya Filippova
Sofiya has championed an unwavering commitment to sustainability both in and out of the classroom. Through research at the Computational Energy Lab, Sofiya developed an air pollution monitoring device. In the Terrestrial Carbon Lab, she demonstrates skill in instrument engineering. She has taken every opportunity to learn about and gain experience in energy technologies and climate change, showing her dedication to solving real-world challenges.
Serving as president of both Engineers Without Borders and the Environmental Student Organization, Sofiya worked tirelessly to plan, fund, and execute sustainability projects, clean-ups, and lectures at BU and abroad. She led travel preparations to manage rainwater catchment systems in Kenya and advocated for expanding the Generation Conscious laundry refill station on campus. Sofiya has transcended departmental barriers across BU to prove and make palatable the notion that sustainability is not just a niche interest but a necessary focus for all.