Suffolk Reporter

Four students from Stony Brook University have been awarded the Evan R. Liblit Memorial Fund scholarship, marking the first time an international student has been recognized. The 27th annual award ceremony took place on November 13 in East Islip, celebrating the legacy of Evan R. Liblit, a pioneer in recycling and solid waste management.

Michael E. White, an attorney with expertise in solid waste management and related fields, delivered a speech at the event. He emphasized the importance of awareness regarding recycling and solid waste management issues, especially given Long Island's current waste crisis. "This gathering, which provides awareness on recycling and solid waste management issues and awards science scholars, is more important than ever given our solid waste crisis on Long Island," said White.

The scholarship was awarded to two undergraduate students and two graduate students for their contributions to sustainability and waste management. This year marked the first time international students were eligible for the award after a unanimous vote by the Liblit Steering Committee last spring.

The event gathered scholars, faculty, industry representatives, and community leaders to celebrate these students' achievements and discuss Long Island's waste management challenges. Since its inception in 1998, nearly 60 scholarships have been awarded to students exploring innovative approaches to waste management.

Michael Cahill, chair of the fund, highlighted the award's role in recognizing excellence in environmental science and recycling. "Long Island continues to face a daunting variety of challenges in the management of solid waste," Cahill stated in a letter to awardees.

This year's recipients include Naomi Burson, Jonathan Gordon, Sagarika Srivastava, and Tegan Castelluccio. Each has demonstrated commitment through research and outreach efforts addressing environmental issues.

As these four students advance in their fields, they represent a new generation dedicated to sustainable practices.

Award Winners:

Naomi Burson is a senior undergraduate student focusing on soil recovery using earthworms.

Jonathan Gordon is researching glyphosate's ecological impact as a senior undergraduate student.

Sagarika Srivastava is a fourth-year PhD candidate studying socio-economic factors influencing paper waste generation.

Tegan Castelluccio is pursuing marine conservation as a first-year master's student with aspirations for community engagement in sustainability.

— Alexander Noll

J.D. Allen contributed to this story.