Written by SSM Student Daniel Rudolph
Meet Lauren Ryan, a driven Sustainable Systems Management (SSM) student specializing in Sustainable Products Business Management. Originally from a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, Lauren is set to graduate this Spring of 2025.
Lauren has been working in sustainability with a global perspective—most recently in Sydney, Australia—helping market innovative waste solutions, all while living with a deep-rooted love for nature. Growing up, she had early exposure to both the urban and natural environment.
“Growing up in the suburbs was really enjoyable because I had access to nature right in my neighborhood,” said Lauren. “A park within walking distance that had tons of recreational areas and even a pond where I could go fishing.”
Lauren also spent time exploring a nearby nature preserve during daily walks or horseback rides during the COVID-19 lockdown. Nature became her place to relax and keep her grounded.
“To me, Illinois is the perfect blend of nature and city life, and I feel lucky to have grown up with the best of both worlds,” she shared.
Lauren chose the University of Minnesota’s Sustainable Systems Management (SSM) program because of similarities to her home.
“It had everything I was looking for—a strong sustainability program, a focus on interdisciplinary learning, and the perfect mix of urban and natural surroundings,” Lauren explained.
“I’ve always cared deeply about sustainability, but I noticed a major gap—environmental scientists often struggle to communicate the urgency and practical steps of environmental impact to the corporate world in a way that resonates with business priorities,” she said.
Her mission? To bridge that gap and become the translator between scientific insight and actionable business strategies for implementing needed sustainability efforts.
Lauren’s favorite experience in SSM so far came through studying abroad in Sydney, Australia.
“Learning about sustainability from another country’s perspective was invaluable,” she said.
While abroad, she interned with Michael Mobbs, a retired environmental lawyer featured on the Netflix Series, ‘Down to Earth with Zac Efron’. From his off-grid sustainable house, she helped bring to market the “Coolseat”, a composting product that doubles as a garden bed and seat.
“Through this experience, I gained hands-on knowledge about sustainable housing design, low-impact living, and innovative solutions to food waste,’ she shared.
You can read about Lauren’s Internship on her LinkedIn post.
Her time in Australia also included an unforgettable visit to the Great Barrier Reef where she completed a research project on sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
“It deepened my understanding of how climate change and human activity are affecting one of the world’s most important ecosystems,” she said.
Lauren’s drive and curiosity also extended to taking action. During Fall 2024, she served as the Sustainability & Volunteering Lead for CEA CAPA while abroad.
“I organized and led a beach and park cleanup for fellow study abroad students, and advocated for peers as a student representative,” Lauren said.
One moment that stuck with her was when two locals joined the cleanup effort without hesitation.
“Their willingness to jump in and help reminded me how sustainability can unite people and foster a sense of shared responsibility, no matter where in the world you are.”
Now that she is approaching graduation this Spring, Lauren is seeking a full-time role that allows her to “make a strategic, long-term impact”.
“I want to help companies reduce waste, energy, and water usage, while also identifying upcycling opportunities,” she said.
Her global mindset is a core driver of her goals.
“I hope to continue traveling and learning from different countries' approaches to environmental challenges,” said Lauren.
With the valuable blend of first-hand experience, a broader global perspective, and passion for sustainable business strategy, Lauren Ryan is well positioned to become a future leader of holistic sustainability.