Wright State University Visiting Professor takes students on a tour of a facility that separates biofuel and recyclables from waste
By Pelly Shaw
What’s good for the economy and what’s good for the environment are often seen as opposing forces — but University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) students in the Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship course in Bengaluru, India, learn that these goals can go hand in hand.
Taught by Professor Kendall Goodrich of Wright State University, the course explores how entrepreneurship can tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges facing India — and the world.
Studying abroad in Bengaluru, often called the “Silicon Valley of India,” gives students a front-row seat to the country’s dynamic blend of rapid economic growth and ongoing struggles with poverty and pollution. It’s an ideal setting to observe how innovative businesses are creating real sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
Goodrich brought the curriculum to life with field trips, hands-on activities, and guest speakers.
“My teaching style is driven by personal understanding that learning is best accomplished and retained through projects and real-world experiences,” said Goodrich.
One of the most impactful visits was to Parivarthana, the on-campus waste management facility at Christ University. Run by a community of women and students, the facility turns food scraps into biofuel, segregates waste, diverts reusable materials from landfills, and generates income in the process.
“The approach taken by Parivarthana serves as an inspiring example of how waste management can be turned into an economically viable and socially responsible venture, contributing to India’s larger sustainability goals,” said Goodrich.
As the semester progressed, USAC students dove deeper into India’s economic landscape, gaining insight into how entrepreneurship can be a force for good.
For their final project, students designed an app to promote tourism in India, featuring curated, rated content aimed at boosting economic activity by drawing more visitors.
One guest speaker, Raghu Bhagavatula, played a key role in shaping the project.
An expert on street food vendors, he “helped the students tremendously in re-gearing their final project to best help local businesses through expanded tourism,” said Goodrich.
For more about green education at USAC and its Green Pact commitment to creating sustainability practices, coursework, and programing decisions, visit usac.edu/usac/sustainability.
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