Syracuse Sun

Maggie Sardino, a Syracuse University alumna, is actively contributing to sustainability efforts in London while pursuing her master's degrees. Sardino graduated in 2023 with double majors in writing and rhetoric, and citizenship and civic engagement. She has been recognized as both a Coronat and Remembrance Scholar during her undergraduate studies.

As the fifth Marshall Scholar from Syracuse University, Sardino is currently enrolled in digital humanities at King’s College London and applied anthropology and community development at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her academic pursuits align with Syracuse University's mission to prepare students for global leadership roles.

In addition to her studies, Sardino is involved with Lender Global, a fellowship through the Lender Center for Social Justice and Syracuse Abroad. As a research mentor, she collaborates with student fellows on sustainability challenges faced by London. She also serves as a teaching assistant for the Sustainable Urbanism course at SU’s London Center.

Reflecting on her experience abroad, Sardino stated: "My master’s studies have been absolutely transformational," adding that they have reinforced her career goals of becoming a professor focused on storytelling, communication, and social justice within urban redevelopment contexts.

Sardino appreciates the connections made during her time in London: "The relationships I have fostered have challenged me to situate myself in a much broader context." She emphasizes sustainable urbanism's importance by saying it involves understanding how various aspects contribute to city sustainability.

Through the Sustainable Urbanism course, students gain tools like community mapping and policy analysis. These tools are intended to help them critically engage with sustainability issues professionally and personally.

Her work is informed by previous experiences with the Environmental Storytelling Series of CNY. Sardino noted that storytelling can be an effective tool for advocating sustainable urbanism: "I often use the ESS learning guides as examples."

Discussing sustainability differences between London and Syracuse, she mentioned shared challenges but noted distinct differences due to scale and transportation systems. The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues across different contexts.

Sardino expressed gratitude towards mentors such as Dr. Becca Farnum, Dr. Helen Kearney, Professor Brice Nordquist, and the Lender family for their support throughout her journey.

Looking ahead after completing her master's program at Goldsmiths University of London, Sardino plans to return to the U.S. for a Ph.D., focusing on communication's role in urban redevelopment and gentrification while collaborating with communities affected by environmental injustice.

Reflecting on past experiences as a Remembrance Scholar visiting Lockerbie—site of the tragic plane crash—she described it as particularly impactful.