“The Carbon Removal Challenge introduces a new generation of students to the world of carbon removal, highlights the carbon removal work already happening in higher education, and gives students a hands-on opportunity to create brand new solutions to the carbon pollution problem.“
-Sue Dorward, Co-lead, Carbon Removal Challenge (volunteer), The OpenAir Collective; Principal, Carbon Manager LLC
Sue has held many occupational titles: consultant, advocate, researcher, and programmer. Additionally, she is a polymath and lifelong learner with degrees from Columbia University (MS, carbon management) and Princeton University (MS, computer science).
What is the Carbon Removal Challenge?
The OpenAir Carbon Removal Challenge (CRC) provides students from colleges and universities around the world an opportunity to develop solutions that safeguard our future climate. Students design and build solutions that remove excess carbon from the environment, accelerating carbon tech innovation. They also build connections that will bring the next generation of talented engineers, thinkers, and designers into this important sector. The very best approaches are selected as finalists for an in-person showcase in New York City.
What is your role in the CRC? How did you get involved?
OpenAir Collective co-founder and New York University professor Matt Parker started the CRC three years ago, after working with OpenAir volunteers to build homemade carbon dioxide removal (CDR) devices. The CRC is a natural extension of that work.
I am now joining as co-lead after several years of volunteering with the OpenAir Collective on policy initiatives. In May, I graduated with my MS in Carbon Management from Columbia University and attended the 2024 CRC showcase at Carbon Unbound. Inspired by the students, I jumped at the chance to get involved.
Other key members of the organizing team are award-winning filmmaker Duncan McDowall, UX/UI designer Mingren (Michael) Fu, and OpenAir co-founder Chris Neidl.
