Green Gown Awards 2021: Sustainability Champion–Student- University of Cambridge,L.Deragon- Finalist

Luisa Deragon

I am a final year PhD student in Biological Sciences, from Girton College, at the University of Cambridge. My PhD research is focused on exploring innovative alternatives in bone fracture repair. A veterinarian by training, I have always been passionate about species conservation and the environment. During the course of my studies, I collaborated in a few social causes and innovation projects such as, Medical i-Teams (in a ‘project to start-up’ initiative called MyICUvoice), Shaping Horizons and Engage for Change, not to mention volunteering in a Student Community Action project called Big Sibs.

I am Co-founder & CEO in a Start-up called RE.USE, which promotes replacing the use of disposable food containers in takeaway and food delivery for reusables. I am also the coordinator in this year’s Cambridge Climate and Sustainability Forum, with the main theme ‘Sustainability in Action’.

Top 3 learnings:

1. We can make sustainability effortless and cost-efficient by applying circular economy principles.
2. We need to act NOW if we want a more sustainable and equitable world.
3. We need more forward-thinking institutions, like Darwin and Girton Colleges, supporting innovative initiatives like RE.USE.