Building a Greener Tomorrow: An Introduction to my Journey

Hello everyone, my name is Amitheesha Ganesh, and I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s Student Green Office team. I’m currently in my second year of studying Biomedical Science at Canterbury Christ Church University, and honestly, my time here has been nothing short of amazing.

A little about me—I’m originally from a small town on the south coast of England called Bexhill-on-Sea. Growing up in Bexhill, I was always surrounded by nature, with the beach practically on my doorstep. I spent so many hours as a kid exploring the coastline, watching the waves roll in, and just taking in the peaceful vibe of the sea. It was the perfect place to develop a love for the outdoors, which has shaped my interest in sustainability today. But Bexhill wasn’t just about the beach for me—it’s also where my passion for art was born. As a child, I loved nothing more than getting creative with painting and drawing. Even though my focus shifted towards science over the years, that creative spark is still very much alive in me. I think my background in art has given me a more thoughtful, creative way of looking at the world, something that’s helped fuel my passion for sustainability too.

Outside of my studies, I’m all about finding ways to relax and recharge. You’ll often find me in a local café with a warm cup of hot chocolate just enjoying the moment and people-watching. There’s something so comforting about it. In addition to this, I also love reading—whether it’s a gripping novel or something inspiring, it’s my go-to way of escaping the everyday hustle. When I’m not buried in a book, I’m usually experimenting in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and improving my cooking skills. It’s something I’ve come to love, and there’s always something new to learn!

Since coming to Canterbury Christ Church, my understanding of sustainability has grown even deeper. One of the things I’ve loved most about Canterbury Christ Church is the chance to collaborate with like-minded people. Whether it’s my classmates in biomedical science or the team in the Student Green Office, being surrounded by people who share my passion for science and sustainability has been incredibly motivating. Being part of a university that’s actively working towards a greener future has been inspiring. From lively class discussions to hands-on projects, I’ve learned so much about how sustainability can fit into both science and everyday life. One of my absolute highlights so far has been working as a Greener Labs intern.

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the Greener Labs initiative at Verna Holmes, and I can honestly say it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my university journey so far. Spending the summer working alongside skilled lab technicians, I saw firsthand how sustainability can be integrated into everyday lab practices—and let me tell you, it was eye-opening! Before this internship, I knew I wanted to focus more on sustainability, but I wasn’t entirely sure how it could be applied to lab work in such a tangible way. Over those few months, I learned about practical strategies to reduce waste, minimize energy consumption, and optimize resources in a busy lab environment. Simple changes—like adjusting how we dispose of materials or rethinking the way we handle chemicals—added up to make a significant difference. It was a great reminder that sustainability doesn’t always have to be about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the small, thoughtful changes that make the biggest impact. This internship not only gave me practical skills but also reinforced my belief that sustainability is possible in every field—including biomedical science. It’s one thing to read about these concepts in class but seeing them in action over the summer gave me a whole new appreciation for the power of sustainable science. The experience has definitely shaped the way I approach my studies and career goals moving forward.

Looking back, I’ve had an incredible first year at university, and I’m so excited to see what’s next—especially with this new role as part of the Student Green Office.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about where this journey will take me. I’m keen to dive deeper into the intersection of science and sustainability, possibly even exploring careers that combine both. Whether it’s working in sustainable science or finding new ways to reduce environmental impact, I’m excited to be part of a solution.

Here’s to more growth, more experiences and more moments of making a positive impact!

By Amitheesha Ganesh, SGO Projects Officer

Photos by Katie Kent