Join us on July 15, 2026, in Troy, NY, for the 2nd Annual Bridging the Gap: Green Chemistry Innovation and Education Workshop. This free, full-day event brings together industry professionals, K-12 educators, and higher ed faculty and staff to explore practical applications of green chemistry. Hosted by the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute, Beyond Benign, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), this workshop sparks collaboration and practical strategies for advancing green chemistry at every level.
Location:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th St
Troy, NY, 12180
Building: Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)
Room: Howard P. Isermann (CBIS) Auditorium
Click here for map
PROGRAM:
REGISTRATION:
The registration is open and free for all participants, registration is due Wednesday, July 6, 5:00pm.*
GCTLC SIGN-UP:
Green Chemistry Teaching & Learning Community (GCTLC) Sign-up
Please register for your free GCTLC account. This will connect you to the wider Green Chemistry Community where educators and researchers are sharing resources, topical forums, and collaborative group spaces. Sign-up is not mandatory to attend the workshop, but it is strongly encouraged for attendees to get the most benefit from the event (i.e. access to shared resources, connection with attendees before and after).
Once registered, you will receive an invite to the Bridging the Gap group, where you can introduce yourself and join the discussion, explore the connected resources, leave questions for the speakers, engage with other attendees. We will share the agenda, pre-reading, case studies, individual session discussions and materials, the resources that speakers share, and more.
Learn more about GCTLC
GCTLC Sign up
Earn up to 8 CTLE credit hours for attending this conference. Beyond Benign is a CTLE Approved Sponsor as of March 2026.
The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is a statewide technology development, transfer, and assistance center whose mission is to make New York State more sustainable for businesses, workers, the public, the environment, and the economy. NYSP2I is managed and led by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and is a partnership between RIT, Binghamton University, Clarkson University, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership. NYSP2I is sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). More information.
Beyond Benign develops and disseminates green chemistry and sustainable science educational resources that empower educators, students and the community at large to practice sustainability through chemistry. We work directly with educators and a network of strategic partners focused on science education, sustainability, innovation and initiatives supporting human and environmental health to provide an educational continuum from K-12 to higher education with an important community engagement component. More information.
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Click for Short Bios
Morning Keynote Presentation (9:25 am - 10:00 am)
Morning Panel Discussion (10:00 am - 11:00 am)
Innovation and Adressing Current Challenges
Morning Breakout Sessions (11:15 am - 12:15 pm)
Afternoon Keynote Presentation (1:15 pm - 1:50 pm)
Afternoon Panel Discussion (1:50 pm - 3:00 pm)
Education and Workforce Readiness
Afternoon Breakout Sessions (3:15 pm - 4:30 pm)
REGISTRATION:
The registration is open and free for all participants, registration is due Wednesday, July 6, 5:00pm.*
Available RPI Campus Parking
All parking lots require a parking permit. Please indicate if you need one in the registration form. You will be contacted later for details and instructions.
Academy Hall Lot, on College Avenue,
Closest location to CBIS Howard P. Isermann Auditorium
North Lot, between Sage Avenue and Peoples Avenue (use the entrance on the Peoples Avenue),
Take the opportunity to walk on the campus, 8 min walking distance.
In addition, street parking is available on College Avenue and 15th Street.
Best Western Plus Franklin Square Inn
Troy/Albany, 1 4th St, Troy, NY 12180
Hilton Garden Inn Troy
235 Hoosick St, Troy, NY 12180
Courtyard Albany Troy/Waterfront
515 River St, Troy, NY 12180
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE
Nihat Baysal - Professor of Practice, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Sarah Briggs - Senior Research Specialist, New York State Pollution Prevention Institute
Kim Burley - Senior Program Administrator, New York State Pollution Prevention Institute
Amy Cannon - Executive Director, Co-Founder, Beyond Benign
Vidhya Chakrapani - Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Sherri Hamilton - Marketing and Communications Program Manager, New York State Pollution Prevention Institute
Victoria Klipp - Green Chemistry Scientist II, New York State Pollution Prevention Institute
Michelle Ernst Modera - Community Engagement Manager, K-12, Beyond Benign
Joel Plawsky - Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Omar Villanueva - Chief Program Officer, Beyond Benign
