iSustain is investing in the future workforce of the circular economy. Each year, iSustain supports graduate business students at the University of Tennessee鈥檚 Haslam College of Business who are preparing to apply their education toward solving real-world sustainability challenges across manufacturing, materials, and supply chains. iSustain is proud to announce Jesse Roman, a dual-degree MBA and chemical engineering student, as the next recipient of the iSustain Sustainability Endowment. Roman鈥檚 work sits at the intersection of business strategy and materials science: exactly where the next generation of sustainable manufacturing innovation will be decided.
Building the Talent Pipeline for Sustainable Industry
The iSustain Sustainability Endowment is designed to support students pursuing graduate-level business education who intend to apply that training toward advancing sustainability within future business and industrial systems. Through ongoing contributions and long-term commitments, iSustain continues to grow the endowment as part of its broader investment in workforce development for the circular economy.
鈥淥ur industry doesn鈥檛 just need better materials and better systems鈥攊t needs leaders who understand how sustainability, operations, and economics work together,鈥� said iSustain leadership. 鈥淛esse represents the kind of interdisciplinary talent required to move sustainable manufacturing forward at scale.鈥�
Roman鈥檚 academic background reflects that reality. Originally from Kissimmee, Florida, he earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from New College of Florida, where his research focused on extracting bio-based polymers from materials such as shrimp shells and seagrass. His senior thesis explored renewable alternatives for electrical components, work rooted in both environmental responsibility and industrial feasibility.
鈥淭he more I learned about the materials we rely on, the more I wanted to understand how to design alternatives that support both business performance and the natural world,鈥� Roman said. Now pursuing a dual MBA and chemical engineering degree through the Haslam College of Business and the Tickle College of Engineering, Roman is building the skill set needed to bring sustainable materials into real manufacturing environments. His coursework in operations, product development, and supply-chain sustainability complements his laboratory experience and positions him for roles in product management and industrial innovation.
Beyond the classroom, Roman has worked in water analysis, laboratory operations, and wetlands restoration鈥攅xperiences that reinforced his belief that environmental progress and industrial advancement must move together.
Investing at a Pivotal Moment
Roman learned about the iSustain Sustainability Endowment while preparing to relocate for graduate school. The support arrived at a critical time, allowing him to focus more fully on his academic and professional development. 鈥淚t removed a lot of pressure,鈥� Roman said. 鈥淚t let me focus on the work I came here to do.鈥�
Looking ahead, Roman plans to pursue a career in chemical engineering or product management within organizations focused on sustainable manufacturing, materials innovation, and responsible supply chains. His goal is to help companies expand bio-based product lines and reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance or scalability. His vision is ambitious but practical: advancing industry 鈥渋n a way that鈥檚 more agreeable to biological life.鈥�