Rate My Professor Jesikah Triscott

Jesikah Triscott is the Kaitakawaenga and Engagement Team Lead in the University of Otago's Sustainability Office. Since joining in 2019, she has played a pivotal role in advancing campus sustainability through innovative engagement programs and events. Prior to this position, Triscott worked as a Community Ranger for the Department of Conservation in Dunedin, where she collaborated with community groups on environmental initiatives. Earlier, she served as an environmental educator for Kids Greening Taupō, starting as a volunteer and engaging children in natural environments to foster a connection with nature. Her passion for bridging the disconnect between humans and the environment has been a consistent theme throughout her career, inspired by childhood experiences that highlighted the magic of the natural world.

Triscott's contributions include developing the Green Your Scene (GYS) programme, which succeeded the Green Impact initiative and engaged 64 teams in 2020 across residential colleges, kitchens, workplaces, and food outlets, resulting in 40 awards, including 11 at the highest Kowhai level. In 2021, 57 teams participated. She established Tētēkura, a system employing six part-time student leads who manage volunteers and organize activities such as the Sustainability Sussed podcast, Waste Diversion Days, street clean-ups, movie nights, and social media takeovers. Under her leadership, Sustainability Week 2020 featured 19 events engaging over 500 students and 200 staff, while 2021's event involved 16 events and collaborations with 38 groups. Other achievements encompass Bike Grabs events with Malcam Trust, supporting the student-run Te Oraka thrift shop, making the University Union disposable cup-free, growing social media presence, and integrating Te Ao Māori perspectives into sustainability work. She is a member of the Equity Advisory Committee and has built networks with community organizations like Dunedin Pride and Predator Free Dunedin. Triscott received a highly commended recognition in the Award of Excellence – Staff category at the Green Gown Awards Australasia. Her efforts have significantly boosted sustainability awareness and action at the University of Otago and in the wider community.