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Dhoopshikha Basgeet arrived at �Ӱ���Ƶ in the fall of 2022 from Mauritius, a small island country in the Indian Ocean, unsure of how she would be able to adjust to the unfamiliar environment. 

Initially drawn to CWRU for its strong interdisciplinary opportunities that allow students to combine science, technology and entrepreneurship, Basgeet has excelled. She is set to complete her bachelor’s degree next spring equipped with the expertise and skills to tackle environmental issues back home.

Known for its natural beauty, Mauritius has a robust tourism industry that has resulted in a strain on the environment—marine ecosystems in particular. Backed by her experiences in the Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit’s ThinkImpact Program at CWRU, Basgeet has launched an initiative to support sustainable solutions in her home country.

“Waste management was always a visible challenge, and I felt a responsibility to use my skills in science and technology to address sustainability issues,” said Basgeet, who majors in chemistry and computer science with minors in biology and mathematics.

Based on the concept of a unified recycling system, her Vwayaz Vert (Green Voyage) initiative targets the tourism sector through digital tracking, transparency, and behavior-change campaigns. Using QR-coded multi-bin sorting systems, the initiative is a data-driven and community-powered platform.

In the spring, Basgeet presented her work at the Weatherhead Student Showcase.

“Sharing my work among other aspiring leaders reminded me of the power of diverse voices in tackling global challenges,” she said.

Vwayaz Vert is an extension of a research project Basgeet is working on with the chemistry and computer science departments to develop a predictive framework that determines the age of plastics to aid in effective recycling—a project she hopes will have implications on a global scale.

In addition to her research, Basgeet was an orientation leader executive board member in summer 2024, serves as a peer tutor for computer science and French, is a teaching assistant for CHEM 111: “Principles of Chemistry for Engineers,” and is a member of the Eta Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. She is also part of the International Student Advisory Council (ISAC) through the Office of International Student Resources and Engagement.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities CWRU has given me to grow as both a researcher and a leader,” Basgeet said. “To every CWRU student, no matter where you come from, your four years here can be the most enriching experience if you step outside your comfort zone and embrace new challenges. Looking back, I can confidently say it will all be worth it.”

Learn more about Basgeet’s experiences.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

1. What interested you in the subjects of chemistry and computer science?


My mother, a chemistry teacher in Mauritius, inspired my early appreciation for the ways chemistry explains the structures, reactions and materials that shape our world. 

At CWRU, the rise of big data and artificial intelligence captured my attention and drew me toward computer science. Its ability to model, predict and scale solutions beautifully complements my interest in chemistry. 

Together, these fields provide an interdisciplinary perspective that allows me to approach complex challenges (such as polymer degradation and materials aging) through both molecular insights and computational modeling, creating a more comprehensive understanding.

2. What do you hope to do in these subjects?

I aspire to pursue a PhD in materials science and engineering with a focus on sustainable polymers and machine learning. My long-term goal is to design predictive frameworks and discover sustainable materials that improve recycling efficiency, advance circular economy practices, and contribute to innovative, data-driven solutions with measurable environmental impact.

3. Tell me about your experience with the ThinkImpact program.

The ThinkImpact program has been one of the most transformative experiences of my time at CWRU. As part of the 2024–25 cohort, I joined a global network of students and mentors passionate about social entrepreneurship. Through workshops and collaborative projects, I gained practical tools for turning ideas into action and learned how entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for environmental and social change.

More than just a program, ThinkImpact became a community of change makers, mentors and visionaries who encouraged me to grow. The fellowship gave me international exposure, collaborative problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of how true progress requires collective effort.

One of the most impactful moments was our immersive learning journey in Iceland. Exploring geothermal innovation at the Blue Lagoon, studying carbon capture at CarbFix and touring SORPA’s waste management facility offered clear examples of what sustainable systems can and should look like.

I especially want to thank Megan Buchter, whose thoughtful guidance and genuine belief in each of us made this journey so meaningful. She created a space where we felt heard, challenged and empowered to grow, not only as students, but as change makers.

4. What does Vwayaz Vert involve and what do you hope to accomplish?


The initiative hopes to partner with hotels, beaches and event spaces to implement QR-coded recycling bins, track waste in real time and connect directly with recycling companies. It serves as a coordinating platform, bridging tourism hubs with established recyclers.

But this effort goes beyond cleaning beaches; it’s about systemic, sustainable change, encompassing the following:

• Protecting ecosystems—such as coral reefs—through organized cleanups and education;
• Introducing digital dashboards and real-time reporting for transparent waste management;
• Creating green jobs in logistics, data analysis and sustainability education;
• Encouraging behavior change by showing tourists the tangible impact of their actions; and
• Providing a scalable blueprint that can expand beyond tourism into everyday Mauritian life.

We have already started tracking and recycling waste in targeted tourist zones. My vision is to let the data speak for itself, demonstrating to the Mauritian community that without collaborative action, our recycling goals cannot be met.