Staff

Noel Davis(he/him)

Director of Sustainability and Planning

Noel Davis has been with Northwestern University's Facilities Planning group since 2014, and currently serves as the Director of Sustainability and Planning. In this role, Noel oversees all sustainability efforts at Northwestern, with a key focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help the University minimize its impact on climate change.

From 2021 to 2023, Noel led the development of the University's Infrastructure Master Plan, collaborating with University and Facilities leadership and expert consultants. This strategic initiative aims to modernize and decarbonize the district energy system on the Evanston Campus, guiding Northwestern toward a more sustainable future.

Noel is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Design from MIT, a Master of Architecture degree from IIT, and a Master of Science degree in Building Technology from MIT, reflecting his deep expertise in the intersection of architectural design and engineering.

Noel's passion for sustainability stems from a lifelong appreciation for the environment, nurtured through his experiences in Boy Scouting and other outdoor pursuits. In his free time, Noel enjoys outdoor activities with his two children, including cycling and skiing, and dabbles in woodworking. He also dedicates time to serving as a Trustee for the Highland Park District 112 Education Foundation.

Julie Cahillane(she/her)

Associate Director, Sustainability

Julie Cahillane has been with Northwestern University since 1994. Julie supports the development and implementation of Northwestern's Strategic Sustainability Plan (SSP), including waste reduction and diversion efforts. She began her career at Northwestern as the Recycling Coordinator and continued to expand environmental initiatives across the institution before the creation of Northwestern's sustainNU program.

Previously, Julie worked as an education coordinator for a national recycling company designing solid waste education programs addressing waste reduction, recycling, and recycled product procurement. Julie also served as Recycling Coordinator for the State of Illinois. In the position, she was responsible for the statewide office recycling program. She was appointed to the State of Illinois Task Force on Developing Markets for Recyclable Materials. Julie began her career in media relations, working in the Press Office of both the Illinois Governor and Secretary of State.

Under Julie’s guidance, Northwestern's recycling efforts have been recognized with awards from the Illinois Recycling Association, the IL Governor’s Pollution Prevention Awards, and the American Forest and Paper Association. Her interest in sustainability stems from an inherent sense of respect for the natural world and a desire to maintain balance and appreciation for all living things.

When she is not focusing on sustainability, she volunteers her time working with a no-kill, dog rescue organization in Chicago.

Cria Kay(she/her)

Program Administrator, Sustainability

Cria joined sustainNU in July 2021. She manages sustainability efforts across the Northwestern campuses, including the Green Labs and Green Office Certification programs. Cria supports the implementation of Northwestern’s Strategic Sustainability Plan and works with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members to further incorporate sustainability into both the culture and function of the University.

Cria has expertise in urban wildlife ecology, water affordability, and environmental justice. Before joining Northwestern, Cria worked with Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Information Network, where she managed an international collaborative of urban ecologists. Cria is particularly interested in how race, class, and gender intersect with environmental policy, planning, and design.

Originally from central Ohio, Cria grew her roots in the Midwest, earning a B.A. in Environmental Studies, Comparative American Studies, and Geology from Oberlin College and an M.S. in Environmental Justice and Environmental Informatics from the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability. In her free time, Cria volunteers with activist organizations fighting for water security in the Greater Chicago area, kayaks any chance she gets, and is often found crafting.

Tzu-Yu Chou(she/her/hers)

Communications and Engagement Assistant

Vivian (Tzu-Yu) Chou is an undergraduate student majoring in communication at Northwestern University. She is passionate about the intersection of sustainability, social justice, and business.

Vivian’s passion for sustainability started in her grandfather’s garden, where she learned its importance to a small ecosystem. Gradually, she nurtured her gardening passion into a commitment to positive change. Vivian revitalized the pre-COVID efforts of her high school’s Roots and Shoots sustainability club, doubling membership and leading the expansion of the club's garden by 8 times. As a member of sustainNU, she strives to further consolidate sustainability efforts across the Northwestern campus.

Beyond sustainability, Vivian dedicates her time to consulting for non-profits and learning American Sign Language to make her world more inclusive.