UNC Pembroke Awarded Second Nature Catalyst Grant to Advance Clean Energy Innovation

The University of North Carolina Pembroke is taking a significant step forward in clean-energy research thanks to a Catalyst Grant from Second Nature, a national nonprofit committed to accelerating climate action in higher education. UNCP is one of just eight institutions nationwide selected for the sixth round of funding.

Through this competitive grant program, awarding up to $5,000 in unrestricted support, Second Nature invests in campus projects that spark or strengthen efforts to reduce emissions, build climate resilience and promote environmental justice.

With Catalyst Grant funding, UNCP will launch an innovative research initiative that converts lignin, a widely available industrial byproduct, into sustainable, porous carbons used in green chemistry catalysts and clean energy storage.

“Catalyst Grant funding will support pyrolysis experiments and enable student-led research, providing hands-on training in advanced materials and clean energy technologies while advancing scalable climate solutions,” said Dr. Moira Laura, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics.

The work has the potential to reduce waste, lower emissions and create scalable solutions that contribute to a cleaner energy future.

“Through our annual Catalyst Grants initiative, we’re able to empower colleges and universities to launch or scale projects that create meaningful, lasting climate impact,” said Tim Carter, president of Second Nature. “This year’s recipients represent a diverse group of institutions tackling the urgent need to decarbonize, increase resilience and advance equity within their communities.”

2025 Catalyst Grant Recipients

• California State University, Northridge – Sustainability Micro-Certification Program
• John Jay College – CUNY – Global climate event participation and outreach
• Mesa Community College – Learning Greenhouse & Community Garden enhancements
• Savannah State University – Clean Energy Policy Simulation Lab
• SUNY Cortland – Circular economy and Scope 3 emissions initiative
• Texas Southern University – Campus disaster-preparedness training program
• University of North Carolina Pembroke – Clean energy and green-chemistry materials project
• Xavier University of Louisiana – “Grow Local, Restore Coastal” ecological restoration initiative