Lilly Sabet
Lilly Sabet, Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at SDSU, combines her passion for sustainability with the scientific knowledge she gained through her master’s research in public health. Being from San Diego, Lilly is committed to creating a safer and more sustainable future, both locally and within the research community.
What is your sustainability origin story?
I have always been environmentally conscious, but my master’s research in public health gave me a much more practical understanding of sustainability in a scientific setting. My project involved analyzing contaminants in polluted sediment using advanced analytical chemistry techniques, including solvent intensive sample preparation and mass spectrometry. It was fascinating work, but it also gave me a firsthand look at how resource intensive science can be, from solvents and single use consumables to the waste generated through routine laboratory processes.
What stayed with me just as much was the mindset of the people I worked with. My faculty advisor and research colleagues genuinely wanted to reduce waste where they could, and I saw how relatively small choices, such as thoughtfully batching sample preparation or being more deliberate about the use of consumables, could add up over time. That experience reinforced something I still believe today; most people want to do better when they have practical options, good information, and the opportunity to make a difference.
That perspective has carried into my work in Environment, Health and Safety, where I now focus at a broader level on creating the conditions, partnerships, and strategies that enable teams to make safer and more sustainable decisions across the university.
What contribution have you made to sustainability through your work?
I lead a team that identifies and advances opportunities to reduce hazardous waste through source reduction, material elimination, and substitution with less hazardous alternatives. One of my main goals is to help establish priorities, support cross-campus collaboration, and ensure the team has the tools and partnerships needed to move this work forward.
Our team also recently helped establish a partnership with a new waste vendor that gives SDSU greater visibility and control over the final disposition of materials sent off campus.
In 2025, approximately 189,172 pounds of hazardous waste left campus. At the midpoint of 2026, that figure stands at 44,039 pounds. We continue to monitor these trends, assess reduction opportunities, and work with campus partners to strengthen our waste management practices.
What is your favorite part about your position?
The people I have the opportunity to lead and work alongside. I am fortunate to be a member of a talented and dedicated EHS team, and SDSU is filled with friendly, passionate professionals who care deeply about the campus community. I especially value bringing people and departments together around shared goals.
It is also an exciting time to be an Aztec. As SDSU continues to grow through Mission Valley, Imperial Valley, and its achievement of R1 research status, there is a real sense of momentum across the university. With that growth comes an opportunity to be thoughtful about how we build, operate, and lead for the future. SDSU’s longtime slogan, “Leadership Starts Here,” feels more relevant than ever, and I am proud to be part of shaping what comes next.
What are some challenges you have faced?
Our department interfaces with many regulatory agencies, and the regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. At the leadership level, one of my responsibilities is helping the team anticipate those changes, translate complex requirements into practical guidance, and ensure we remain responsive to the needs of the campus. We work hard to stay ahead of emerging requirements rather than simply reacting to them.
What are your future goals in regard to sustainability?
My goal is to continue building the systems, partnerships, and organizational support that enables our team to expand waste minimization efforts, improve transparency around material disposition, and identify safer alternatives for existing and new practices.
Anything else you would like to share?
If you have an idea for a hazardous or universal waste minimization project, please reach out. Our team welcomes opportunities to collaborate with individuals and departments across our campus.
