Helping Students get a real world degree
Conestoga business professor Chris Shahabi is launching an innovative paint that neutralizes airborne pollutants to enhance air quality in homes and workplaces, involving his students every step along the way to show them how classroom knowledge can be put to use in real-world applications.
Shahabi founded Creative Oxygen Labs and its collaboration with Florida-based Nationwide Protective Coating Manufacturers will make available oxygen-infused coatings that turn walls and ceilings into air purifiers using his patent-pending nanotechnology.
“Our focus is on using our technology that is backed by a team of scientists to help people breathe better quality air and paint is a medium by which we can turn walls and ceilings into air purifiers or external air lungs as we like to call them,” Shahabi said.
Shahabi, who teaches sustainability and international trade finance, took on the challenge to create better indoor air quality as part of the School of Business’ commitment to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact. PRME is a collegial learning community that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in schools worldwide and equip business and management students with the skills and knowledge to handle the sustainability challenges of the future.
Oxygen is a helpful teaching tool for Shahabi in his classroom, from learning about the importance of leveraging globalization to inspiring environmental advocacy on an international level. By embedding real-world projects like Oxygen into the curriculum, Shahabi said students are gaining practical experience as well as learning how to launch businesses grounded in sustainability and innovation.
“This method is transformative for students. It allows them to directly implement what they’ve learned in class, while simultaneously contributing to a larger mission of addressing critical global issues like air quality and climate change,” Shahabi said. “In essence, these students are being empowered to start businesses with a strong ethical foundation, merging entrepreneurship with a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility.”
Students from Shahabi’s sustainability class are reaching out to the United Nations, advocating for clean air initiatives. By connecting with influential international organizations, the students are learning the importance of advocacy and collaboration – key elements in driving large-scale environmental change.
Shahabi’s students from his international trade finance courses also have the chance to become ambassadors for Oxygen and contribute to United Nations Sustainability Goals.
The students will raise awareness about the importance of clean air, linking it to the broader context of global sustainability and supply chain management. They will learn how to navigate international markets and trade, and also how to frame sustainability as a core value for businesses and consumers.
“This ambassador program gives students a firsthand look at the interplay between business, policy, and environmental stewardship. They’ll be learning to tackle complex global challenges, such as air pollution, while working to position Oxygen as a solution that aligns with the UN’s agenda for a sustainable future.”
Students even had a part in the product’s branding. International Business student Wilfred Vincent answered Shahabi’s call in class for someone to design the Oxygen label, producing a sleek design paired with the slogan “Breathe Better Air.”
The first gallons of Oxygen-infused paint will be available on the U.S. market in November. Robert Gocinski, vice-president of Nationwide Protective Coating, is excited about the collaboration, emphasizing how it aligns with the company’s mission to bring clean, safe coatings to people’s homes and workplaces.
“With this collaboration, we are working with Creative Oxygen Labs to add new value to our paint. Clean air is a serious concern and, now that this innovation is available, it’s important to offer oxygen-infused paint to people who care about their health and wellness,” Gocinski said.
Conestoga’s School of Business provides numerous options, opportunities and pathways. Programs reflect today’s business needs across a wide range of credentials, from apprenticeships, one-year certificates, two-year and three-year advanced diplomas, to graduate certificates and degree opportunities that include multiple specializations. Career-ready graduates have the skills and knowledge to address real-world needs and make a difference in today’s rapidly changing business world.
