Fun Fact: I kayaked within a foot of a huge Sunfish (Mola) this past summer. It was really eerie.

“I am passionate about conserving our natural resources. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time outside growing up, and I made many memories that serve as a constant reminder of how important it is to protect the places and experiences I have enjoyed. After I graduate, I am hoping to work at an outdoor clothing/gear company and will incorporate sustainability into every decision I make. Some years after that, I plan to open a photography gallery in Maine and will dive into that venture with a sustainable mindset. While these plans may change, my love for the outdoors and the documentation of it will not.”

Fun Fact: I have a two-year old goldfish from the Carolina Classic Fair that I got during my freshman year.

“I am particularly interested in the intersection of sustainability and science. My research experience in Dr. Muday’s lab has shown me that plant biology can be a powerful tool for addressing climate change challenges, including food scarcity and food insecurity. This draws me to exploring sustainable practices as they relate to our food, including agricultural practices and consumer waste-reduction initiatives. I’m also growing to understand the intersection between environmental factors and public health, specifically in the field of oncology. While cancer remains a biological puzzle, it is increasingly evident that environmental factors contribute to carcinogenesis, highlighting the urgency to adopt sustainable practices, protecting both our personal health and our planet.”

Fun Fact: Elsewhere on campus, I work in the scene and costume shop for the theatre and dance department!

“In my brief time working and researching within the realm of sustainability, I have discovered a passion for community engagement, specifically in coordinating programs or initiatives where people can work within the sustainability causes that directly affect their own lives. I’m also fascinated by the ways that sustainability and environmentalism can intersect with narratives in seemingly disparate areas such as social justice, urban planning, artistic endeavors, standard business practices…the list goes on. Although I’m still figuring out my career path, I’m excited to gain the experience and knowledge required to implement local systemic change in any areas I end up pursuing!”

Fun fact: I recently earned my SCUBA certification through Wake and am working toward my Master Diver certification.

“I aim to earn my doctorate in salt marsh biogeochemistry because of my interest in restoration and blue carbon efforts. While I plan to focus my career on small-scale studies of these unique ecosystems, I hope my research will inform and strengthen current restoration strategies. My goal is to translate these findings into practical actions that help communities integrate sustainability into daily life, ultimately supporting climate change mitigation by protecting Earth’s natural defense systems.”

Fun Fact: I never had braces.

“I am particularly passionate about community-based environmental initiatives and environmental advocacy. I believe that sustainability must be both environmentally responsible and socially equitable to create lasting impact, especially in historically disadvantaged and under-resourced communities. I’m especially drawn to projects that engage and empower communities, whether through green space restoration initiatives, sustainable urban planning, or education about environmental justice. Through my experiences in journalism, advocacy, and creative development, I’ve seen the power of storytelling in inspiring action and driving change. In my future career, I hope to incorporate sustainability by using strategic communication and creative solutions to raise awareness, influence policy, and support communities in adopting sustainable practices. My goal is to ensure that sustainability becomes not just a goal, but a shared value embedded in everyday decisions.”

Fun fact: I love board games, especially Twister!

“I’m passionate about sustainability, conservation of wildlife habitats, and animal welfare. Between industrial pollution and overexploitation of natural systems, we often ignore the effects of our behaviors on nature and forget the connection between the health of our ecosystems and our own health. I believe that by fostering empathy for endangered and threatened species and supporting the protection of unique habitats, we can protect ecosystem biodiversity and health. I’ve been fascinated and involved in research and mapping bird species and nesting behaviors on campuses to understand the effects of urbanization noise on bird communication and survival. I would like to continue studying animal responses to habitat disruption.”

Fun Fact: I worked in a honeybee research lab in high school!

“I am most passionate about pollination systems and conservation. I think that biodiversity and environmental health rely on pollinators such as bees, bats, and birds, and therefore, we should place an emphasis on their health and safety. I also believe that conservation is incredibly important because we need to ensure that there are natural spaces for people to enjoy for their mental and physical health. I hope to incorporate sustainability into my future career by blending a knowledge of environmental science, statistics, and writing into communicating environmental risks to the public. I have not exactly figured out what that looks like yet, but I also hope to work as an environmental consultant—helping improve sustainability initiatives within businesses on a large scale.”

Fun Fact: Polish is the first language I learned to speak!

“I am passionate about sustainability innovations and environmental conservation. As an aspiring environmental engineer, I hope to develop creative, practical solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges. I’m especially interested in designing systems that minimize environmental impact while supporting human development, like green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning. In my future career, I want to focus on projects that discover innovative ways to restore ecosystems and minimize our carbon footprint. Sustainability isn’t just a goal, it’s a guiding principle I hope to integrate into every project I work on in order to help protect our planet.”

Fun Fact: I love to wake surf and I can slalom ski!

“I’m especially passionate about sustainable agriculture and food systems, as I see them as key to addressing climate challenges. I’m also deeply committed to environmental justice, ensuring that sustainability efforts benefit all communities fairly. In the future, I hope to bring these passions into a career in corporate sustainability, helping companies make choices that support both people and the planet.”

Fun Fact: I have been to 27 countries.

“I am passionate about informing people about the issues that we might not see daily, but that are some of the biggest problems our society faces. Being sustainable is important to me because it is a practice that teaches us to place value in the things that really matter and shows how all things are connected. It also means advocating for our planet and recognizing that even though we may not be able to see a problem directly, it doesn’t mean that it won’t indirectly affect us or people that we care about. I hope to incorporate sustainability into larger programs and put value in embracing the idea of sustainability rather than shying away from it, because it can be a very powerful tool. As an intern who deals with photography and multimedia, I love the ability that comes with being able to show, rather than tell, when trying to get a point I am passionate about.”

Fun fact: I played 3 sports in high school.

“I am particularly drawn to integrating sustainability into business practices, recognizing it not only as a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. In today’s world, where environmental and social challenges are intensifying, businesses have a unique opportunity and responsibility to drive positive change. What excites me most is the potential for innovation by creating solutions that reduce environmental impact while enhancing long-term profitability and resilience. Whether it’s adopting circular economy principles, leveraging clean technology, or measuring and improving ESG performance, sustainable practices can redefine how companies operate and grow. I’m particularly inspired by businesses that go beyond compliance and proactively lead with purpose, setting ambitious climate goals and fostering transparency. For me, sustainability isn’t a side initiative, but a lens through which I view strategic decision-making and value creation.”

Fun Fact: I met President Obama when his plane landed at RDU—he shook my hand, and it’s still one of the coolest moments of my life!

“I’m passionate about using data to support environmental sustainability and protect the natural world. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I’m motivated by a desire to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of nature. In my internship with the Office of Sustainability, I’ve enjoyed working with data to communicate the impact of campus programs and help guide more sustainable decisions. I aim to incorporate sustainability into my future career by utilizing data analysis and visualization to inform environmental policy or support organizations dedicated to conservation and climate resilience. By making complex information more accessible, I aim to empower communities and leaders to take meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.”

Fun Fact: I have a mean lemon & blueberry cheesecake recipe.

“I am particularly passionate about making sustainability accessible to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Too often, education and resources on sustainable practices are not readily available to those who would benefit most. My work with the Office of Sustainability has given me the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to bridging that gap, especially through my involvement in the Campus Gardens. These experiences have not only deepened my commitment to environmental stewardship but have also strengthened my interpersonal communication skills. I hope to carry these skills into my future career as a therapist, where I can continue fostering understanding, connection, and positive change.”