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 work in a pizzeria back home.

“I hope to pursue a career in public service, promoting sustainability for the common good. I am motivated by my civic duty to improve society and our shared environment. I am most passionate about sustainability in urban planning, infrastructure, and green space. Sustainability can be advanced through more resilient and healthier systems, with more mindfulness of the space around us. This includes ensuring environmental stewardship and protection so all members of society can benefit. I hope to learn more about the benefits of green spaces and the shared benefits of sustainability through the Campus Garden.”

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’m deathly allergic to peaches.

“I hope to incorporate sustainability into my future career by continuing to raise awareness of its importance as I live/travel around different parts of the world. On top of this, as I travel to new areas, I will learn more about how sustainability challenges are different depending on the climate, the region, and the resources that an area has. I would like to continue raising awareness on sustainability and make sure that people truly understand the gravity of the situation.”

Fun Fact: I only speak Russian at home.

“I am extremely passionate about the intersection of public policy, environmental empowerment, and our evolving relationship with the natural world. I’m driven by the idea that effective sustainability requires not only strong and thoughtful policies but also a public that feels personally connected to and responsible for the environment. I care deeply about helping individuals rediscover their relationship with nature, seeing it not as just “the outdoors” but as a living system we’re part of and depend on. When people feel that connection, policy becomes more meaningful and action more sustainable. Ultimately, I’m inspired by approaches that unite systemic change with personal agency to build a more resilient, environmentally conscious society.”

Fun Fact: I’ve visited most of the national parks out west, and my favorite is Mount Rainier in Washington!

“I’m particularly passionate about how environmental conditions shape human health. The spaces we live, breathe, and learn in directly influence our physical and mental well-being. I’m especially interested in the behavioral side of sustainability and how small shifts in daily habits can create healthier communities. Textile waste reduction is important to me because our clothing choices reveal larger patterns of consumption that influence both environmental and human health. As I prepare for a career in medicine, I want to promote habits that support well-being and reduce unnecessary waste. I hope to help people see how caring for the environment can also improve the overall health of the communities we live in.”

Fun Fact: I’m a certified chainsaw mechanic and operator!

“Working in the agricultural field throughout high school led me to develop a significant interest in regenerative farming techniques, ones that prioritize working with nature rather than against it. This philosophy spills over into so many other facets of sustainability, and just life itself! I believe every one of us is called to care for the Earth with purposeful care and commitment, and am so excited to help cultivate that culture within our community!”

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 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.”