Interns

Fun fact: I love learning/trying new things! I’m currently learning to speak Italian and how to skateboard.

“I am personally passionate about sustainability issues involving greenhouse gas emissions and environmental justice. I am particularly interested in ways to sustainably structure communities to reduce GHG emissions, increasing walkability/public transportation, and bringing people closer to green spaces. As an Alternative Transportation Intern, I’m very excited to focus this passion towards reducing transportation emissions on campus! Additionally, I’m very interested in environmental policies that affect these issues, and I want to incorporate environmental policy in my career path. In the future, I plan to pursue a degree in Environmental Law after graduation, working with public interest groups, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations to enforce environmental protection. I’m also interested in utilizing this law degree in the public sector to lobby for increased legislation to support the environment.”

Fun Fact: I’ve run two half marathons!

“I am most passionate about renewable energy. I have always been interested in how engineering and sustainability can intertwine and, in renewable energy, there is a lot of overlap between the two. Renewable energy methods are constantly improving and providing humans with more ways to produce energy in a more sustainable manner. I am most interested in solar and wind energy but I am always excited to learn more about other types and how they can aid in a more sustainable future! I hope to one day work as a civil engineer focused on renewable energy projects helping with the design and layout of different renewable energy facilities.”

Fun fact: My favorite color is yellow!

“I’m particularly passionate about marshlands and composting. I plan to pursue a doctorate in marshland ecosystems and use that expertise to address climate change by sharing this knowledge with policymakers, conservationists, and communities to promote sustainable practices and policies that protect these critical environments. On the composting side, I’m fascinated by how it transforms organic waste into valuable resources. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfills but also enriches the soil, supports healthy plant growth, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Both areas reflect my interest in sustainable practices harmonizing with natural processes and supporting environmental health.”

Fun fact: I can walk on my hands!

“I’m particularly passionate about waste reduction and reallocation. These themes first became evident to me as a consumer of beauty and feminine products, recognizing the delicate balance of good hygiene and sustainability with the various products–many being single-use. This recognition led me to seek more opportunities in sustainability in my work and everyday life. During my time at Wake Forest, food security and sustainable dining quickly became a passion of mine. My coursework and peers influenced me towards a plant-forward diet and enlightened me about Winston-Salem’s food desert status. Campus Kitchen volunteer shifts supported my initial efforts to get involved. I strive to incorporate environmental and social sustainability in my future career and daily life, including this Dining Engagement internship!”

Major: Finance | Minor: Politics

Fun Fact: I love watching rugby.

“I am passionate about driving sustainability in business, particularly by integrating ESG principles into decision-making processes. I believe businesses and educational institutions have the power to influence global sustainability through their operations, supply chains, and strong influence. I am particularly interested in how organizations can reduce their carbon footprints, promote ethical sourcing, and minimize waste. By embedding sustainable practices into their strategies, companies can create long-term value for themselves and the planet. It’s exciting to see how small but intentional changes can make such a big difference within our environment and I believe we can have a future where sustainability and business thrive together.”

Major: Biology | Minor: Chemistry

Fun fact: I have seen every Scooby-Doo movie!

“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: My biggest fear is large birds.

“Growing up in rural North Carolina, sustainable agriculture has always been a passion of mine. Food is a crucial aspect of our lives, and I think ensuring that agriculture and livestock farming have sustainable futures is a very important goal to reach for the future. In my future career, I hope to be fortunate enough to join a sustainability-forward organization or company, and work towards improving industry standards in fields such as sustainable agriculture, construction, or energy production. Regardless of what I decide to do for a career, however, I will strive to always keep sustainability as a core component in my life.”

Fun Fact: I am bilingual (German and English).

“I am passionate about teaching others how to practice sustainable living. The decisions and actions we make in the United States have far-reaching impacts on ecosystems across the globe. For example, the melting of Arctic sea ice is directly influenced by our behaviors and choices. Wake Forest has given me the privilege of studying biology and environmental science in diverse environments, including the Peruvian Amazon, Denmark, and Iceland. These experiences have enriched my understanding of global ecology, and I hope to take this knowledge with me to my future career and educate others on the global repercussions of our actions on biomes. Something important I learned while studying in Scandinavia is that the continued emissions of greenhouse gases are driving global warming, which in turn is destroying the habitats of Arctic marine mammals. The idea that these species mare losing their breeding grounds due to the disappearance of sea ice proves the urgent implementation of sustainable living practices.”

Fun Fact: I have been vegetarian since I was 12 years old!

“I’ve always had a passion for nature, animal welfare, and environmental conservation, which is what initially led me to the Office of Sustainability! I’m very excited to learn about the relationship between the environment and public health. As an aspiring healthcare worker, I know that these two aspects overlap and affect each other greatly, through diet, medication, and pollution, for example. Unfortunately, their connection is not always considered in their assessment. I hope to incorporate everything I learn about sustainability into my future career by widening the scope of patient evaluations and taking an environmentally-aware approach to patient care and wellbeing.”

Fun Fact: I have been riding horses for 16 years!

“I’m passionate about transportation and climate change because I believe tackling these issues is vital for a sustainable future. I aim to promote electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, enhance public transportation, and improve infrastructure for walking and cycling. By leveraging my skills in data analytics and visualization, I want to help people understand how they can make a difference and support impactful sustainability initiatives.”

Fun fact: I’ve gone skydiving above and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef!

“I am interested in all areas of environmental issues, but I am particularly passionate about climate change! Working with the Office of Sustainability, getting involved with local organizations, studying abroad, and taking courses in the ENV department have all boosted my interest in monitoring carbon emissions and finding solutions. I’m really fascinated by the biology and chemistry of climate change and how we can use these sciences to engineer new technologies across a range of environmental topics. For my future education and career, I want to use environmental microbiology and synthetic biology to research and create environmental solutions and mitigation strategies!”

Fun Fact: I have a mean Sid the Sloth impression!

“I am particularly passionate about making sustainability accessible to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Education and information on sustainable practices are often not readily available to everyone. Working with the Office of Sustainability has allowed me to be more hands-on in making sustainability accessible in the Campus Gardens. I hope to incorporate my time with sustainability into my future career as a therapist by bettering the interpersonal communication skills I have gained from working within Wake Forest’s green spaces.”