Current Students
Matthew Anderson
Year: 5th year
Something Few People Know About You: I have visited 5 of 7 continents. (If you have any contacts in China/Antarctica, please hook me up!)
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? I'd like to give a shout out to my dear father for this one - Eric Anderson, you rock!
Anything to Add to your Bio? Pretty much, I'm awesome. Also, I enjoy long walks on the beach, candle-lit dinners and ultimate frisbee.
What would you say to other students about CESP? YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
What's Your Major? International Studies(Global Commons) and Environmental Studies
Jannet Arenas
Year: Senior
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? Learning about environmental justice along the U.S. Mexico Border
What would you say to other students about CESP? This is a great program where you will meet other motivated students and have a strong support system.
What's Your Major? Social Work
Kristina Bartowitz
Year: Senior
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? A study abroad trip to the tropics inspired my interest. Learning about and living in the fragile ecosystems there made me realize how important protecting the land is.
What's Your Major? Zoology, Environmental studies
LauraLee Berrey
Year: Junior
Something Few People Know About You: This summer I went to Germany to study environmental economics and environmental education. But on a break from classes, I flew to Spain and went running with the bulls and swimming in the Mediterranean.
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? I grew up in the country, so my connection to the environment was very much hands on. I was outside all summer long every year exploring the landscape with my brothers and sister. We would build tree forts in the woods and sit in them watching the small animals play or pick and eat gooseberries for hours. My brother and I also loved to catch bugs and pull them apart to look and all their different parts. In school, I began to learn about threats to the environment and I became very concerned and always wanted to learn more. But what I really loved doing, even from an early age, was sharing my love of nature and science with others.
What would you say to other students about CESP? CESP is such a great community of students. Make sure to get to know other people in the program. They could help you get more involved, take the right classes, or even get a job.
What's Your Major? Biology Education & Environmental Studies
Travis Blomberg
Year: Senior
Something Few People Know About You: I am the owner of a sports officiating company known as the Stripes Officiating Agency (SOA).
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? Current energy demands, renewable energy systems, and nature itself.
What would you say to other students about CESP? CESP is a wonderful collaboration of students and faculty that focuses on engaging in the community. Be prepared to work hard and have a great time.
What's Your Major? Political Science, Environmental Studies
Erika Cardenas
Year: Senior
Something Few People Know About You: I have a zoo at home: 1 cat, 3 Chinese water dragons, and a mess of fish, complete with complimentary plant biota. I became a vegetarian 6 years ago when I discovered a very great problem with the meat produced in the United States. For me, every dollar spent is like a vote of approval for the product you are purchasing. So since I do not approve of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and general other biocides; as well as hormone treatment, and antibiotic use....I will not "vote" for them. I do approve of the organic and fair trade movement, and would like to support them whenever possible in many different ways.
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? There is no solid moment I can credit with my interest in the environmental sciences. Like all things, my unique life experiences have all contributed to who I am today and shaped my interests. Right down from apple picking as a child, stargazing as a teenager, to my college chemistry instructor, they are all important equally.
What's Your Major? Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Studies
Jordan Chacon
Year: Sophomore
Something Few People Know About You: Food is the way to my heart. I am a big foodie!
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? Food and people that interact with our environment.
What's Your Major? Community and Environmental Sociology and Spanish, with Environmental Studies Certificate
Dantrell Cotton
Year: Sophomore
Something Few People Know About You: I love music, whether it's singing or playing the piano. Also, I worked at an Aqauponics lab this summer which was super cool. We grew an assortment of crops indoors using the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics.
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? My interest in the environment comes from learning. I grew up on the southside of Chicago, and until I learned a researched food deserts, environmental racism and environmental injustice, I never realized how much I was being affected. As a result, I promised myself to become more aware of my surrounding and do what I can to make the world a better place, as well as sustainable.
Anything to Add to your Bio? I am a very enthusiastic person who enjoys meeting new people. I do my best to exert a positive influence by living life humbly. Fun Fact: I worked on a 72 acre farm throughout high school (Yes, this was IN Chicago).
What's Your Major? Community and Environmental Sociology
Kathryn DeLosh
Something Few People Know About You: I love to eat ice
What Brings You to Environmental Studies? For as long as I have remembered, I have had a passion for protecting the environment and the human species that depends on it.
What inspired your interest in connecting the environment with community? I feel that the most effective work is done on a community level, so I feel I can make the most impact this way.
What's Your Major? Environmental Studies, Nonprofit and Community Leadership
When Are You Graduating? May 2013
Norma Gallegos
Year: Senior
Something Few People Know About You: I like and enjoy doing volunteer activities. Most of the volunteer work I do is within the Latino community, but I'm always willing to work with all communities.
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? During the last couple years, I've noticed how the world has been going through a severe climate change. All the unfortunate disasters have caught my attention and interest in climate change and how we can contribute to prevent these changes in climate. I've also noticed that some communities are not aware of the importance of recycling, and what difference can it make if we all participate. So I would like to learn what strategies are being used and what others can be incorporated to make a bigger impact.
What's Your Major? Communication Arts/Environmental Studies
Michael Geiger
Something Few People Know About You: I brew delicious beers in my free time!
What Brings You to Environmental Studies?: My initial attraction to environmental studies started as a child who spent countless amounts of days exploring the outdoors while growing up in the north woods of Wisconsin. However, I have to thank Jack Kloppenburg for demonstrating his unabashed passion for the environment that helped me to realize my own. Lastly, it was through environmental studies that I was enlightened to the concept of sustainability, which has since bridged my educational career with my lifestyle.
What inspired your interest in connecting the environment with community? A professor of environmental sociology once declared to me, "Where there's a way, there's not always a will." As an environmentalist who wants to help things change for the better, this really bummed me out. However, I believe that a focused community can be the exception to this statement by inspiring individuals to uphold a common effort. That is to say, I see my efforts to make a difference for the environment best invested at the communal level.
What would you say(or do you say) to other students about CESP? CESP is the best opportunity to become involved with local organizations and demonstrate your abilities to bring your stone to the pile.
What's Your Major? Horticulture
When Are You Graduating? May 2013
Forest Howk
Something Few People Know About You: I was slightly burned out on science after competing in a variety of national and international science fairs during high school. Therefore I wasn't sure whether to pursue a scientific degree when I began college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Nelson Institute and the Environmental Science program provided the perfect compliment to my interests. The Nelson institute ultimately helped me rediscover my passion and guide me back to a science based education.
What Brings You to Environmental Studies? I ultimately hope to pursue a scientific career that promotes environmental conservation by clarifying the conversation between the scientists and policy makers.
What inspired your interest in connecting the environment with community? I believe any long-term environmental change requires a fundamental shift in our society's perspective of "environment" and our relationship to it. Installing environmental values at a community based level is, what I believe to be, the most effective method to connect individual life choices and tangible results.
What's Your Major? Biological Aspects of Conservation/ International Studies: Global Environment
When Are You Graduating? May 2012
Richard Isham
Something Few People Know About You: My favorite place to be is on the dock in front of my house on Pokegama Lake (in Lac du Flambeau, WI).
What Brings You to Environmental Studies? Growing up in Northern Wisconsin has certainly given me a great appreciation for the environment and all that it has to offer.
What inspired your interest in connecting the environment with community? The need for more people to want to get involved in their communities and get some of their ideas heard. Also, more people need to realize how awesome the environment is, so why not start with the local communities?
What's Your Major? Zoology and Environmental Studies
When Are You Graduating? May 2013
Jasmine Jolitz
Something Few People Know About You: I'm a really big photography buff and love using photography to tell stories. I've also gone snorkeling with hammerhead sharks (they're harmless, really)!
What Brings You to Environmental Studies? I came to the environmental studies program as a freshman - I knew that even if I didn't have any majors worked out yet, the environmental studies program would definitely be a great place to explore all that this campus has to offer. In addition, the natural world's ability to be so connected and dynamic at the same time has always kept me interested in learning more about the environment and will continue to inspire me to work to solve some of the future environmental problems we all face together.
What inspired your interest in connecting the environment with community? I've had the great privilege of working in the Madison community in environmental education and I've seen the excitement of community members working together to achieve their own environmental goals - once you've had a taste of this energy it's hard to let go.
What's Your Major? Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Studies
When Are You Graduating? May 2013
Toni Kaiser
Year: Senior
Something Few People Know About You: I am a returning adult student.
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? Realizing that we were drinking the same water as the dinosaurs! It helped me realize that we need to preserve and take care of what we have.
What would you say to other students about CESP? It is a great way to meet students who have similar interests and values.
What's Your Major? Elementary Education
Kelsey Kohout
Year: Senior
Something Few People Know About You: I am the oldest of five girls. All of our names start with the letter K!
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? I have worked as a lifeguard for the past six years and have become increasingly interested in the issue and importance of water quality. The Environmental Studies Classes I have taken at UW-Madison have also sparked my interest in the correlation of the environment and public health.
What would you say to other students about CESP? CESP is an awesome opportunity to get to know other students with the same interests and passions as you. It also gives you a chance to participate in unique activities and other opportunities that you may not find any where else on campus.
What's Your Major? Biological Aspects of Conservation and Environmental Studies
Cassandra Krueger
Year: Junior
Something Few People Know About You: I don't like chocolate.
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? It's been an interest as long as I can remember!
What would you say to other students about CESP? Make sure you use all the resources available to you! There are tons of them!
What's Your Major? Philosophy & Environmental Studies
Makie Matsumoto-Hervol
Something Few People Know About You: My family is from Thailand, Japan, Ghana, India and of course America. I feel spiritually connected to water. One day I hope to live next to water. I'm not a real vegetarian because I love to consume fish. Lots of fish. My sewing skills are off all conceptual and physical chains.
What Brings You to Environmental Studies? I think that it is extremely important to realize that Environmentalism, and Environmental Science are connected to fundamental problems in our social and spiritual interactions with one another and our biosphere. By learning more about where these ideas and schools of thought came from and those influences on our current systems, I will be able to contribute to challenging, retrofitting, or rebuilding on a local and global community scale to make our imprint on this world a more sustainable one.
What inspired your interest in connecting the environment with community? My high school teacher Mr. Town was an amazing role model and truly awoke me from the Matrix that I thought was reality.
What's Your Major? Environmental Studies and Unknown
When Are You Graduating? May 2014
Is There Anything You'd Like to Add to Your Bio? I love cats.
X'Zayvion McCoy
What's Your Major? Business Management/HR and Finance Investment Banking
When Are You Graduating? December 2013
Chung Nga Moy
Year: Senior
Something Few People Know About You: People think I study a lot, but I actually don't :P
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? "I used to go hiking and camping quite often when I was in Hong Kong which made me appreciate the beauty of nature and think a lot when others trash and pollute the environment. When I studied in Shoreline Community College in Seattle, I took the Intro to Environmental Science class that gave me a new view on what I can and want to do. It was largely because of that class that get me into studying Environmental Studies."
Anything to Add to your Bio? "If my first name is unpronounceable for you, just call me Carol ;) I like to bike and go outside of the campus area but I don't know many places around, if you are planning to go on a bike trip and would like a companion, find me!!"
What's Your Major? Management, Environmental Studies
Lizzie Needham
Year: Junior
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? My interest in the environment began as a child when nearly all of my time was spent outdoors. I grew up living on the outskirts of the Mianus River Gorge Preserve, a 750 acre plot of land dedicated to protecting one of New York's oldest Hemlock forests. My time spent in the Gorge inpsired me to appriciate the undeveloped outdoors as well as the importance of land perservation. In addition, it taught me that land conservation and all that it entails has an unbelievable power to bring communities together to work for a greater cause.
What would you say to other students about CESP? CESP has been an incredible way for me to get to know faculty and students with passions similar to my own. By being a member of CESP, I have become familiar with many non-profit organizations around Madison working to achieve the same environmentally and community based goals that I am interested in. It has been really nice to be a part of a program that I feel has helped prepared me for life after college and allowed me to become deeply involved with what I am interested in.
What's Your Major? Environmental Studies and Chinese
Cynthia Novak
Year: Senior
Something Few People Know About You: I once performed in a traveling circus and I have a twin brother. Okay, I did not really perform in the circus but I do have a twin and anyone that really knows me, knows that I love to talk hence, there probably isn't much that most people don't know about me.
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? Since I can remember I have had an interest in the environment. Always loving the outdoors and at one point (long ago) considering a career as a DNR Agent. I think my interest stems from the love of being outdoors whether it be camping, hiking, cycling or the like. While I still enjoy these activities, my views regarding the environment have grown from simply thinking of the environment as "loving nature and the outdoors" to the need to be as sustainable with our earth and our resources.
What would you say to other students about CESP? Being a part of CESP has been a great experience. Do not take it for granted as there is a lot you can learn from this class and have fun!
What's Your Major? Community & Environmental Sociology; Environmental Studies
Azaria Posik
What's Your Major? Communication Arts & Environmental Studies
When Are You Graduating? May 2012
Britney Rutherford
What's Your Major? Environmental Studies & Zoology
When Are You Graduating? May 2012
Stephanie Sauer
Something Few People Know About You: I can wiggle my ears. I also own 50+ pairs of jeans.
What Brings You to Environmental Studies? Ever since I took an environmental science class in high school I began to think about choosing environmental studies as a career path for the future. I have strong opinions about the environment and green-living and I wanted to start getting involved and doing something with my passion.
What inspired your interest in connecting the environment with community? I spent the summer of 2011 working with an environmental non-governmental organization in Wolong Nature Reserve in rural China and I saw first hand how people's environments can affect the way they live, whether it be what they eat, what they grow, or how that react to the environment in general. The people there were also very influenced by their neighbors and the other villages in the area. Experiencing all of this made me realize that if you want to get things done or changed you need to begin at the local level!
What's Your Major? East Asian Studies, International Studies - Global Commons
When Are You Graduating? May 2014
Is There Anything You'd Like to Add to Your Bio? Can speak Spanish and some Chinese that I hope to use in the future!
Kelsey Schroeder
Year: Junior
Something Few People Know About You: I am deaf in my right ear
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? Kids and their need to understand its importance
Anything to Add to your Bio? I'm a bears fan
What's Your Major? community and environmental sociology
Sarah Soon
Year: Senior
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? "I remember my parents taking me to different beaches and bringing me on hikes from a very young age, carrying me on their backs when I was too young to do that much walking by myself. I feel that during those trips, I forged a powerful sense of connection to the natural world that still holds a special place in my heart today. Perhaps it is because I was fortunate enough to experience such beauty and have many fond memories on these excursions, I feel obliged to seek ways to conserve and protect what is left of the environment so the next generation can see it as well."
What would you say to other students about CESP? It's a great program with a lot of cool opportunities that you should definitely take advantage of!
What's Your Major? Political Science & Languages and Cultures of Asia & Certificate in Environmental Studies
Christy Stamos
Year: Junior
Something Few People Know About You: I have played the saxophone since 6th grade.
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? I came to Madison freshman year unsure of my major or what I wanted to do. Luckily, I took an Environmental Studies class that first semester, which really caught my attention. Learning about all these issues facing our world, made me realize how much I care for the environment. Since that initial class, I knew I wanted to take more and strengthen my passion for the environment.
What's Your Major? Environmental Studies and Geography
Casey Sweeney
Year: Senior
Something Few People Know About You: Something not too many people know about me is that I was a fan of the Chicago Cubs as a child. My grandpa was a Cubs fan and I picked it up from him. Thank god I came to my senses and became a life-long supporter of the Milwaukee Brewers.
What Inspired your Interest in the Environment? I always had an interest in finding out what were the effects of humans on their surroundings and once I started to learn more and more that we have a long history of neglecting the environment and making some poor political decisions I decided to pursue more information. My father always made sure I spent some quality time outdoors and growing up in a small town my whole childhood was centered around my hometown lake which caused me to encourage others to take proper care of the lake and the watershed.
What would you say to other students about CESP? I say that CESP is a scholarship program that likes to think global and act local. By charging students with tasks to make an impact on the local community we build community within the university and outside of it.
What's Your Major? Biological Aspects of Conservation, and Spanish