If you are a graduate of the Nelson Institute, we encourage you to keep in touch with us, with other alumni, and with the university. You’ll find many ways to stay connected.
Our Graduates Lead the Way
From Alaska to Africa, Nelson Institute alumni are leaders in conservation, sustainability, education, and environmental justice. Check out these stories that demonstrate the many ways in which Nelson alumni are working to solve our planet’s most urgent challenges.
Patricia O’Kane
Environment and Resources, 2015
2022 Alumni Award Recipient
Keefe Keeley
Agroecology (MS and PhD), 2014 and 2021
2022 Alumni Award Recipient
Linda Vakunta
Environment and Resources, 2015
2021 Alumni Award Recipient
Vijay Limaye and Jessica Price
Limaye: Environment and Resources, 2015. Price: Environment and Resources, 2016; Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development, 2010
2021 Alumni Award Recipients
Dan York
Land Resources (PhD), 1991; Land Resources (MS) and Energy Analysis and Policy Certificate, 1987
2021 Alumni Award Recipient
Maria Castillo
Environmental Studies Undergraduate Major, 2017
Finding My Way from Environmental Studies to Urban Health and Planning
Dylan Jennings
Environmental Studies Undergraduate Certificate, 2013; Current Environmental Conservation Student
Tribal Environmental Work
Leela Hazzah
Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development, 2007; Environment and Resources, 2011
Changing Conservation Norms
Emmanuel Urey
Environment and Resources, 2013 and 2018
The Promise of Land Reform
Elizabeth Bagley
Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development, 2008; Environment and Resources, 2011
Climate Solutions for the New Decade
Rich Beilfus
Water Resources Management, 1990; Land Resources, 2002
Restoring the Kafue Flats, Zambia, for People and Wildlife
Stephanie Dresen
Environmental Studies Undergraduate Major, 2015
Exploring Environmental Career Options in Your 20s
John Francis
Land Resources, 1991
Environmental Compassion
Steven Olikara
Environmental Studies Undergraduate Major, 2012
Bipartisan Environmental Action
Sabrina Scull
Environmental Conservation, 2015
Ecological Communication to Equip Our Leaders and Professionals with Quality Science
Steve Ventura
Environmental Monitoring, 1984; Land Resources, 1989
Air, Water, Food, and Community
Swipe to see more profiles ≫
Alumni News and Events
Upcoming Events
- October
- October 2
- October 6Weston Roundtable: Clear Cut: Burning Forests for Energy Doesn’t Stack UpSpeaker: Bob Musil, President & CEO, Rachel Carson Council 4:15 PM, 1163 Mechanical Engineering Building
- October 8Volunteer in the UW Lakeshore Nature PreserveHelp care for this beloved campus natural area9:00 AM, Frautschi Point parking lot on Lake Mendota Drive. On the 80 bus route.
- October 8Ecological Restoration Work PartyArboretum Core Area and Curtis Prairie9:00 AM, Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
- October 8
Stay Connected
Join Badger Bridge
Badger Bridge is your place to connect with fellow alumni through UW-Madison’s global community, advance your career with professional networking, and give back by mentoring or employing graduating students.
Get Your Nelson Gear
Show your Badger and Nelson spirit wherever life takes you. Visit our online store to purchase Nelson-branded merchandise, including button-down shirts, fleece, soft-shell vests and jackets, hats, bags, and more.
Update Your Info
Have you recently moved or changed your email address? Take a moment to update your contact information so we can continue to stay in touch and let you know about the latest happenings at the Nelson Institute.
