Since it first opened to students in 2011, the Nelson Institute’s environmental studies undergraduate major has seen rapid growth — after just one year, the number of declared students nearly doubled. As the major grew, so did the needs of its students. After a few years, Becky Ryan — who was then the undergraduate program coordinator and is now Nelson’s distinguished advising manager — pitched an idea: to empower Nelson undergrads to have a role in building their community. That’s how the Nelson Ambassadors program began. Now, each spring, five or six Nelson Institute undergraduate students are selected to represent the student body’s interests and plan events, like study sessions, movie nights, and more.
“If it weren’t for the ambassadors, we wouldn’t have the capacity to provide quality engagement opportunities for current Nelson students,” says Ryan. “It’s an ideal way for prospective students to learn about the institute. They’re energetic, creative, and passionate about helping other students!”
Get to know this year’s ambassadors:
Layna Erredge
Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
Class: Sophomore
Majors: Environmental Studies, Conservation Biology (L&S)
@layerredge
Growing up, I was shaped by the environment. We had a garden where I found my love of tomatoes. There were always some small animals running around our backyard. Multiple times, I have woken up and looked out my bedroom window and had a deer staring at me. I also went on camping trips with my mom and grandparents, and I remember loving the feeling. All these experiences solidified my belief that the environment is the most pressing societal issue. I wanted to study how it worked and how I could protect it, so the Nelson Institute is a great fit. I love the Nelson Institute for providing me with the tools and opportunities to do this. The community here is so friendly and supportive. It makes me excited to learn and work in the environmental field. My favorite Nelson class so far has been Environmental Studies 306: Indigenous Peoples and the Environment. Other activities I am involved in outside of Nelson Ambassadors include the Hoofer Outing Club, Conservation Biology Club, intramurals, and research. After school, I plan to work in topical conservation worldwide, specifically in aquatic ecosystems.
Grace Gooley
Hometown: Minneapolis
Class: Junior
Majors: Environmental Studies, Chemistry (L&S)
@gracegooley
I have always had a love for the environment, especially oceans. As a kid, I would spend hours outdoors collecting rocks and playing outside. I’ve always felt drawn to the outdoors, which is why I have decided to study the environment. I love how many learning opportunities are offered through the Nelson Institute year round! The Nelson Institute has a welcoming environment, which is one reason all of my environmental studies courses are my favorite. Since August, I have been working as the administrative undergraduate assistant for UW–Extension’s Natural Resource Institute. I have been in the professional co-ed chemistry fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma, since the spring of my freshman year. This semester I am vice president, which has been so much fun! I volunteer through Badger Volunteers as well, and I will be volunteering at an after-school program at a nearby elementary school this semester. I have been doing undergraduate research in the Hermans group for about a year, and I am about to start my senior thesis! I will be researching the effects of autoxidation on hexane, and hopefully this information will help us find new ways to be able to recycle, upcycle, or extend the lifetime of plastics. My favorite Nelson Institute professor is Dr. Kanarek. Not only is he incredibly smart, but he has also helped me look at graduate schools and talk about my future interests. I hope to go to graduate school for a PhD in climate change research. I haven’t decided exactly what I want to research, but I would love to do a project relating to marine chemistry and ocean acidification, or a project on extreme weather research.
Anna Kossolapov
Hometown: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Class: Junior
Majors: Environmental Studies, Political Science (L&S)
@annakossolapov
I chose to study the environment because it played such a crucial role in my childhood, and I hope to learn how to better protect it for current and future generations. I love being part of the Nelson Institute because it has introduced me to so many unique and inspiring people who are deeply passionate about the environment, as well allowing me the opportunity to get more involved with my campus and local community. Currently, I work as the programming director for the People’s Farm: Students for Sustainable Agriculture, a student organization that’s focused on connecting people, land, and food by distributing (for free) the organic produce we grow on our farm, located in the Eagle Heights Community Garden. One of my favorite classes I’ve taken at the Nelson Institute has been my environmental studies capstone course: Food Excess to Access. In this course, I was able to hear from several community figures involved in our local food system, as well as being able to spend time working hands-on to promote food access. After school, I hope to continue my environmental studies education by pursuing a law degree to hopefully become involved in the field of environmental law.
Maddie Schultz
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Class: Senior
Majors: Environmental Studies, Latin (L&S), and Classical Humanities (L&S)
@schultzmadeline.jpg
Ever since I was a kid visiting my grandma’s farm up north, I’ve been fascinated by nature. As my love for the environment and classics grew, I noticed how relevant Roman and Greek texts are in modern environmental policy, poetry, and relationships. My favorite professor is Anna Gade, she supported my cross-examination of classics and environmental studies. I love the Nelson Institute’s mission and diverse community that brings in positive energy for climate solutions. Extending that love for community, I am also involved as the Classics Society President and the Wisconsin Union Directorate’s vice president of internal relations. After graduation, I hope to work as an education program manager for an environmental nonprofit!
Barbara Strugalla
Hometown: Geneva, Illinois
Class: Sophomore
Major: Biology and Wildlife Ecology (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences)
Certificate: Environmental Studies
@barbara13strugalla
I chose to study the environment because I was interested in the environmental classes I took in my first year. The environment intersects with almost all fields of study, so it is an advantage to study it. I love how the Nelson Institute is very dedicated to their students (undergraduate and graduate) and how many great opportunities they provide. They have numerous events throughout the year that allow the students to network and connect with faculty and other students. On campus, I work at the UW Veterinary Hospital as a student hourly in their small animal operating room and night ward, working on pre-operative and post-operative patients. I am also involved in the UW–Madison Cycle Forward club as the community outreach coordinator. My favorite class at the Nelson Institute is ENVIR ST 213: Global Environmental Health: An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Richard Keller, a fantastic lecturer, taught this class and engaged so much with his students. He was so passionate about teaching environmental health, it became one of my favorite classes. I recommend this class to anyone interested in learning about certain disease epidemics and ecological issues that cause health issues. After my undergraduate studies, I plan on attending veterinary school to study wildlife medicine. The environment is a massive aspect of wildlife medicine because environmental conditions can change disease spread, species dispersal, etc. I hope to work in a wildlife rehabilitation clinic or with endangered species.
Isabella Lubotsky
Hometown: Greenfield, Wisconsin
Class: Senior
Majors: Environmental Studies, Political Science (L&S)
Certificates: German, Public Policy (L&S)
@isabella71153
I chose to study the environment because climate change is an issue I’ve been interested in for as long as I can remember. My freshman year, I was enrolled in the Preserving Nature first-year interest group where I was able to take three environmental studies classes my first semester, and I’ve been hooked ever since! My favorite thing about the Nelson Institute is the community. All of the professors I’ve had and friends I’ve met on this side of campus are all so passionate about the work they do, and it’s a great environment to learn and grow in (pun intended). My favorite class I’ve taken with Nelson definitely has to be the Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP). Outside of Nelson, I have an internship with the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change, I’m involved in Campus Leaders for Energy Action Now (CLEAN), I play trumpet in the Badger Band, and I am president of the Badger Band Sustainability Team. After graduation, I’m excited to have a lot more free time, and I hope to be involved with community engagement and local sustainability and policy initiatives.