Samantha Ceisel

What are your majors? Environmental science and environmental studies with certificates in engineering for energy sustainability and developmental economics

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up on a small farm where we spent a great deal of time playing in the dirt or running around barefoot. To me nature was a central part of my life and as I grew, my love for its beauty, its ecosystems, and endless capabilities grew with it as well. My family instilled the importance of taking care of your environment, and not taking it for granted.

The older I got, the more I saw the mistreatment of nature and lack of access to safe ways to engage with nature. My goal then became to protect the environments I could, being a steward for the environment and everything that inhabits it. In college, I have found many new approaches in being a steward, approaching conservation through policy, science and education in the community.

CESP at the Nelson Institute has given me a better understanding on how to work with communities towards their goals and be conscious and aware of the interconnectedness of the people and the planet. Promoting and implementing environmental justice in renewable energy systems so communities can be self-reliant and economically independent has provided me a lot of joy and I am excited to continue these initiatives after graduation as well.