Lydia Darga

What is your major? Legal studies with certificates in environmental studies, public policy, and political science

Expected graduation: May 2026

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up in a very outdoors-oriented family. We often were camping, hiking, biking, and just exploring outside in the greater Madison area. As I got older, this enjoyment and exploration of the outdoors never diminished and instead grew even bigger. I often spend my free time outdoors, whether that’s reading in my hammock, taking a run on Lakeshore Path, going for a walk in the UW Arboretum, or kayaking on Lake Mendota.

Coming to UW–Madison, I was able to take my passion and enjoyment of the outdoors and combine it with my education. While I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in law and major in legal studies, it wasn’t until I started taking courses at UW that I began to think about the environment and how that intersects with careers in law, public policy, and government.

It started with taking Forest & Wildlife Ecology 110 — Living with Wildlife – Animals, Habitats, and Human Interactions my freshman year just to fulfill my biological science requirement, where I realized that maybe I want to continue to learn about the environment and how humans interact with it, in addition to the law. I have been fortunate enough to continue with courses on climate change governance, law and climate justice, water rights and governance, and now CESP for the next few semesters!