Lydia Darga

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

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, running 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 a requirement, when I realized that I want to continue to learn about the environment and how humans interact with it, in addition to the law and policy. I have been fortunate enough to continue with interdisciplinary courses on topics like climate change governance, law and climate justice, water rights and governance, and now CESP!

What would you say to other students who ask about CESP or the Nelson Institute? CESP is an awesome program where you meet a ton of great people who all care about the environment and community. It’s super cool to get outside your own major and have conversations with people who bring fresh perspectives. The interdisciplinary aspect makes it really unique, you end up learning so much just from collaborating with other students. If you get the chance to join, definitely go for it!

Something few people know about you: I collect fossils and rocks! My favorite fossil collected is the stem of a crinoid, also known as a sea lily, while hiking in Grand Canyon National Park. The fossil could be anywhere from 490 to 250 million years old!