Iliana Harris

What is your major? Graphic design

Expected graduation date: May 2026

 What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? My interest in the environment came from my childhood experiences. My mom loves to camp and be outside, so she is the one who introduced my brother and me to camping, hiking, and canoeing.

My time in nature has led me to CESP because my environmental certificate focuses on the relationship between the community and nature. I’m specifically interested in the historical systemic issues and disparities that have led to a divide in access to nature.

What would you say to other students who ask about CESP or the Nelson Institute? For students asking about CESP, I would tell them that it is a seminar-based class consisting of, but not limited to, networking opportunities, thoughtful discussion, reflection, and an opportunity to connect with the community both within and outside UW-Madison.

Something few people know about you: I love to scrapbook and collage.

Anything else? During my second semester in CESP, I volunteered with the UW-Madison Lakeshore Preserve as a graphic designer, creating six unique Instagram/Facebook templates using Adobe Express and Illustrator to be used for advertising events, hirings, and educational posts.