Jalynn Horacek

What is your major? Environmental engineering

Expected graduation: May 2026

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? My interest in the environment stems from my upbringing. I am from a very rural area and have always appreciated the fact that I got to grow up in nature. I loved swimming in the local lakes and catching fireflies in the summer. You’ll never see brighter stars than in my backyard.

However, even in the middle of nowhere, I still heard news about how our local farmers were polluting our rivers and the controversy over wolf hunts. I never realized how threatened our ecosystems were and how delicate the balance of nature is. That’s why I went into environmental engineering: to solve problems and maintain the balance of nature as best we can. With my education, I will be able to work within and for communities to understand how to best approach issues and collaborate on the best solutions for all.

What would you say to other students who ask about CESP or the Nelson Institute? CESP has been an amazing experience for both personal and professional growth. It has given me the experience of both learning how to be a better person in a community and has connected me to many communities. The people in CESP are passionate about their interests, which gives ample opportunity to expand your own knowledge and learn from those around you.