Siena Keys

What is your major? Neurobiology and honors psychology with a certificate in sustainability

Expected graduation: May 2026

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up right next to Milwaukee, with lots of my family from there. I’ve spent lots of time in the city and I’ve seen how sometimes disconnected the city can feel from nature. I didn’t grow up in an outdoorsy family but cherished any chance I could to be out in nature. Since entering college, I have started more sustainable practices and grown my love of nature. After taking a community and environmental sociology class freshman year, I learned more about how the environment where one lives plays a major role in our lives. It frustrates me that there’s so much knowledge on how to better our communities that isn’t utilized in making our cities better. I believe that by bringing our communities closer to nature, we can also bring them closer together and improve people’s livelihoods.