Claire Lesnjak

What is your major? Chemical engineering with certificates in engineering for energy sustainability and environmental studies

Expected graduation: May/summer 2026

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up frequently traveling to our family cabin and camping in northern Wisconsin. I was constantly outside observing animals, insects, and plants. I would even take a notebook with me to record these observations, just ask my mom!

In elementary school, I skipped class to plant trees. To be more specific, I was planting the little maple helicopter seeds across the school yard and playground. Yes, I got in trouble for it and had to stop.

While I no longer skip class to plant trees, my motivation to protect the environment and combat climate change has not gone away. In high school I was first introduced to the idea of intersectionality: that many of the challenges we face as a society are interconnected. My goal is to use the skills I’ve gained from my engineering coursework to reduce environmental impact in a way that also benefits local communities.