Emily Treffert

What is your major? Landscape and urban studies and environmental studies, with certificates in sustainability, integrative design for built and natural environments, and French

Expected graduation: May 2026

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Ever since the AP environmental science class I took during my junior year of high school, I have felt a deep connection to the environment. I always loved spending time in nature throughout my childhood but this was the moment that I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to the environment and sustainability.

Coming of age during the peak of the climate crisis so far, I am terrified for how our world will look five, 10, 15, 50 years from now if we do not make some serious changes. My particular interest is in the realm of sustainable public transportation — a way that we can strengthen our communities while massively reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

One of my favorite aspects of sustainability is how broad it is. There is not one path to a more sustainable world – people of all different interests and passions can come together to address this issue. While I hope to specialize in public transportation, our food systems, housing, business practices, international relations, and more will all play a role in creating a more sustainable world. Global warming and the climate crisis are major concerns of mine but it is working with other students who value the environment and community that give me hope for the future.

What would you say to other students who ask about CESP or the Nelson Institute? CESP and other students within the Nelson Institute are the most passionate but kind students that I have met on this campus. Although we all have different perspectives and backgrounds, we are all working towards one common goal: a more sustainable future.

CESP does not feel like any other class I have taken at UW — nothing feels forced or like a waste of anyone’s time. The work we are doing is genuinely valuable and applicable to all fields/aspects of life. CESP has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my college experience so far.

Something few people know about you: Last summer, I spent 10 days in northern and central Malawi, visiting half a dozen rural villages and schools each with hundreds of learners (students) to learn how the organization my father and I work for can better provide more schools with boreholes (wells) and running water.

Since 2017, the foundation, WASH For Life, has already produced over 50 boreholes, strengthening the educational experience of over 25,000 Malawian children. During my time there, I was able to use what I had learned in my first semester of CESP to engage with the community members respectfully and responsibly. I look forward to returning to Malawi in summer 2026!

Anything else? CESP has completely changed the way that I think about interacting with communities, especially as an urban planner whose entire future career will be centered around interacting with communities. Although dedicated community engagement projects may take longer or cost more money, I believe that my passion for these efforts will make me a better planner and will ensure that my projects emulate the goals of the communities in which they are occurring.