Current Students

What is your major? Conservation biology

Expected graduation: May 2023

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Freshman year I took Environmental Studies 112: the Social Perspective because I had to fill a general ed requirement. When I was taking that class I would talk to my family and friends non-stop about what I was learning. I learned about communities fighting for the basic rights to clean water and food sovereignty. I learned how race of a community is the best indicator to determine where pollutants are dumped. I heard and read so many stories about people fighting for things they should not have to fight for.

That class set me on a completely different track than what I came into college with. I now want my life to be dedicated to helping my community and other marginalized communities to fight for their environmental rights. Since that first class, I have taken many more that have continued to open my world view to the fight and struggle of people around the world trying to protect their environment.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? When it comes to CESP, I am surrounded by people studying various disciplines alongside their environmental studies component. I have been exposed to people who are trying to bring sustainability and environmental justice to fields of work that have historically ignored these concerns. It is inspiring to see others willing to put in the work. I am excited to utilize the lessons from the classroom in real life.

Something few people know about you: Few people know that I used to want to be an astronaut when I was younger. I now just enjoy the idea of traveling through space via my sci-fi book collection.

What is your major? Environmental engineering with certificates in sustainability and leadership

Expected graduation: May 2025

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? My passion for the environment stems from my love for the great outdoors. I engage in outdoor activities such as backpacking and canoeing and was disheartened to learn that these natural wonders were being harmed by human actions. As a child, I recall being warned that the impacts of climate change were reaching a point of no return and that scared me. Upon realizing that we had surpassed this point at an alarming rate, I made a commitment to increase my involvement in environmental initiatives that focus on community engagement. My main focus is youth education, as I believe that instilling sustainable practices at a young age will help shift society’s perspective towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

What are your majors? Nursing and environmental studies

Expected graduation: May 2022

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? As a young paramedic, I worked in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, a glaciated landscape surrounding the Mississippi River Valley. It was here that I fell in love with the deep beauty of the earth and realized that our survival as a human species is dependent on our relationship to nature.

Humanity does not exist in a vacuum. The ways we build (or fail to build) community, as well as our relationship to the natural world, determines both our personal health outcomes and the health of the planet. Working in emergency medicine taught me about the injustices that many of our community members face.

Health care in America is rife with inequities, and I became troubled by the systemic failures I saw each day. Working as a nurse in a rural hospital solidified my belief that our health care system frequently fails the most vulnerable. I chose to go back to school full-time at 30 years old in order to become a better nurse, a better advocate, and a better human.

Combining my BSN with a major in environmental studies will provide me with more knowledge of how to assist my patients live their lives in accordance with the World Health Organization definition of health: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? It is not an exaggeration to say that the Nelson Institute has been the best thing to ever happen to my educational journey. I had been interested in social and environmental determinants of health for years, but studying at the Nelson Institute broadened those concepts for me in ways I never imagined.

The staff and students at The Nelson Institute and in CESP are simply the best. I feel seen and cared for as a student at the Nelson Institute and I consider Science Hall my home away from home. I would recommend CESP and the Nelson Institute unreservedly.

Something few people know about you: Something about myself that few of my classmates know is exactly how much of a Star Trek fan I am. Talk to me about Deep Space 9 or explain to me that the hate for Captain Janeway is rooted in toxic masculinity and I’ll be your friend forever!

What are your majors? Environmental science and conservation biology with an American Indian Studies certificate

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? In high school, I started to get more involved with social justice, and what social justice meant. Part of this was coming to the realization that social justice and environmental justice go hand in hand. One can’t exist without the other. Ever since then, I started getting more involved with climate justice organizations and clubs. A lot of these were not only about helping the planet, but about also supporting local communities and POC voices.

A lot of the time, environmental justice can look like a lot of white people talking. However, that is not what the reality of environmental justice is. My point is, what really inspired my interest in the environment and the community was the opportunity to learn from POC leaders, like Winona LaDuke, and apply those teachings to my own life and others.

What is your major? Community and environmental sociology with a certificate in sustainability

Expected graduation: May 2025

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I have always enjoyed STEM, it was my senior year of high school when I decided to pursue the environmental sciences. After I took Envir St 339 – Environmental Conservation during the fall of 2021, I learned more about environmental conservation approaches, biodiversity, environmental justice, etc. From that point on, my passion for the environment, resource conservation and social and environmental justice grew.

Being a part of a marginalized community and growing up in the inner city, I can attest to the necessity of a strategy for sustainability and equality initiatives. This being a result of food insecurity, limited resources, lack of advocacy, and the effects of pollution on public health. I want to have a hand in the examination and completion of natural processes, I also want to advocate for communities that have limited access to the resources that are linked to these processes. I am passionate about science and how it plays a part in shaping the world around us. Each learning experience opens my eyes to how strong our connection is to the world around us.

What is your major? Environmental sciences (focus in geospatial sciences) with certificates in data science, engineering for energy sustainability, and environmental studies

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Growing up in large metropolises, there was often a disconnect between community and the environment, with the environment often viewed as existing outside of the city. Participating in the Earth Partnership Indigenous Arts and Sciences FIG taught me that for many nations and cultures, people and nature are interconnected and caring for one’s community extends to the environment. This changed my perspective on how deeply intertwined the environment and community are and made me realize that solutions to environmental issues need to consider the social impact, too. I have since been inspired to use my environmental sciences education to work towards change that simultaneously benefits human and non-human components of our world.

What is your major? Conservation biology and environmental studies

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up on a small farm in rural Wisconsin, and I was able to go outside anytime I wanted to explore the outdoors. Every summer I was also able to hike and camp at state parks with my family learning about the diversity within nature. These experiences allowed me to learn about nature and a love of the environment grew.

What is your major? Art education

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I have always felt deeply connected to the natural world. The forest has always been a place where I feel truly at home. I am fascinated by human’s connection to and part of nature and in discovering how we can return to living in a symbiotic relationship with nature. As humans we have an interdependence on the Earth to live and I believe returning to this truth will strengthen our relationships with our communities, ourselves, and the larger web of the natural world. I am also intrigued by the role art and creativity play in our connection to nature.

What are your majors? Environmental science with certificates in engineering for energy sustainability and developmental economics

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up on a small farm where we spent a great deal of time playing in the dirt or running around barefoot. To me nature was a central part of my life and as I grew, my love for its beauty, its ecosystems, and endless capabilities grew with it as well. My family instilled the importance of taking care of your environment, and not taking it for granted. But the older I got, the more I saw the mistreatment of nature and lack of access to safe ways to engage with nature. My goal then became to protect the environments I could, and be a steward for the environment and everything that inhabits it. Now in college I have found many new approaches in being a steward, approaching conservation through policy, science and education.

What are your majors? Conservation biology and community and environmental sociology

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up on the west coast of Canada, where I attended an outdoor education program that taught me how to appreciate nature and deepen my relationship with it, which ignited my interest in understanding the relationship between communities and the environment, and how to facilitate more interdependence between the two in the midst of climate change and capitalism.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? CESP is a foundation for students to connect and build trust and community that is necessary for societal change. It’s refreshing to be able to talk about things that matter, like how to participate in intentional service, but also to simply enjoy each others’ presence. Other CESP students inspire me and remind me that I am not alone.

Something few people know about you: When I was growing up, I had three foster brothers.

Anything else? Last year, I was the sustainability chair for Associated Students of Madison, and this year I am a sustainability campaign coordinator. I would love to spread the word about fossil fuel divestment and involve more students!

What is your major? Community and environmental sociology and education studies

Expected graduation: 2025

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up in a small town in Vermont, where the outdoors were a way to foster community. Whether it be hiking through the Green Mountains or nordic skiing, being outside connected people to our home and to one another. My interest in the environment and community stems from the fact that they have always been inseparable to me. I feel called to protect the environment so that future generations can experience the same connection, community, and pure joy that the outdoors has always provided me.

What are your majors? Chemical engineering, with certificates in biology in engineering, engineering for energy sustainability, and environmental studies

Expected graduation: December 2023

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Moving 16 times, living in five different states, and jumping back and forth between eastern and western hemispheres has shown me a global perspective on the ways the world is being hit with the consequences of climate change. The chemical industry is a key player in creating and solving these environmental issues and I want to be part of the solution.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? I would tell other students that CESP is about learning how to be a good community partner and allows you to dive deeper into environmental topics you might not be familiar with through book readings and peer discussion.

Something few people know about you: Few people know that one of my favorite activities is drinking coffee and watching the sunrise.

Anything else? I will be volunteering through Badger Volunteers as a Food Pantry Host at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank this semester.

What is your major? Environmental science

Expected graduation: May 2023

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? My main inspiration for my interest in the environment was growing up in an agricultural community, where I was able to take agricultural classes in my middle school and high school. In these classes I learned about environmental current events which made me concerned about the future of the earth, ultimately causing me to declare my major in environmental science.

For the community aspect, my family has always been active in volunteering, and I was in the Lion’s Club in high school that required community service hours, which made me more passionate about being involved in giving back to the community. My church at home was also centered around participating in local projects to benefit the community, and participating in those projects gave me the drive to get involved in my own community-led projects.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? If a classmate or fellow student asked me about CESP or the Nelson Institute, I would tell them to join if they have any interest in sustainability or helping the community at all. CESP has opened my eyes to the importance of learning other people’s stories, and working in a community that is not your own is the best way to learn about other perspectives and ways of life. CESP has helped me think about my future plans after graduation, along with opportunities for jobs, seminars to attend, and professionals to talk to. The Nelson Institute and CESP provide many resources, whether that be for getting involved in the environment, leadership opportunities, or just fun events with passionate people.

Something few people know about you: Something interesting about me that not many people know is that I love making art, but I change mediums often. This summer I crocheted a top, wrote poetry, painted, and made jewelry for myself and friends.

Anything else? In high school I was surrounded by agriculture and nature, so I always knew I would be doing something with natural resources or sustainability, but ever since I took public health in college, I realized how broad environmentalism really is and how it has to do with everything around us, including neighborhoods, the distribution of goods and resources, and so many other important things that would not primarily be put in the topic of the environment. CESP also broadened my eyes to this, reiterating the importance of the diversity that is environmentalism and sustainability.

What are your majors? Environmental science and geoscience

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? My interest in the environment stemmed from a camping trip I took with my uncle the summer before my junior year of high school. Spending a week submerged in the wilderness while disconnected from the rest of the world truly opened my eyes to the importance of protecting nature and our environment. Being exposed to the outdoors at a young age undoubtedly drove my passion for the environment and is why I chose to study environmental science.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? I speak highly of the Nelson Institute and CESP to anyone and everyone who asks. As someone studying and researching in the hard sciences it has proven more difficult to create a community focused on fostering collaboration and diversity. CESP has given me the opportunity, knowledge, and strategies to help create better environments in my areas of study. To anyone considering joining CESP, I say do it! You will not regret the information you learn, experiences you gain, and cohort of students you will meet who are passionate about sustainability.

What is your major? Mathematics, environmental studies, cartography and GIS, and engineering for energy sustainability

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Growing up I really enjoyed exploring a nature and was always very fascinated with the lakes that surrounded where I grew up (Poygan, Winneconne, Butte des Morts, and Winnebago). However, I was not overly exposed to the field of environmental studies during my high school education. Throughout my time here studying at UW I have gained a deeper appreciation for the environment through some of the amazing classes that are offered through the Nelson Institute. Initially, I started my career here at UW studying mathematics. This helped me to grow a strong appreciation for problem solving and learning skills that have a wide range of applications.

Specifically, I think mathematics has helped me not only to be more logical but also more creative with the way I solve problems. Through this I decided I wanted to widen my areas of study in the hopes of being able to connect my majors. An important lesson that strives my educational aspirations is that environmental issues are often interdisciplinary and require diverse backgrounds of knowledge to solve. Therefore, I decided to add on both cartography and GIS and engineering for energy sustainability. Overall, I hope to continue growing within my studies surrounding environmental issues.

What are your majors? Community and environmental sociology with certificates in sustainability and German

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Coming into college, I had no clue what I wanted to major in, let alone do with the rest of my life. Dad encouraged me to just look through the UW-Madison major and certificate catalog until something caught my eye. I saw several things I might be interested in (journalism, international studies, environmental studies) but when the community and environmental sociology major popped up, I was sold because it seemed the perfect combination of my passions.

I have always enjoyed spending time outside, but my interest in environmentalism didn’t start until high school. I had several powerhouse friends who wanted to take direct action in response to climate change and other social issues so, wanting to be involved with what they cared about, I joined in with their climate demonstrations, school strikes, and social media campaigns. Through the initiative of my friends and like-minded community members we met, I grew to care deeply about the state of our planet.

I think I have my mom to thank for my interest in community involvement. She is one of the most selfless, caring, and hard-working people I know. I didn’t fully appreciate this as a child, but growing up I realized that she is the kind of person I want to be, someone who seeks to bless and support those around them. I am excited for the opportunity to learn more about combining my twin passions in practical, meaningful ways through CESP.

What are your majors? Honors Mathematics Program majoring in mathematics, with a certificate in environmental studies

Expected graduation: May 2022

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I view the environment as a part of the community in which we all want to grow and flourish. For me, the environment is more than a place of trees, rivers, or mountains. Rather, it is a dynamic and complex organism without which human species cannot survive.

My love and passion for the environment developed in an unusual and extraordinary way. First, I enjoy learning patterns, and pattern recognition is fundamental to studying mathematics. Second, the environment constantly gives birth to a variety of patterns, some of which we may know, and some we may not. In other words, I began to value the significance of the environment through the language of mathematics. I believe it is mathematics that brought me nearer to the wonders of nature.

Since then, I developed my interest in learning about the environment such that I may better understand its strengths and weaknesses. I also realized that the basic knowledge of the environment is key to everyone in the world. The better we are educated about our planet as a single, global community, the faster we can confront the environmental challenges and offer sustainable solutions for all. Up to date, I strongly believe that the unity in the knowledge of the environment can make us better and caring citizens of the world.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? The CESP is an amazing program for those who seek to develop their leadership strategies, hone their communication and interpersonal skills, and deepen their knowledge in the social perspective of the environmental studies. The CESP has helped me to connect to a group of amazing people with whom I have worked on several projects regarding the environment.

Something few people know about you: I have published one research article about algebraic topology.

Something else about you? I work with another CESP member on a road salt community project for Marathon County (Wausau) to gather data and find environmental-friendly solutions to the spreading of road salt.

What is your major? Chemical engineering

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Since I was a wee child, I had always been fascinated by the natural world. I spent a great deal of my time outside and my summers were often filled with camping trips with my family, where you could often find me covered in dirt. In addition to this love for nature, I had always had an affinity to my surrounding community. It was these coupled together that began my inquisition to how my choices and actions would affect those around me at a young age.

As I’ve gotten older, my love for the environment and the community have only gotten stronger, and I’ve noticed the ties between the two are nearly indiscernible. The importance of taking care of one another and the surrounding world is necessary for our communities and societies to thrive. Our choices and actions are more important now than ever. Knowing this has been a driving factor in my pursuit of education, hoping my degree will lead me to a place where I can ultimately benefit both the environment and my community.

What is your major? Political science and environmental studies with certificates in German and public policy

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I remember learning about climate change and global warming when I was in second grade, and knowing that it was a huge issue for humanity even from such a young age. I’ve always had an interest in the environment since that point, but I didn’t really know how big of a passion I had for it until I came to UW and enrolled in the Preserving Nature FIG my first semester, which inspired me to pursue the environmental studies major. From there, I became more and more interested in the social sciences, and I am really interested in ways local communities can make really large strides towards protecting their local environments and advancing social equity in general.

What are your majors? Civil engineering with a certificate in environment studies

Expected graduation: December 2023

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? My interest in the environment started from a young age as I would spend countless hours outside with my dad and brother either exploring, fishing, camping, or hiking. As I grew older my dad and I would go out to events hosted by his work to help clean up parks and learn more about what is being done to take care of them.

Then during my senior year, I took a STEM seminar class and we learned about environmental issues as well as creating a science fair project. My project focused on creating an ocean water filter made of cheap, recyclable materials. My interest in improving upon water quality and building better filters stemmed from there and has led me into learning more about the environment and trying to help leave it better.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? CESP is a great opportunity to meet people from all different sides of campus and learn more and foster discussions about environmental issues. It helps to make the campus feel smaller and provides a chance to learn and hear from people outside of your major who bring in new views and experiences.

Something few people know about you: I can’t watch a movie without looking up how it ends.

What are your majors? Entomology with an environmental studies certificate

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Although insects make up a little over half of all animal species on Earth and are about 80 percent to 90 percent of all living organisms, there are few people who study entomology. Little is known about insects and their ecology relative to other animals, even though insects are often towards the bottom of the food web and have incredibly significant impacts on the environment around them. I became interested in studying insects, and thus the environment, so I merged the two and declared a certificate in environmental studies along with my entomology major. I hope to pursue a PhD in parasitology or something related to insect ecology, after taking a gap year or two to work at the USDA and/or related community work.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? CESP is a small community of people who are likely to have the same passion for the environment as you, so if you’re looking to apply, do it! You’ll meet tons of great people.

Something few people know about you: If I wasn’t currently going into science, I would go to culinary school.

What are your majors? Environmental studies and business management

Expected graduation? May 2023

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Growing up I had the opportunity to visit several state and national parks across the U.S. I found myself in awe of the beauty and strength of nature. As we hiked and explored, my parents taught me the importance of respecting these natural places so that future generations could enjoy them as we did. This idea of sustainability and respecting nature stuck with me as I grew up and led me to pursue a career in sustainability related work.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? CESP is a great opportunity to learn about the important intersections of local community and environmental work. CESP also creates a welcoming community of students and faculty that are interested in incorporating environmental work into their future career and it is a great chance to get to know people from a wide variety of interests!

Something few people know about you: I have always been very crafty and will crochet or bead when I need a break from school and other work.

Anything else? I have always enjoyed community-related projects. This year I am one of the co-directors of Slow Food UW’s Family Dinner Night where I work with a team of fellow students to put on a weekly community meal utilizing locally sourced ingredients!

What is your major? Chemistry with a certificate in sustainability

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Growing up, I always liked logic, math, and baking, and to me, chemistry has always felt like a combination of all three. Once coming here and working toward my chemistry degree, I began to learn more about everyday industrial and small-scale chemical processes that are harmful to humans and the surrounding environment. Processes that introduce “forever chemicals,” help fuel mass consumerism, and create environmental injustice through toxic waste/health hazards, environmental degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Science is dirty, capitalism is dirty, and I want to help undo the harm that science and capitalism have done on people and places around the world.

Tackling climate change, mass consumerism, and environmental injustice as one small fry is quite a lot to take on. However, by focusing on my local community, I can tackle issues of science, sustainability, and justice all at once while still (hopefully) causing useful change. By working with fellow scientists and community members, I hope to be a part of something bigger that slows our impact on the environment before we wreck our planet to the point of total biodiversity and human loss.

What are your majors? Environmental studies and people-environment geography, with certificates in public policy and global health

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? My interest in the environment stems from my own love for the outdoors and my positive experiences in it growing up. My passion for the field comes from this in combination with a want to achieve social justice. Through courses and seeing issues in my own community, I realized not everyone experiences the environment in the same way, and it often is used as a tool by those more affluent to negatively impact marginalized communities. I’m inspired by past and present environmental justice movements, that are so often community led, to pursue this field and help protect the environmental rights of everyone.

What is your major? Geography and environmental studies

Expected graduation: December 2023

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up in the country and have always loved being outside. I feel a connection to the earth and want to help protect it for all people and beings to continue to thrive and enjoy life. I have been passionate about being sustainable for a long time. That pushed me to go back to school for environmental studies. I discovered geography as a second major and thought it tied so well with environmental studies. Both majors dig deep into community and culture, which are a huge part of our environments and I think that is very important to learn about when wanting to pursue a career in sustainability.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? CESP is so cool! You become part of a community that helps you succeed throughout college and life. The expectations are achievable, inspiring and fun.

Something few people know about you: I used to be a licensed massage therapist for five years. I came back to school after a wrist injury. Massage therapy has grown my appreciation for and feeling of connection to nature and community.

Anything else? This semester, for CESP, I am volunteering for the Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability. Something very interesting and cool about the Farley Center is that they are a green burial ground, which basically means they are a sustainable cemetery where people can be buried in biodegradable cloths and degrade with the earth.

What is your major? Global health and environmental studies

Expected graduation: May 2025

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Being from Colorado, I was raised to appreciate and love the natural environment around me. I have spent a large part of my life in the mountains since the day I was born whether I was skiing, snowboarding, hiking, jumping in lakes, camping, or even just driving to look at the changing leaves during fall.

Although I have always loved nature, my interest in studying the environment arose during my senior year of high school when I took AP environmental science. I had a very inspiring teacher whose passion and love for the environment rubbed off on me. He not only taught the science of the environment but also the complex intersections between the environment and social issues. This class motivated me to continue studying the history of environmental change both socially and scientifically, the current state of the environment, and ways in which society can start to reverse the damage that has been done and create systemic change.

I have always wanted to help other people, however, my passion for community and learning about the best methods of community engagement began when I volunteered for the Denver Harm Reduction Center in downtown Denver. Here, I worked alongside other volunteers to supply food, water, Narcan, and emotional support to the unhoused population in Denver. We also picked up trash throughout the city to promote a clean community and city.

This experience taught me how to connect with people that come from different backgrounds and have lived different experiences than I have. It also taught me how to empathize with people that a large fraction of society neglects and turns a cold shoulder on. I have volunteered at various organizations before; however, this experience was the first organization I volunteered for that did work that the community truly needed and wanted, without any judgments. Since this experience, I have been inspired to help my local community in ways that include the members of the community, are rooted in empathy, and truly benefit members of the community.

What are your majors? Botany and conservation biology

Expected graduation: May 2023

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? From a young age, my mother instilled in me a sense of respect for the natural world around me. She taught me to take only pictures and leave only footprints, to leave my environment better than I had found it, and to listen to the wisdom of the Lorax in my favorite childhood book. I gardened with my mom every year and we spent time identifying the plants and animals we found as we explored the forest preserve near my house.

As I grew up, I started learning about issues like deforestation, air pollution, and worse, all things that threatened nature. My hope in choosing my college, my major, and my steps forward from here is that I can do my part to help curb rising environmental concerns that exist around the world today and protect the planet however I can.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? I would tell students who are interested in CESP or the Nelson Institute that no matter who they are or where they come from, there is a place for them. I would encourage them to look into CESP and all that it has to offer to both the students at Madison as well as the surrounding community.

Something few people know about you: I can’t swim!

Something else about you? I am conducting research with two labs at UW-Madison, the Damschen Plant Ecology Lab and the McCulloh Botany Lab!

What is your major? Environmental studies and Spanish with a certificate in sustainability

Expected graduation: May 2025

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I joined the environmental movement in sixth grade when I walked into my favorite teacher’s classroom at lunch on a Tuesday and found myself among the members of the Eco-Action Club. I saw students bent over lab tables, diligently populating posters with giant earths and bubble letters promoting our middle school’s latest Go Green to School event. Laughter intermingled with a steady flow of creative ideas, and I knew this electric, unified room was where I belonged.

Soon, I was eagerly arriving at school an hour early once a month to distribute hot chocolate and stickers to my peers for walking or biking. I surrounded myself with passionate adults who educated me on the pressing issues of climate change and placed me in environments where I could do something about them.

Experiencing solution-oriented involvement from an early age showed me my capability to lead and make a difference. Realizing my potential as a young activist has been instrumental in motivating me to keep learning, growing, and ardently striving for greater awareness and education about climate change that will lead to stricter policies and protections. Learning about the social justice issues layered on top of the climate crisis has further solidified my life goal: to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.

I am drawn to the company of inspired and proactive students who are constantly educating themselves on how to best help the world. I am uplifted by the communities of learners that ignite the air with their passion, and I marvel at the power of communities that fiercely challenge their oppression. By building a climate of unity on this planet rather than subsidizing one of discriminatory policy and fossil fuel combustion, we will heal the world.

What is your major? Landscape architecture

Expected graduation: 2023

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? In high school I volunteered as an assistant coach for Special Olympics swimming and really enjoyed the experience working with and being welcomed into the community. This was something I felt was missing from my first few years of my undergrad at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. CESP is a great organization that has created their own community within the program while also practicing community engagement off campus. Environmental science has been a growing passion of mine as I learn more about the importance of sustainability and environmental justice when designing spaces, especially with the growing threats climate change presents.

What are your majors? Environmental science and political science with certificates in public policy and sustainability

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I first got to see the incredible power of the environmentalist community in high school through an advocacy trip to Washington D.C. with Kids for the Boundary Waters (a conservation organization dedicated to ensuring lasting protections for Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness). By spending various summers camping in Minnesota’s Northwoods growing up, I had the privilege of witnessing nature’s beauty in its purest form. The D.C. trip gave me the chance to fight for this unique environment alongside a passionate community of youth who understood the beauty and the power that such natural spaces hold. My K4BW peers inspired me to continue to work towards protecting the environment in my daily life. (And eventually through my studies as well!)

What are your majors? Life science communication, with a certificate in environmental studies

Expected graduation: December 2023

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up on a small farm in Deerfield, Wisconsin. There wasn’t much else to do beside spend time outdoors as a kid. The historic Ice Age Trail was right outside my doorstep, and Koshkonong Creek runs through our land. These places provided me with endless entertainment. Me and my younger siblings would dig for worms on rainy days and fish for bluegill and catfish at the creek bridge. We would canoe through the creek when it flooded, watching as giant carp swam past. Some days we biked the trail and stopped at the bridge to talk for a while. We would watch the horses graze and pretend to be cowboys. For me, the outdoors has always been a part of my life, the best place to be rid of all of life’s worries. I hope to use my knowledge to spread awareness around the world about just how important it is to protect our Mother.

What would you say (or do you say) to other students about CESP and the Nelson Institute? CESP is a great way to connect with other environmental scholars, and to learn skills like working with the community, finding out how your skills fit into real world issues, networking and even fine tuning skills like public speaking, or making presentations.

Something few people know about you: One thing about myself that few people know is probably that I ride horses. Although I haven’t been doing it as much lately, I have been around horses my entire life. I think it’s a challenging skill to learn how to ride, and to connect with animals in a way that they trust you. Knowing how to interact with animals is essential, especially riding horses. Growing up on a farm, I’ve learned valuable skills about learning to interact with the environment and the creatures that share it with us.

What are your majors? Community and environmental sociology and landscape and urban studies, with certificates in environmental studies, food systems, and graphic design

Expected graduation: May 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? Growing up in a small rural community, I developed a deep appreciation for nature, as well as for the community members who surrounded me. After learning about environmental degradation and climate change in high school, I discovered my passion for wanting to create a more sustainable world. My early environmental studies classes at UW–Madison taught me about environmental injustice and the intersection of our widest social disparities and environmental harm. Now, I’m dedicated to the pursuit of finding sustainable and equitable ways for all our communities to develop and thrive.