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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The opportunity to be in community with different people, classes, and departments because of our shared values about the environment.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
My biggest piece of advice about getting engaged with the Environmental Studies department would be to come visit the Environmental Stewardship Center (in Dewing Commons, near Dewing 103 and across from the CIP)! Students can email the center to set up an appointment (environmentalstewardship@kzoo.edu), or drop by in-person! The ESC is a great place to get to know the Environmental Studies community, learn about projects/classes/campus events, and to share your passion about anything environmentally-related. We LOVE to talk to students about all things sustainability, and are always eager to support student interests any way we can.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable thing I have learned at K is the importance of leaving a place better than you found it. Whether that is a class, a friendship, or a program or other experience, it is vital that you do your best to make the space around you more accessible, engaging, and meaningful, so that others can enjoy it for years to come.

What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite class at K has been IDSY-295: Urban Planning as a Liberal Art, taught by both Alison Geist of the CCE as well as Christina Anderson and Laura Lam of the City of Kalamazoo, I really enjoyed how the class encouraged us to step outside the K bubble and think about our larger city, in ways that were reciprocal and respectful to the Kalamazoo community. I was challenged to think critically about the role I find myself in as a K student, while also making meaningful connections to my neighborhood and the people who live there.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I’ve taken advantage of K’s open curriculum to craft a pretty interdisciplinary major. While I am a biology major by trade, I’m also working towards a poetry minor simply because I enjoy writing. In doing so, I’ve actually strengthened my biological/analytical writing skills, as well. I’ve also taken the opportunity to spend a life-changing six months studying abroad in Thailand. The chance to study cultural ecology in an experiential way (and in such a beautiful place!) has forever changed the course of what I want my future education to look like.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
The experiential education opportunities I’ve participated in include a handful of internships – I am currently a Climate Action Plan intern with the Environmental Stewardship Center on campus; I’ve also been a community development intern with the City of Kalamazoo, and a community engagement intern with an NGO in Thailand while I studied abroad. On campus, I’m also involved with Outdoor Programs, where I lead the LandSea program as well as other outdoor trips throughout the school year.

What is your SIP?
My SIP is a socioecological exploration of green spaces in the city of Kalamazoo. I will be talking with community stakeholders in order to find out how green spaces like parks, nature preserves, and gardens play a role in community sustainability and resilience.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I am in the process of applying for a Fulbright Scholarship, where I hope to study urban green spaces and green governance in Denmark during my gap year. Regardless, I hope to live/work abroad for a gap year before heading to grad school to obtain my Masters in sustainable development & environmental engagement.

What is a random fun fact about you?
A random fun fact about me is that I can make a pretty good peanut sauce under pressure.