RCC Staff
Robert K. Musil, Ph.D., M.P.H., President and CEO
Bob Musil joined and reenvisioned the Rachel Carson Council (RCC) as CEO in 2014 and is the former long-time Executive Director and CEO of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Physicians for Social Responsibility. He is the author of three environmental books including the prize-winning Rachel Carson and Her Sisters: Extraordinary Women Who Have Shaped America’s Environment. Musil is a long-time, respected advocate on Capitol Hill and has led environmental and environmental health campaigns nationally and internationally on climate and clean energy, toxic chemicals, clean air and water, factory farming, and wood pellet production. Musil is also a leader in national peace campaigns on nuclear weapons and non-proliferation, the military budget and the arms trade. He is Treasurer and Past President of the Board of the Council for a Livable World and Chairman of the Board of Beyond Nuclear.
Joy Reeves — Senior Director of Policy and Strategic Development
Joy Reeves, Director of Policy and Strategic Development, holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment, as well as her undergraduate degree as a Udall scholar at Duke in Environmental Science & Policy with a minor in Visual Media Studies. Passionate about climate advocacy and scientific communication, she is the author of Growing Up in the Grassroots: Finding Unity in Climate Activism Across Generations (2020) and the winner of the 2024 Storyfest award from Planet Forward for multimedia journalism. Joy was previously an RCC Stanback Fellow and RCC Presidential Fellow and has held internships at the League of Conservation Voters, the Student Conservation Association, and the Wright Lab at Duke University, where she conducted research on the effects of saltwater intrusion and sea level rise on the coast of North Carolina.
Diego Tovar — Senior Director of Campus and Civic Engagement
Diego Tovar, Director of Campus and Civic Engagement, holds a master’s in Global Environmental Policy from American University and an undergraduate degree as a Udall Scholar in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability with a minor in Political Communication from Colorado State University. Diego has worked for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Navajo Nation Washington Office, focusing on climate justice and climate adaptation. His passion for climate advocacy and the power of storytelling has also led him to become a science fiction author of books related to environmentalism, the effects of climate change, and equity. He is also the founder of Fast Orbit Press. Originally from Austin, Texas, outside of work, you can find Diego hiking, playing basketball, or writing more books.
Sydney O’Shaughnessy — Director of Communications
Sydney O’Shaughnessy is the Director of Communications at the Rachel Carson Council. She holds a master’s degree in Media and Strategic Communication from The George Washington University and dual bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Environmental Science from Ithaca College.
She brings a decade of experience in environmental communications across the nonprofit, federal, and private sectors. Before joining RCC, she managed communications for the Earth and Life Studies Division at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. She has also supported communications efforts for the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy under President Biden.
In addition to her work at RCC, Sydney teaches speechwriting and public speaking at Shepherd University, where she also serves as faculty advisor to the student newspaper.
Passionate about the power of strategic communications to inspire positive change, Sydney helps organizations articulate their purpose, build trust, and drive impact. Her expertise spans content marketing, digital media, media relations, and project management.
Ross A. Feldner — Publications, Web Consultant and Photo Archive
Ross Feldner is the lead, with Bob Musil, of the RCC Bird Watch and Wonder Program. Ross is a life-long birder and photographer who is the editor of the Friends of Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge newsletter. Ross also serves on the Friends of Patuxent Board of Directors and as a guide at the Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge, a frequent birding spot for Rachel Carson who first learned about the health effects of DDT at the laboratory there. He is also the owner/art director of New Age Graphics, a full-service graphic design firm in Wheaton, MD.
RCC Senior Correspondent — Stephen Shick
Stephen Shick is the author of Be the Change and Consider the Lilies (Skinner Books). Shick has taught at the Harvard Divinity School and is the former head of the SANE Education Fund, the Unitarian Universalist Peace Committee, and Consider the Alternatives radio.
RCC Senior Fellow — Claudia Steiner
Claudia Steiner is a science writer currently pursuing a master of Science Communication at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). She is a Fellow at UCSC’s Center for Coastal Climate Resilience and a 2025 Outdoor Writers Association of America Bodie McDowell Scholar.
Prior to her graduate program, Claudia served as the Director of Communications at the Rachel Carson Council, where she spent three years building her professional writing, communications, and leadership. She is excited to apply that experience to a long career invoking Carson’s awe-inspiration for the natural world and our duty to protect it and its inhabitants. As an RCC Senior Fellow, Claudia will be able to showcase the real-time evolution of her voice as an environmental writer as she learns from science journalism experts, her peers, and California’s many natural wonders — including her favorite, the elusive banana slug.
RCC 2026 Stanback Fellows
Coco Zhang
Coco Wang-Xinyue Zhang is a student at Duke Kunshan University studying Environmental Policy. Originally from Las Vegas, her passion for the environment started with water conservation and designing ocean-safe plastic straws for a middle school competition. Using her experiences in teaching and community organizations, her studies focus on comparisons of education and urban infrastructure in the U.S. and China. Coco is Chief Sustainability Officer and President of Sustainable DKU, Duke Kunshan University’s leading student environmental engagement organization. Her motto is “Big change starts small”. As such, she specializes in working with community partners and stakeholders to create localized, tangible impact. A leader dedicated to clear communication, organization, and empathy-driven collaboration, Coco Zhang’s mission in the RCC is to open the door for individuals and policymakers to engage with sustainability on a conscious and personal level.
Angela Zhao
Angela Zhao is a rising junior at Duke University, 2026 Climate Scholar with Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment, and co-president of Duke Climate Coalition, Duke’s primary undergraduate climate advocacy group. Pursuing a double-major in Environmental Sciences and International Comparative Studies, China concentration, Angela is interested in understanding the climate crisis through a global lens. Her research as a Climate Scholar centers on disentangling the economic, political, and cultural barriers accompanying the rise of “green technology” and its roles in a just and feasible post-carbon transition, particularly by looking at China and the Global South. Through her roles on campus, she aims to advance community advocacy and deeper understand the challenges of producing holistic climate solutions. Her favorite part of climate work is forming relationships with the brilliant communities and activists she encounters throughout the movement, and in her free time, she loves photography, backpacking, playing guitar, and birding!
Ashton Bailey
Ashton Bailey is a junior at Duke University, pursuing a B.S. in Earth and Climate Sciences with a minor in Environmental Science and Policy. A proud Texan, Ashton’s passion for equitable disaster risk reduction and resilience arose after witnessing on numerous occasions the disproportionate impacts of natural disasters on vulnerable communities in Southeast and Central Texas. Prior to his studies at Duke, Ashton was involved in citizen science and advocacy in his hometown of San Marcos, working with the Texas Stream Team to monitor the quality of the San Marcos River. At Duke, he is a member of an interdisciplinary team researching how coastal and marine restoration practitioners define and operationalize equity in their efforts across the United States. Ashton is passionate about how hazards and vulnerability intersect to define risk in the disaster space, community-based responses to disasters and environmental concerns, and how environmental policy can support communities at all scales and scopes. In his free time, Ashton enjoys playing volleyball, perfecting his espresso workflow, and cheering on the Duke Blue Devils and Texas Longhorns.
Aditi Hongalgi
Aditi Hongalgi is a rising sophomore at Duke University, intending on studying a combination of Economics, Environmental Sciences and Policy, and Statistics. From Greensboro, North Carolina, Aditi’s passion for the environment was fostered through local nature, environmental literature, and Duke’s environmental programming. At Duke, Aditi is an educational analyst with Duke Impact Investing Group (DIIG), a Sustainability Ambassador, and a member of The Backpack Project (TBP) Durham. With DIIG, she quantifies environmental impacts through ESG reports, reflecting her interest in the connection between business and the environment. As a Sustainability Ambassador and member of TBP Durham, Aditi employs her love for community service to support sustainable and equitable practices in her communities. These experiences have influenced her passion for the impacts of energy systems on environmental health and sustainable consumption at the community level, which she looks forward to exploring using a policy lens with RCC. In her free time, she loves visiting coffee shops, running, touring local vendor fairs, hiking, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Jocelyn May
Jocelyn is a rising senior at Duke University, pursuing a double major in Public Policy and Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and a minor in Environmental Sciences and Policy. From Atlanta, Georgia, Jocelyn’s passion for environmental justice and legislation stems from living in an area constantly feeling the effects of severe weather, with family navigating the impacts on their rural farming lands. Jocelyn’s focus on international environmental policy was further stimulated after studying abroad in Italy and participating in a Food, Sustainability, and Environment Pathway. She is interested in doing work that promotes international collaboration to address the global impacts of climate change, despite political and cultural barriers. Additionally, her interest in environmental journalism is based on a belief that real policy change occurs when the public is educated on topics and pushes their elected officials to make decisions with that encouragement in mind. At Duke, Jocelyn is involved in a research team identifying carbon-free energy sources used by North Carolina’s Indigenous communities, is the incoming Vice President of Recurring Events for Duke University Union, works on a student-run international relations magazine, and is a member of the Black Pre-Law Society. In her free time, Jocelyn enjoys reading, doing watercolor artwork, traveling, going to the movies, and cafe hopping.
Ran Lan
Ran Lan is a Master of Environmental Management candidate at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, specializing in corporate sustainability strategy and energy systems. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Yale-NUS College, where an interdisciplinary education sparked a broad interest in sustainability, including sustainable food systems, just energy transition, and sustainable supply chains. With professional experience at Schneider Electric, Ran has worked on GHG accounting, Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) target setting, and decarbonization strategy development for global clients. At Duke, Ran serves as a Case Studies Editor with the Global Energy Access Network (GLEAN), contributing to research on energy access challenges worldwide. As a 2026 RCC Fellow, Ran looks forward to applying research and advocacy skills to challenge false climate solutions and support a just transition to renewable energy.
Jordan Ross
Jordan Ross is a rising junior at Duke University, majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Economics. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she is passionate about advancing clean energy solutions and environmental policy, with a particular interest in environmental law and energy regulation. At Duke, Jordan serves as a Green Devil Intern with the Office of Climate and Sustainability, where she mentors first-year students and supports career-focused sustainability programming. She is also involved with the Duke Climate Coalition, contributing to clean energy policy initiatives and advocacy efforts aimed at expanding equitable access to renewable energy. In addition, Jordan works as an intern with Jewish Life at Duke, supporting campus programming and community engagement. She is excited to continue building skills in environmental leadership and advocacy through hands-on policy work. In her free time, Jordan enjoys reading, hiking, snowboarding, and spending time with family and friends.
Isabella Briones
Isabella Briones is a rising sophomore at Duke University pursuing a B.S.E. in Civil Engineering with a Certificate in Energy and the Environment. From Millis, Massachusetts, Isabella is passionate about the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and business, specifically focused on creating tangible change in all areas of the world, despite social and economic barriers. At Duke, she is a Sustainability Ambassador, member of Duke Energy and Climate Club, Business-Oriented Women, and Duke Climate Coalition (DCC), where she works on DCC’s Energy Market Reform project to ensure people across North Carolina have affordable, reliable, and safe energy. Additionally, Isabella works for the Fuqua School of Business’ ClimateCAP program, where she works closely with climate-focused business leaders to promote sustainability education in MBA programs. This summer, she hopes to learn from the RCC staff and fellow Stanbacks to develop more experience in policy and environmental justice work. In her free time, Isabella enjoys working out, reading, baking, and going for walks with her dog.
Jordan Cox
Jordan is a rising second-year graduate student at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, pursuing a Master of Environmental Management with concentrations in Coastal & Marine Systems (CAMS) and Community Engagement & Environmental Justice (CEEJ), along with certificates in Geospatial Analysis and Project Management in the development sector. Growing up on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, Jordan has long been interested in restoration and increasing climate resiliency. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science & Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she was a member of the Honors College and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. At Duke, Jordan is currently the Nicholas School Office of Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR) Communications and Engagement Assistant, the Communications Director of the Ocean Policy Working Group (OPWG), and Alumni Council Fellow. She is passionate about environmental education, strategic communications, and visual storytelling, using these tools to translate complex environmental issues into accessible and engaging narratives that foster curiosity and inspire others to care for the natural world. As a 2026 Rachel Carson Council Fellow, she plans to continue strengthening her skills in science communication, advocacy, and environmental policy.
Scarlett Schwimmer
Scarlett Schwimmer is a rising junior at Duke University studying Earth and Climate Sciences with a certificate in Energy and the Environment. On campus, she is a Nicholas School of the Environment Climate Scholar, Project Analyst for Duke Energy and Climate Club, and researches environmental impacts on farmed oysters through a Duke Bass Connections project. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys trying new foods, hiking, and traveling. Scarlett is driven by analyzing how local communities and ecosystems adapt to a changing climate, ranging from researching closed-loop geothermal implementation to alleviate high electricity costs to investigating the biological resilience of oyster populations against shifting oceanic conditions. As an RCC Stanback Fellow, Scarlett hopes to examine how research and policy can drive a just renewable energy transition, as well as how science and data can be meaningfully communicated to drive policy action. She is also passionate about coastal ecosystem conservation and resilience, and hopes to explore how interdisciplinary solutions can inform long term strategies for protecting vulnerable environments.
Maya Hunter
Maya Hunter is a rising junior at Duke University, double-majoring in Public Policy and Environmental Science and Policy, with a minor in French. She is from Eugene, Oregon, whose natural beauty and strong culture of environmental advocacy inspired her to pursue a career in environmental science. As a Hollings Scholar with NOAA, Maya is particularly interested in marine fisheries, with a focus on how small-scale fisheries fit into and are impacted by the growing Blue Economy. Complementing this work, as a National Environmental Leadership Fellow with RCC, she is researching solar energy development and environmental justice. As a Stanback Fellow with Rachel Carson Council, Maya hopes to continue conducting meaningful research and contributing to the environmental community. In her free time, she likes playing frisbee, climbing, skiing, reading, and being around her pets.
Pranav Hooda
Pranav Hooda is a rising senior at Duke University, double-majoring in Environmental Sciences and Policy and Public Policy. He is from Mahwah, New Jersey. His passion for nature and animal life from a young age inspired him to pursue environmental studies. He is interested in climate policy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental economics. At Duke, he is a senator in Duke Student Government’s Services and Sustainability Committee, and is a Project Director for Duke’s Project Earth Experiential Orientation group. In his free time, he loves to spend time with friends, go for a hike, or read a good book. With RCC, he hopes to learn more about the environmental policy space in DC and create positive change through research and writing.
Sophia Liang
Sophia Liang is a rising senior at Duke University studying Economics and Mathematics, with a minor in Environmental Sciences & Policy. She grew up near Washington, D.C., developing her passion for environmental advocacy as a student leader for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, where she testified before the Maryland Senate in support of public school environmental education funding. At Duke, she collaborates with local non-profit law firms as a project manager, leading research initiatives focused on water quantity protection in North Carolina. After gaining experience in Government Affairs at the Environmental Working Group and conducting electricity market data analysis at the start-up Forward Market Design, she is eager to deepen her engagement in environmental policy and conservation work at the Rachel Carson Council. Following graduation, she plans to attend law school to pursue a career in environmental litigation, with a focus on advancing sustainability and environmental justice. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, painting, and running with her dog.
Lily Mesnik
Lily Mesnik is a rising second-year graduate student at the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment, pursuing her Master of Environmental Management, with focuses in Coastal and Marine Systems and Environmental Economics and Policy. At Duke, she is a co-president and symposium director for the Ocean Policy Working Group, a student-run organization dedicated to facilitating dialogue on marine policy and ocean governance issues. Prior to Duke, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in Spanish and Political Science, with a minor in Marine Biology. Having worked with sharks, rays, seabirds, and more while interning at the New England Aquarium, she is extremely passionate about protecting marine life and is particularly interested in international conservation and policy work. Her studies at Duke will focus on the development and assessment of proposed area-based management tools in the high seas under the new Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty. As a 2026 Rachel Carson Council Fellow, she hopes to build her policy analysis skills and engage with the wealth of resources that the organization and city have to offer. In her free time, she can be found on the rugby pitch, at the beach, or behind the bar.
Rachel Carson Council Presidential National Environment Leadership Fellows, 2026-2027
Ava Kocher – Duke University
RCC Presidential Fellow Ava Kocher is a senior at Duke University studying Biology and Marine Biology. From Massachusetts, Ava’s childhood spent exploring the woods and Charles River sparked her passion for environmental stewardship. She channels this through taking care of animals and ecosystems. At Duke, she works at the Duke Lemur Center and does research on sea urchins under climate stress. She also leads trips in the outdoors to foster connections between Duke students and the natural world. She intends to channel her passions for writing, teaching, and research by becoming a professor and sharing her love of the natural world with future generations.
RCC Presidential Fellowship Project: Ava’s project will center around science journalism that combines scientific grounding with artistic creativity to produce pieces that connect readers to the issue beyond the headline. She will use her training as a painter, photographer, and poet to compliment her articles on environmental topics. Producing both short form reflective pieces and diving into comprehensive subject analyses, Ava will write and illustrate articles for RCC newsletters.
Ashton Bailey – Duke University
RCC Presidential Fellow Ashton Bailey is a senior at Duke University, pursuing a B.S. in Earth and Climate Sciences with a minor in Environmental Science and Policy. A native Texan, Ashton’s passion for equitable disaster risk reduction and resilience arose after witnessing on numerous occasions the disproportionate impacts of natural disasters on vulnerable communities in Southeast and Central Texas. Prior to his studies at Duke, Ashton was involved in citizen science and advocacy in his hometown of San Marcos, working with the Texas Stream Team to monitor the quality of the San Marcos River. At Duke, he is a member of an interdisciplinary team researching how coastal and marine restoration practitioners define and operationalize equity in their efforts across the United States. Ashton is passionate about how hazards and vulnerability intersect to define risk in the disaster space, community-based responses to disasters and environmental concerns, and how environmental policy can support communities at all scales and scopes.
RCC Presidential Fellowship Project:
Ashton’s project is to serve as the co-lead of the RCC Coasts and Ocean Program with Bob Musil and to produce the monthly RCC Coasts and Ocean Observer and other ocean campaign materials.
Jordan Ross – Duke University
Presidential Fellow Jordan Ross is a junior at Duke University, majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Economics. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she is passionate about advancing clean energy solutions and environmental policy, with a particular interest in environmental law and energy regulation. At Duke, Jordan serves as a Green Devil Intern with the Office of Climate and Sustainability, where she mentors first-year students and supports career-focused sustainability programming. She is also involved with the Duke Climate Coalition, contributing to clean energy policy initiatives and advocacy efforts aimed at expanding equitable access to renewable energy. In addition, Jordan works as an intern with Jewish Life at Duke, supporting campus programming and community engagement. She is excited to continue building skills in environmental leadership and advocacy through hands-on policy work.
RCC Presidential Fellowship Project:
Jordan’s project is to serve as the co-lead of the RCC Coasts and Ocean Program with Bob Musil and to produce the monthly RCC Coasts and Ocean Observer and other ocean campaign materials.
Zoe Farris – Duke University
RCC Presidential Fellow Zoe Farris is a junior at Duke University studying marine science and Spanish. She is passionate about the role of science in fueling the conservation of marine organisms and ecosystems. Her current research examines North Atlantic right whale call characteristics and climate change impacts on farmed and wild oysters, with a focus on understanding these topics within an environmental justice framework. At Duke, she holds a leadership position in the Sustainable Oceans Alliance and has spent both a semester and summer at the Duke University Marine Lab. There, she completed coursework and worked as a DukeEngage volunteer intern, collaborating with local organizations to implement coastal restoration and community resilience. After graduating, Zoe aims to pursue a Ph.D. in marine biology and conduct research that informs equitable ocean policy.
RCC Presidential Fellowship Project:
Zoe’s project is to work with the RCC Coasts and Ocean Program, to write and publish for the RCC and to coordinate RCC Voter Education and other RCC campaign efforts with student organizations.
Rachel Carson Council National Environment Leadership Fellows 2026-2027
Isha Raheja – Pomona College
Isha (she/her) is a junior at Pomona College pursuing a degree in Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in Environmental Analysis. Isha’s environmental interests range from sustainable fashion and waste management to native plant ecology. Isha currently serves as the coordinator of Pomona College’s Free Room, a campus center dedicated to promoting sustainability and accessibility by providing free, secondhand clothing, shoes, bedding, school supplies, and books to students and community members. Through this position, she also enjoys hosting fashion shows, mending workshops, and trips to flea markets using public transportation.
As an EcoRep with Pomona’s Sustainability Office, she has piloted institutional initiatives for campus composting, native plant re-landscaping, public transit promotion, reusable café mugs, and conducted Pomona’s 2025 sustainability audit, tracking how close the college is to its 2030 sustainability goals across various key sectors like waste, water, and food. Outside of her environmental interests and work with student government, Isha loves to hike, do hot pilates, and cook vegetarian meals with friends!
Kelis B. Johnson – Johns Hopkins University
Kelis B. Johnson (she/her) is a first-year graduate student pursuing her Master of Science (ScM) in Environmental Health at the Bloomberg School of Public Health (BSPH) at Johns Hopkins University. She is an interdisciplinary research scientist and worldbuilder whose work examines the intersections of environmental exposure, gender, global communities, and systemic inequality. Prior to graduate school, Kelis earned dual degrees in Africana Studies and Public Health with a concentration in the Social Determinants of Health and a minor in Environmental Health from North Carolina State University. Operating at the nexus of academia and social leadership, she advances equity through an integrated activist-scholar approach that directly ties her scientific research to actionable community initiatives. This has allowed her to collaborate in various capacities with environmental justice organizations such as the South Baltimore Community Land Trust, R.E.A.C.H. (Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help), Sussex Health & Environmental Network (SHEN), WEACT for Environmental Justice, Black Women for Wellness, Girl Plus Environment, and the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network.
Carla Schmidt – Trinity College
Carla (she/her) is a senior at Trinity College, CT, double majoring in political science and international studies. Her involvement with environmental justice advocacy began with the Greenpeace Youth in her hometown. At college she is involved with the Environmental Justice Club (TEACJ) and the sustainability committee, and this summer she interned with Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe in Vienna. During her three study abroad semesters, she got to do research projects on distinct environmental issues ranging from the effectiveness of marine protected areas in the Caribbean to access to environmental information that Indigenous communities near the Las Bambas mine in Peru have to the perception of the environmental impact of prayer flags in Bhutan. Doing research about these different perspectives on the impact of climate change and environmental justice efforts inspires her work as a scholar and advocate. Carla is eager to use her practical and academic experiences to work to bridge the gap between research and action. In her free time Carla loves hiking, baking, and learning new languages.
Rhiannon Danborn – University of Colorado
Rhiannon (she/her) is a junior at the University of Colorado, Boulder studying Environmental Studies with minors in Climate Science and Art Practices. Passionate about advancing creative, just solutions at the intersection of climate science, public policy, and community organizing, she is involved with research through the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences and serves as a student emissary for CU Boulder’s SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education. She is also a Boulder chapter lead for New Era Colorado, a youth civic engagement nonprofit, and a member of CU Boulder’s club triathlon team.
Beyond Boulder, Rhiannon serves on the national governing body for Team ENOUGH, where she guides strategic direction for campaigns, programs, and legislative priorities to educate young people about gun violence and mobilize them to take meaningful action to prevent it. In her free time, she enjoys creating art and collage journaling, reading (especially high fantasy novels), live music, and doing anything and everything in the Colorado outdoors.
Breanna Pitta – Trinity College
Breanna is a senior Presidential Scholar at Trinity College, Hartford, double-majoring in Environmental Science and Public Policy and Law with a minor in Community Action. She is particularly interested in the intersectionality of environmentalism, socioeconomics, and political justice in urban areas. At Trinity, Breanna works as an undergraduate student researcher investigating how proximity to impervious surfaces impacts water quality and algae blooms in urban and rural ponds. Her experience working alongside the Center for Leadership and Justice and Trinity’s Liberal Arts Action Lab on a community-based investigative research project documenting the health and lifestyle impacts of a waste incinerator in Hartford’s South End inspired her commitment to advocacy within the Hartford community. Breanna serves as President of the Community Service Club and Vice President of Trinity Environmental Action and Climate Justice, providing opportunities for students to volunteer and counteract issues of environmental injustice. Additionally, she is a mentor for the Venture Women’s Leadership Program and Community Learning Research Fellows. Outside of Trinity, Breanna coaches a championship-winning middle school soccer team and tutors local high school students.
Makenna Morrison Gary – University of Florida
Makenna Gary is a first-year Master of Science student at the University of Florida in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. Makenna graduated in 2026 from Rollins College with degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies, where she conducted interdisciplinary research in amphibian movement ecology, freshwater turtle health, and invasive species management. Her research and advocacy work have been presented at conferences, through public outreach, and in published environmental writing, including a recent op-ed in the Orlando Sentinel and The Invading Sea. Beyond academia, Makenna has worked with organizations such as the SeaDoc Society, the Orange County Environmental Protection Division, and marine mammal stranding response networks. She is passionate about connecting science, policy, and communication to advance environmental conservation and public understanding of ecological health. Outside of research, she enjoys photography, fishing, hiking, and exploring new cafes.
Sophie Holtzman – George Washington University
Sophie Holtzman (she/her) is a graduate student in the Master’s of Arts in International Affairs program at the George Washington University. She is concentrating in International Environmental Policy and works full-time as a Research Assistant at the George Washington University (GWU) Sustainability Research Institute. Her work currently focuses on Arctic sustainability, green energy transitions, and Indigenous climate justice. In addition to presenting her work at international conferences such as COP30 and the UArctic Congress, Sophie’s GWU undergraduate thesis on Aboriginal land management in New South Wales, Australia, received the Undergraduate Research Award, the Elliott School Research Award, and the Planet Forward Experiential Learning Award. Previously, Sophie has worked in public relations at FINN Partners, organizing and advocacy at the National Education Association, and peer advising at GW. She looks forward to continuing to tell the stories of the communities most affected by climate change throughout her professional career.
Caitlin Neidow – Pitzer College
Caitlin Neidow (She/Her) is a rising Sophomore at Pitzer College majoring in Anthropology and Environmental Analysis under the track of Environmental Policy. In her first year at Pitzer, Caitlin has worked as an intern for ACT-LA, a coalition striving to create equitable and just affordable housing and transit systems for low-income communities and communities of color in the Los Angeles area. She and her fellow interns have worked to bring members of the ACT-LA organization together on campus to host workshops educating students of ways to get involved in such work. Caitlin is passionate about honing in on the intersection of Anthropology and Environmental Studies, helping us better understand the crucial behavioral and societal factors that influence the capacity for environmental change in the face of climate change.
Nathan Rubin – University of Miami
Nathan Rubin is a student at the University of Miami studying Ecosystem Science and Policy, with a second major in Geography and Sustainable Development. At the University of Miami, Nathan serves as the Chair of Waste Diversion for EcoAgency, the university’s environmental student government cabinet, where he works on sustainability initiatives related to waste reduction and campus environmental impact. He also serves as Secretary-General for MDMUN, a charity Model United Nations conference that brings together over 1,000 high school and middle school students with low access to for profit diplomacy events. Through these leadership roles, Nathan has developed a strong interest in environmental policy, public outreach, and collaborative problem-solving. His academic and extracurricular work centers on connecting sustainability research with practical, community-facing solutions.
Elizabeth Walsh – Shepherd University
Elizabeth Walsh (she/her) is senior at Shepherd University, majoring in Communication and New Media with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in English. She is the Editor-in-Chief of The Picket, Shepherd’s student-run newspaper. In this role, she oversees her reporters’ articles, editing, and managing the style of the paper. In the past, she served as both a reporter and the Social Media Editor for the publication. Elizabeth is also the host of a weekly radio show called “Echo Chamber” at WSHC 89.7 FM, Shepherd’s student-run radio station. In addition to her school related work, Elizabeth works as a freelance writer for The Spirit of Jefferson, the oldest continually published newspaper in West Virginia.
Maddie Coleman – SUNY College
Maddie Coleman (She/Her) is a rising senior at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Policy, Planning, and Law, minoring in Native Peoples and the Environment. Maddie holds many roles on the SUNY ESF campus; she is the Vice President of the Pre-Law Society, a member of the ESF Honor Society Alpha Xi Sigma, and a member of the Environmental Studies Student Organization. On top of this, she is currently working with faculty and staff to create an Environmental Law Clinic that SUNY ESF students and Syracuse University law students can utilize. She also participates in student advocacy days and has lobbied in Albany many times. Maddie aspires to be an Environmental Lawyer one day, focusing on climate and environmental justice. She is also passionate about educating local communities about environmental issues and teaching these communities how to use their voices to advocate for change. Maddie is very excited to work with the RCC and is thankful for this opportunity.
Miles Levesque – Drexel University
Miles Levesque (he/him) is a third-year student at Drexel University, majoring in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and minoring in Public Health. He aims to combine these fields of study to work in climate health, likely in implementation research. Currently, though, he is working at The Environmental Collaboratory, a non-profit that assists community partners in designing and implementing local environmental justice initiatives. In this role, Miles collaborates with community members to translate their lived experiences of environmental inequalities into policy proposals and iterative programs. In one project, Miles has been researching barriers to reliable, sustainable energy for Philadelphia households, and using this information to draft policy recommendations and create educational materials. For a different project, Miles helps to develop workforce programming for Philadelphians. This initiative is focused on improving career outcomes for marginalized groups while preparing the city for the Green Transition by strengthening fields like clean energy, water management, and weatherization.
Allison Tamas – Loyola University
Allison Tamas is a junior at Loyola University Chicago, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a master’s degree in Environmental Science, with minors in Environmental Justice and Leadership, and Spanish. Allison is the creator and host of Sustainably Speaking, a podcast focused on climate issues, environmental advocacy, and sustainable innovation, where she interviews students, experts, and activists to explore solutions to global challenges. She also serves as Podcast Director at WLUW 88.7 FM, where she trains students, oversees production, and works to incorporate more sustainable practices within the studio environment. Her research and creative interests include corporate sustainability, renewable energy adoption, environmental media framing, and sustainable urban infrastructure, with a particular focus on how communication and business practices influence public engagement and environmental action.
Jaxen Mason – North Carolina State University
Jaxen is an undergraduate student at North Carolina State University majoring in International Studies and Communication, with a minor in German. He is rooted in the practical application of policy and legislative advocacy to advance regional sustainability. Jaxen previously served as a Public Policy Fellow for the North Carolina General Assembly, where he successfully consolidated, as a member of the steering committee, a strategic policy plan to operationalize a $208 million grant for a region-wide clean energy rebate program. Dedicated to the rigorous scrutiny of environmental law, he worked as a Research Assistant at the Wake Forest University School of Law, analyzing the intersection of energy geopolitics and international law. In this role, he translated complex findings on international treaty breaches and domestic policy into actionable recommendations for policymakers. Additionally, Jaxen serves as an Advocacy Officer for the Piedmont Environmental Alliance, directly lobbying elected officials to influence environmental policy. His background also includes directing field strategy and grassroots outreach as a Campaign Field Director for a successful Charlotte City Council re-election campaign. His commitment to public service began in that same city at age seven, when he served as a selected Youth Council delegate during the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Following his undergraduate studies, he plans to pursue admission to law school to continue his focus on legal and policy-driven solutions.
Ellie Lutz – Colorado State University
Ellie is transitioning between finishing their Bachelor of Science in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology and starting their Master of Science in Ecology, both at Colorado State University. Ellie’s masters project will research how national policies, structures, and frameworks shape the implementation of international conservation governance in the case of the Grey Crowned Crane in Eastern and Southern Africa. They will be housed in the Biodiversity Governance Lab, led by Dr. Eduardo Gallo-Cajio in the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. In their time as an undergraduate, Ellie has been deeply involved within the CSU community, from having several senior positions with the Associated Students of Colorado State University, CSU’s student government, to serving in multiple different roles as a Warner College of Natural Resources Student Ambassador, most notably as the Lead DEI Student Ambassador, and many more position, Ellie’s impact is far reaching and their dedication is well known. Outside of Ellie’s academic and professional life, they enjoy reading, playing video games, hanging out with friends, and embracing the absurdity and humor of life.
Matthew Cherfane – UCLA
Matthew (he/him) is a junior in the Departmental Scholar Program at UCLA studying Mathematics and Economics. His current research focuses on the financial benefits of natural infrastructure and the implications of climate collaborative initiatives on competition and prices. Matthew is currently a climate policy fellow for UCLA’s Center for Developing Leadership in Science, focused on addressing systemic barriers to sustainable development, and he previously worked as a sustainability research intern at an asset management firm. In his free time, you can find Matthew playing beach volleyball, snowboarding, running, or on Letterboxd and Beli.
Hannah Hayes – University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Hannah Hayes is a junior at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill majoring in political science and public policy with a minor in social and economic justice. She has been involved with climate justice advocacy since middle school. She has worked with the Sierra Club’s “Beyond Coal Campaign”, and received the Emerging Changemaker award for her work with this organization. She has also collaborated with the Iowa Environmental Council on improving Iowa’s water quality and clean energy transition. She serves as hub coordinator for the Sunrise Movement at Chapel Hill and is a fellow for the Campus Climate Network. She is passionate about working at the intersections of climate justice, social justice, and democracy.
Arya Upadhyay – University of Texas at Austin
Arya Upadhyay is a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Semiconductor Manufacturing. Her work focuses on developing sustainable technologies at the intersection of environmental science, nanoscale engineering, and artificial intelligence. Arya is the founder of Plant a Change, a global environmental initiative that has engaged students across more than 25 countries in sustainability advocacy and environmental action. She has conducted research on biodegradable polymer systems and nano-enabled environmental sensing technologies for microplastic detection in soil environments, with projects spanning sustainable agriculture, biodegradable electronics, and environmental monitoring. Arya has presented her work at national and international conferences and is passionate about making scientific innovation more accessible to communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. Beyond research, she is also interested in science communication and environmental storytelling, including authoring a book centered on microplastic awareness and sustainability.
Alexandre Massip – University of Pittsburgh
Alexandre is a junior in the Frederick Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Public Policy, and certificates in Sustainability and Geographic Information Systems. His work focuses on freshwater research in nutrients and metals, policy efforts, and science communication. Alexandre is currently an undergraduate researcher in the Daniel Bain Lab, where he studies the impacts of road salt on urban water quality. He presented this research at a regional conference in March 2026. Alexandre also founded the Panther Hollow Lake Restoration Project, a student-led initiative focused on restoring an urban lake in Pittsburgh through policy research, community engagement, collective stewardship, and advocacy. He also holds a professional role with the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation, where he regularly convenes a network of faculty to foster interdisciplinary environmental dialogue on campus. Alexandre hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of environmental science and public policy, advancing freshwater protection at the national level.
Lauren Agnew – Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment
Lauren Agnew (she/her) will be entering her second year in the Master of Environmental Management program at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, concentrating in Energy and the Environment and Community Engagement and Environmental Justice. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Environmental Systems with a concentration in Sustainable Land and Food Systems from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Lauren’s work focuses on environmental justice, sustainable food systems, community engagement, and environmental health. She has experience in environmental research, community based work, and environmental advocacy across academic, nonprofit, and federal settings. Lauren hopes to build a career advancing community centered approaches to environmental justice, sustainability, and equitable environmental policy.
Andrew O’Neal – West Virginia University
Andrew is a junior at studying Political Science and Sustainability Studies. He has been involved with advocacy work since high school when he served as West Virginia’s first youth governor. Andrew serves as chair of the Sustainability Committee in WVU’s Student Government Association where his work focuses on bringing solar energy projects on campus and creating opportunities for students to get outdoors and involved in environmental advocacy. He recently founded West Virginia’s first Climate Cardinals chapter to engage young people in climate education and grassroots organizing in one of the most fossil fuel dependent states. Additionally, he is a part of the West Virginia Environmental Council’s Youth Environmental Leadership program, and the Sierra Club. Andrew is passionate about expanding renewable energy in WV, protecting American democracy, pushing others to get outside and touch grass, and inspiring young people in Appalachia to become leaders and get involved.
Laila Gad – Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS).
Laila Gad is an incoming MS1 at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). Her work centers on the intersection of climate change and health, with a particular focus on how social programming and climate education can help prevent extreme weather event-related illnesses. Laila has a Master of Public Health from Columbia in Environmental Health Science. She combines public health research with community advocacy to raise awareness on climate-related risks faced by older adults through hosting climate safety workshops at older adult centers. Laila has worked for NYC Health+Hospitals, where she guided the creation of extreme weather event tabletop exercises and heat-related illness fact sheets for staff. She is a 2026 Columbia Campbell Awardee and has been named as one of Rutgers NJMS’s Humanism Fellows. She aspires to become a physician who not only serves as a clinician but also as a social anchor, climate educator, and medical advocate. Outside of her academic work, Laila is a passionate reader with a special love for horror fiction.
Sreya Mothukuri – University of Connecticut
Sreya Mothukuri is a rising junior at the majoring in Environmental Sciences, with minors in Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology on the pre-medical track. She is a Sustainability Intern at the UConn Office of Sustainability, where she works on communications, sustainability reporting, waste management initiatives, and community outreach projects focused on advancing campus sustainability efforts. In addition to her work in sustainability, Sreya has been actively involved in environmental advocacy and leadership throughout Connecticut. She previously served as the Advocacy & Activism Chair and currently serves as the Social Media Chair for EcoHusky, a student organization centered on environmental activism, education, and community engagement. She also volunteers with organizations such as the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, where she has testified, participated in lobbying events, and engaged with lawmakers on environmental policy. In her hometown, she has contributed to sustainability initiatives as a volunteer for Sustainable Fairfield, where she supported projects focused on environmental awareness and sustainable community development. Sreya is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and volunteers locally to serve her community through emergency medical care. With strong interests in both medicine and the environment, she is especially passionate about environmental health and justice, particularly the ways environmental conditions impact public health and marginalized communities.
Maya Hunter – Duke University
Maya Hunter is a rising junior at Duke University, double-majoring in Public Policy and Environmental Science and Policy, with a minor in French. Originally from Oregon, an area heavily affected by climate change through wildfires and droughts, Maya hopes to work in environmental policy to mitigate anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems and the communities that live within them (people and animals alike!). This summer she is working as a Stanback Fellow for the Rachel Carson Council where she hopes to contribute positively to the environmental justice community as well as continue honing her interests in climate policy. In addition, Maya is lucky enough to have been awarded the NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship, where she will research marine fisheries. Particularly; how small-scale fisheries fit into and are impacted by the growing Blue Economy in the United States. Complementing this work, as a National Environmental Leadership Fellow with RCC, Maya wants to research how marginalized communities can participate more effectively in solar energy development. She is excited to use these opportunities to examine important topics in environmental justice and continue to grow her passion for environmental science and policy.
Victoria Lu – Yale School of Environment
Victoria is a Master of Environmental Management Candidate at the Yale School of Environment. She graduated Yale College in 2025 with a double major in Art and Environmental Studies and spent her gap year working as an Alaska Fellow with Tanana Chiefs Conference. In her fellowship, she works on building climate resilience for Alaska Native communities through mitigation planning and mapping. She has also recently interned with the Earth Law Center conducting rights of rivers research and volunteered with Alaska Marine Community Coalition on stronger pelagic trawl gear regulations. Victoria is interested in freshwater and marine conservation and policy. In her free time you can hear her playing the carillon (clocktower bells) on campus.
Bella Santos – UC Berkeley
Bella Santos (she/her, ’27) is a student studying Conservation and Resource Studies with minors in Public Policy and Ethnic Studies. As an elected ASUC Senator at Berkeley, she leads the Eco Office, coordinating over 60 student organizers across environmental justice campaigns, including advancing a campus-wide Green New Deal that connects campaigns on fossil-fuel divestment, environmental justice literacy, and clean energy. As a UC Office of the President Climate Action Fellow, she serves as the undergraduate representative on the UC Global Climate Leadership Council, elevating student voice in systemwide climate policy. Raised in San Diego, Bella began organizing with Youth v. Oil, championing fossil fuel accountability across California. A former Yale Conservation Scholar, she has interned at Greenpeace USA and the Environmental Defense Fund, and is currently interning at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Grounded in a commitment to equity and public service, she plans to pursue environmental law to build climate governance that centers community knowledge and justice. In her free time, she enjoys long runs, cooking plant-based meals, and spending time at the beach back home.
Ava Ciabattoni – Penn State University
Ava Ciabattoni is a senior at Penn State University majoring in Pharmacology & Toxicology with a minor in Wildlife & Fisheries Science. Growing up in southern Maryland with the Chesapeake Bay as her backyard, she developed a strong interest in coastal ecosystems and the connections between environmental and human health. Her interests center on ecotoxicology, environmental justice, and the impacts of agricultural and industrial contaminants on aquatic ecosystems and food systems. Ava currently works as a research assistant at Penn State in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, where she studies the ecological impacts of PFAS contamination in watersheds and agroecosystems. Previously, she conducted research on the effects of industrial contaminants on estuarine fish reproduction. Outside of research, Ava served as Sustainability Coordinator for Movin’ On, Penn State’s student-run music festival, leading festival waste reduction initiatives, She is involved with Student Farm Club, supporting local and sustainable food systems. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with friends and dogs.
Maeve Dowling – West Virginia University
Maeve Dowling is a Junior at West Virginia University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies with a minor in Non-Profit Management. Her research currently relates to the effects of poverty due to governmental neglect and the overall wealth gap that many American individuals are acquainted with. Specifically those in her home state of West Virginia. Maeve’s passion for socioeconomic development stems from the high poverty rate of the world around her. She has spent her time in college focusing on food insecurity and has conducted multiple projects regarding the reduction of food deserts. Including being a joint founder of Students for Sustainable Choices. A group determined to foster sustainable ways for college students to eat and live with limited options due to campus life. She also serves as the organizer for the county West Virginia University resides in for WVU’s Student Government Association. Beyond her current research, Maeve is passionate about advocating for the belief in equality no matter financial status. She is excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to see where it leads her.
Alexandria Pineda – Colorado State University
Alexandria Pineda (she/they/ella) is an undergraduate senior at Colorado State University majoring in Fish, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology with a concentration in Wildlife as well as minoring in Diversity and Inclusion in Natural Resources. She currently serves as a peer mentor for Warner Colleges Residential Learning Communities, providing guidance for incoming freshman students and facilitating classroom activities related to sustainability, equity, and climate action. Additionally, she serves as a member of CSU’s Student Leadership and Community Engagement (SLiCE) office, working to connect students on campus to programs and organizations. Her current passions relate to all things’ environmental justice and environmental education, inspired by her experiences as a first-generation student from a border-city in Texas. She hopes to utilize these passions to further educate students, creating a new generation of biologists and activists as well as serve as a community advocate in her hometown against pollution and industry, and promote a stronger connection to environmentalism and marginalized groups. In her free time she enjoy reading and writing, and the occasional sudoku puzzle.
Morgan Stamper – Howard University
Morgan Stamper (she/her) is a junior environmental science major from Atlanta, Georgia, currently studying at Howard University. She serves as the treasurer of the Howard University Earth and Water Association, where she is dedicated to advancing sustainability efforts on campus. Morgan is also an active member of the NAACP Howard Chapter’s Press and Policy Committee, developing and executing media strategies to amplify social justice initiatives. Additionally, she contributes to the Environmental Committee, advocating for awareness and action on environmental disparities impacting communities of color.
Grace Cammarata – Columbia University
Grace (sher/her) is a second year Masters of Public Health student in Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) with a Certificate in Social Determinants of Health at. Prior to starting her MPH program, Grace received a Bachelors of Arts in Global Public Health and Sociology from New York University. On campus, Grace serves as the President of Students for Environmental Action, a student-run club promoting sustainability, environmental justice, and student-engagement in the Washington Heights community. Grace’s research focuses on drinking water contamination in Native American communities in the Great Plains, where she prioritizes community engagement, research translation, and structural determinants of environmental hazards. As a part of this research, Grace will serve as a mentor for high school students in the Environmental heAlth sciences Research for Teachers and High school students program (EARTH) this summer. This summer, Grace will also work with WE ACT for Environmental Justice on an extreme indoor heat project and serve as a student mentor for PrIMER, an undergraduate student pathways program in the EHS department
Madison Dickens – East Carolina University
Madison Dickens is a junior at East Carolina University, majoring in Environmental Studies and Biology. She is passionate about the right to clean water and the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. She has studied at the Coastal Studies Institute, where she also interned in the Education and Outreach department. Alongside this, Madison conducted her own research project studying fish recruitment in floating versus on-bottom oyster cages in varying salinities. She also aided in beach sampling for Dare County, which will inform the effectiveness of beach nourishment. She heavily studied the coastal ecosystems of the Outer Banks and explored connections to people and culture in this area. She hopes to continue working in this area with local nonprofits. In her free time, you might find her with the Marching Pirates, exploring the outdoors, or with her cat.
Charlotte Patty – UNC Chapel Hill
Charlotte is a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill majoring in Environmental Studies and Business Administration. With southern roots, she recognizes the financial strain that growing energy demands place on the region. Charlotte aims to increase access to affordable clean energy in rural communities across the American South and is working within student-run nonprofit Solar Equity to solarize community resilience hubs and affordable housing in North Carolina. She is a Morehead-Cain Scholar and member of the Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee, where she designs and implements energy-efficient and energy-generating infrastructure on campus. Charlotte’s favorite part of environmental activism is exchanging stories and shared passions with leaders across many generations. She also loves playing soccer, hiking with her dogs, and scouting for local ice cream flavors wherever she travels.
Symone Franks – University of Colorado Boulder
Symone Franks is a second-year PhD student in Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder and a member of the EqualWater Lab, where her research focuses on environmental justice, PFAS contamination, and community responses to environmental health risks. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Environmental Science with a minor in Sustainability from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she was recognized as Honors Student of the Year and received both the Marion Bloch Scholar and KC Scholar distinctions.Before graduate school, Symone interned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, contributing to environmental compliance and wastewater permitting efforts.
Lydia Farr – Duke University
Lydia is a rising senior at Duke University majoring in Economics, with a Minor in Spanish, and a Certificate in Energy & the Environment. She is interested in the development of environmentally just solutions to the growing challenges to energy accessibility, affordability, and reliability. She especially aligns with RCC’s grassroots engagement approach to environmental advocacy. Outside of environmental work, she is incredibly passionate about dancing – from performing at Duke sporting events with the Dancing Devils, to taking classes, to celebrations with her friends.