We are proud to announce the 25 students selected for iSEE’s Spring 2026 Environmental Leadership Program (iSEE), which prepares University of Illinois undergraduates for leadership roles in sustainability fields. Through real-world experience with legislators, nonprofits, and business leaders, this program teaches students how to effectively advocate for policies that improve community sustainability, and develops their communication and problem-solving skills around environmental problems.
Sasha Adams
My name is Sasha Adams, and I am a senior majoring in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, with a concentration in the Human Dimensions of the Environment and a minor in Geography & Geographic Information Science. I am passionate about environmental policy and the impact that it has on our environment. I hope to use the skills and knowledge that I learn from the ELP in my future career. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, playing sudoku, and getting coffee with my friends.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-z-adams
Mia Aguiano
Hello! My name is Mia Anguiano, and I am a sophomore studying Environmental Economics and Policy, with minors in Legal Studies and Political Science. I am actively involved as an EcoRep at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE), as a member of the Risk Management committee in Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity, as a Co-President on the Student Sustainability Leadership Council (SSLC), and as the Peer Court Coordinator for Justice Under Restorative Youth (JURY). I am extremely passionate about the environment and public policy, and I plan to attend law school after graduation. I hope to pursue a career that helps protect our environment and educates our people, while integrating those efforts into policy and law.
Tori Arduini
Hi! My name is Tori Arduini, and I am a junior studying Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Fish and Wildlife Conservation Biology. I became interested in the Environmental Leadership Program after working as an EcoRep through the university, connecting other students to sustainability initiatives. I am currently the Membership Coordinator of Club Insecta, a newly formed entomology-focused student organization. I enjoy art, writing, and spending time outdoors! I am very excited for the opportunity to familiarize myself with state policy through this program.
Brock Bottcher
Hello! My name is Brock Bottcher, and I’m a sophomore studying Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences and Political Science. On campus, I work in a lab researching clean energy solutions through transgenic Miscanthus biofuel production and lead in my co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. I’m really interested in environmental policy, clean energy solutions, sustainability, and animal welfare. I plan to take my experience into a career where I can promote harmony between nature and humanity. In my free time, I like to play Pokémon, do trivia, and play board games with friends! I’m so grateful to be part of the ELP!
Ellen Cha
I am Ellen Cha, a senior majoring in Environmental Economics and Policy and minoring in the Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Fellows Program. Throughout my time at the University of Illinois, I have been an active leader in sustainability as Chair of the Student Sustainability Committee, President of Illinois Urban Farmers, and Co-President of the Student Sustainability Leadership Council. I also serve on the Sustainability Council, Sustainability Sub-Council, and Senate Committee on Campus Operations, where I engage with administration, faculty, and staff on student interests related to sustainability. For the last three years I have been an undergraduate research assistant for the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS), where I conduct plant biotechnology research on hairy root transformation in tomatoes. I am working toward publishing a report analyzing national survey data on the public’s perception of plant biotechnology. I love to dance, practice yoga, go for long walks, tend to my extensive houseplant collection, and bake.
Chase Clark
Hello! My name is Chase Clark, and I am a junior studying ACE Public Policy and Law with a minor in Legal Studies. In the future, I would like to work as a legislative assistant developing agriculture and environmental policies. On campus, I am the co-founder and vice president of Public Policy Leaders, a student organization focused on careers in policy outside of the law school track. Off campus, I am a community organizer involved in advocating for community-based solutions to gun violence. I hope to use my experience to deepen my understanding of environmental policy.
Lincoln Dean
I am Lincoln Dean, a sophomore majoring in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, in the Social Science concentration. I study this major and participate in the environmental leadership program to better understand and overcome the barriers to implementing sustainable solutions. Right now, I work on policy in Students for Environmental Concerns, a student organization here on campus, and I hope to continue my policy work after graduation.
Diana Gonzaga
I am Diana Gonzaga, a Spring 2026 participant in the Environmental Leadership Program majoring on Earth, Society, & Environmental Sustainability. I am deeply interested in environmental justice and the disproportionate impacts of environmental harm on marginalized communities. I hope to use my academic work to support communities that are facing the brunt of climate and environmental challenges through research, policy, and community-centered solutions. Through ELP, I aim to strengthen my leadership skills, collaborate with peers, and contribute to meaningful social and environmental change.
Jess Gruettner
Hello! My name is Jess Gruettner, and I am a senior majoring in Earth, Society, & Environmental Sustainability with a minor in Geology. I am currently an iSEE EcoRep, where I work as a sustainability ambassador through community outreach and sustainability education, as well as an LAS 102 Intern, where I facilitate a course designed to help new transfer students acclimate to the university. I am also a member of Beta Psi Omega, a professional biological sciences fraternity. Outside of academics, I enjoy live music, traveling, trying new foods, hiking, camping, collecting rocks, and taking pictures of bugs!
Fisher Houston
I’m Fisher Houston, a Junior in the Integrative Biology Honors Program currently studying resurrection plants: desiccation-tolerant species that can hunker down in drought conditions, sprouting to life once favorable conditions return. In complement with my research, I’m President of the UIUC Beekeeping Club, and Co-President of the Student Sustainability Leadership Council. I serve on sustainability-focused committees, and work with several departments to lead grant-funded improvements in environmentally supportive landscaping. I hope to pair my developing research and leadership skills to drive cultural change at high levels and enable other environmental leaders to put their ideas in action.
Sylvia Jones
Hello! My name is Sylvia Jones and I am a sophomore with a double major in Environmental Sustainability and Political Science. I am currently a member of the Pre-Law Honors Society on campus. Over the summer, I was fortunate to participate in an internship program with Oak Park Township where I worked directly with local elected officials, performed policy review, and spoke with community members seeking financial assistance. I am passionate about environmental justice and equitable, sustainable policymaking. I am thrilled to participate in the Environmental Leadership Program to learn more about effective governance, build my professional communication skills, and connect with elected officials. I plan to go to law school and pursue a career in environmental law. In my free time, I love to read, spend time outdoors, and find new, fun ways to exercise!
Jason Li
Hi! I’m Jason Li, a senior studying physics at the University of Illinois. I am currently researching LED efficiency for improved solid-state lighting to decrease emissions. I aim to pursue a Ph.D. in electrical engineering studying high-power semiconductor devices to decrease grid transmission losses and increase renewable energy integration. In my free time I like to do photography, hike, ice skate, and read.
Rida Majeed
Hello! My name is Rida Majeed, and I’m a freshman studying Biology on the pre-law track. I hope to build a career at the intersection of sustainability research and health justice, developing solutions grounded in evidence rather than convenience. On campus, I am involved with the Society of Women in Public Affairs. I also serve as a Freshman Representative for the Illini Thaakat Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving living conditions for underserved communities overseas through sustainable health centers and schools. I’m excited to join this year’s cohort and contribute to a community committed to meaningful, environmental impact.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rida-majeed
Miya Malfait
Hi! I’m Miya Malfait and I am a sophomore studying Statistics and Economics with a minor in the Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Fellows Program. On campus, I am involved in Illinois Enactus, where I worked on a project called InkGreen, where we repurposed old ink cartridges into unique sustainable products. I am also involved in Illinois Business Council. I am passionate about the intersection of data, business, and sustainability. My passion for the environment comes from an interest in creating and innovation sustainable solutions that benefit both the planet and society.
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/miyamalfait
Evelyn McNulty
Hello! My name is Evelyn McNulty, and I am a junior studying environmental science. I’m part of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology in the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, where we work with miscanthus, maize, and soybean to study plant biomass and its conversion into chemical energy. I also work in the Schroeder Lab at the Edward R. Madigan Laboratory, where we study nematode anatomy and biology, focusing on how they interact with certain root types. We use a combination of light and electron microscopy to examine how anatomical changes occur in response to the environment and how evolution has sculpted new anatomical variation. I plan to pursue graduate school with a focus in environmental science and a thesis-based master’s program. In my free time, I love reading nonfiction and thriller novels, hiking, and learning about ecology, from pollinators to insects and fungi.
Kristina Muharremaj
Hi! My name is Kristina Muharremaj and I’m a junior majoring in Earth, Society, & Environmental Sustainability. I’m also a double minor in Natural Resources Conservation and Geography & Geographic Information Science (GIS). I enjoy engaging in environmental efforts revolving around climate advocacy and ecosystem management. I’m especially interested in bridging my passion for GIS with studying environmental change. In my free time, I’ve been learning how to crochet and enjoy listening to music. My favorite artists include Joni Mitchell, the band Geese, and MJ Lenderman.
Siena Navarro
My name is Siena Navarro, and I am double majoring in Earth, Society, & Environmental Sustainability and Economics. On campus, I am involved in Illinois Enactus and Beta Alpha Psi. I hope to use my educational background and passion for the environment to have a positive impact on our planet and work towards a more sustainable future. Particularly, I am interested in the intersection of sustainability and business and aspire to work as a sustainability consultant. In my free time I enjoy taking long walks and exploring new restaurants and cafes!
Priya Patel
Hello! My name is Priya Patel, and I am a junior majoring in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Social Sciences. I also have minors in the Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Fellows Program and Environmental Economics & Law. I plan to attend law school after my undergraduate studies to pursue environmental law. On campus, I serve as the President of Evexía and am a member of the Society of Women in Public Affairs, along with several other environmental and law-related organizations. Aside from academics, I love to hike, travel, and cook. I’m excited to participate in the ELP and advocate for a more sustainable future.
Karel Pene
My name is Karel Pene, and I am a senior majoring in Psychology and Global Studies with a concentration in Environmental Sustainability. I am passionate about addressing climate impacts on food access and sustainability in global communities and aim to use my French and Korean language skills to partner with international organizations leading work in sustainable development. Currently, as the Resident Advisor of the Sustainable Living Learning Community at ISR, I am working to educate students on environmental initiatives on campus. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting and spending time with friends.
Kathryn Phillips
Hello! My name is Kathryn Phillips and I’m a sophomore studying Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Ecosystem Stewardship & Restoration Ecology. I’m passionate about environmental justice, and I hope to pursue environmental policy in my future career. In my free time I enjoy running and baking.
Mika Raviv
Hey! My name is Mika Raviv, and I’m a sophomore studying Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences and Political Science. I’m passionate about environmental policy initiatives. On campus, I work as the Outreach Support Intern for the Student Sustainability Committee. I also serve as the Vice President of IGNITE@UIUC, an organization dedicated to empowering women-identifying students with civic leadership skills, and work in the Illinois Student Council as the Civic Engagement Coordinator. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and baking! I’m beyond excited to be a part of the Environmental Leadership Program and use these experiences to build on my passions.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mikaraviv
Ash Sankar
Hi! My name is Ash Sankar, and I’m a sophomore studying Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with minors in Public Health and Molecular and Cellular Biology. I serve as an EcoRep Intern with ISEE, helping connect students with sustainability initiatives on campus, and I’m the Project Manager for Jila in Illinois Enactus, a venture focused on reducing language barriers for Indigenous language speakers in the community. I am passionate about health equity, including how social determinants and environmental factors influence health outcomes, and I am excited to learn more about policies at the intersection of health and the environment. In my free time, I enjoy solving puzzles and playing the keyboard.
Radhika Soni
Hi! My name is Radhika Soni, and I am a sophomore majoring in electrical engineering. I am from Bangalore, India. I am interested in renewable energy and implementing technologies that can create a more sustainable and energy-efficient world. On campus, I am involved with Illinois Business Consulting and iRobotics. I also participated in Illinois Solar Decathlon and UIUC Sustainable Solutions. I hope to contribute to the renewable energy industry with my engineering background. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with my friends and family.
Sachi Thakur
Hi I’m Sachi Thakur. I am a freshman in Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Public Health Engineering. I am originally from New Delhi, India, but lived in Wisconsin for eight years. On campus, I am on the board for Women in Civil and Environmental Engineering and work with Engineering Ambassadors. The Environmental Leadership Program relates to my values of sticking up for the environment and fighting for climate policy change, because it highlights the need for systemic change.
Sebastian Vega
Hi! My name is Sebastian (Sebby) Vega, a fourth-year student studying chemical engineering with a minor in food science. On campus, I am an executive board member for Illinois Enactus, a board member on the Student Sustainability Committee, and an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Off campus, I have worked three internships in consumer goods and energy collectively. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and chess, both of which I’ve played since I was 4 years old. In the future, I strive to create change towards sustainability in manufacturing industries in a c-suite role.
Daniel Zhang
My name is Daniel Zhang and I am a sophomore studying Political Science and minoring in Business and Economics on the Pre-law track. I’m from Bloomington, Ill., and in my free time I like hanging out with friends, listening to music, watching movies, anything active, and more. On campus I’m a part of the Undergraduate Law Review as well as CUBE Consulting. I am very passionate and interested in addressing the ongoing climate crisis and look forward to how the ELP program can better prepare me to address these issues. I’m also looking forward to meeting all my peers!