In celebration of Earth Day (April 22), we are highlighting FAITH Scholars pursuing fields and careers solving the most critical issues facing our climate. From researching renewable energy, food insecurity and wildlife conservation to encouraging their communities to protect their surrounding habitats and ecosystems, the following young people are leading the way for a happy, healthier and more sustainable future for us all!
Leading the Way to More Sustainable Practices
Elli G., Biological Sciences, Wellesley College | As an intern with the Center for Behavior and Climate, Elli coordinated webinars and training workshops educating high school and college students on enacting behavioral changes that help solve the climate crisis. She spent the summer at the New England Aquarium as a Conservation Education Intern. On campus, she is a Supplemental Instruction Leader in the Chemistry department and president of Orthodox Christian Fellowship. Elli is pursuing a career in ocean advocacy and conservation education.
Researching Renewable Energy Sources
Peter B., Physics, University of Pennsylvania | Through computational chemistry research in the material sciences lab, Peter identified atomic-level mechanisms in fuel cells and discovered promising catalysts for lithium-CO2 batteries. He is an intern for Hydropore, a startup developing clean hydrogen technology to decarbonize industries reliant on fossil fuels. This year he was invited to present his research entitled "Atomic-Scale Materials Innovation for Energy Storage" at UPenn's Energy Week Lightning Talks. As a student in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER), Peter aspires to work in the industry of novel energy storage solutions.
Teaching the Importance of a Strong Ecosystem
Chrysanthe F., Earth Systems, Stanford University | As the president of Stanford SEEDS, Chrysanthe developed curriculum to teach local high school students about plant anatomy and the community's geology. Last summer, Chrysanthe was awarded the Public Service Projects Fellowship by Stanford Haas Center to volunteer at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where she led daily educational programs. As a research assistant in the Dirzo Lab, she investigates oak tree regeneration. In her free time she is active with her campus OCF chapter. Chrysanthe aspires to obtain a PhD in environmental science.
Preserving and Protecting Wildlife and their Habitats
Reece H., Wildlife Sciences, University of Georgia | Along with interning at the equine veterinary and large animal clinic, Reece studied blood parasites in wild black bears in the wildlife disease lab. She promotes campuswide sustainability programs as an eco-rep, volunteers with her parish and teaches at a therapeutic riding program for children with disabilities. Reece graduates in the spring with a degree from the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and aspires to pursue the field of conservation medicine. She will attend the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine this fall.