Saving the Planet

Ashley Boyette ’20

Where? Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, a 2,650-acre site and laboratory for long-term ecological research. What? Studying the relationship between nitrogen fixation and biodiversity, with a lot of time spent collecting soil samples in the field and even more time in the lab analyzing gas samples and running genetic tests on rhizobia. Why? For the chance to combine environmental conservation and biological research.

Shannon Fisher ’20

Where? City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability, Energy Office. What? Reviewing and documenting municipal commodity usage (water, steam, electricity, and gas). Why? For the chance to apply math to issues of sustainability.

Maya Jonsson ’20

Where? GreenFutures, the School District of Philadelphia's sustainability plan. What? Writing a GreenFutures newsletter, organizing a science lending library, and creating a resource guide to help Philly schools start their own gardens. Why? To tackle equity from a different angle. So much of sustainability work—creating greenscapes, reducing energy consumption, and teaching for sustainability—is about creating equitable schools and futures.

Saumyaa Mehra ’21

Where? Energy Office, Philadelphia City Office of Sustainability, a project on the Indego Philadelphia Bike Share program. What? Calculating reductions in carbon footprint when people switch from public and private transport to bike-share. Why? For the chance to apply math to issues of sustainability.

Joan Ndichu ’21

Where? Grid Alternatives, a nonprofit solar panel installer that provides solar at no cost to low-income households. What? Visiting clients to help with the application process and explain the system. Even helping install an actual solar panel (pictured above). Why? For the combination of community development and engineering work that put her math training into practice.

Natasha Porter ’20

Where? PennEnvironment, an advocacy group focused on protecting Pennsylvania’s environment through grassroots organizing, advocacy, and lobbying. What? Working on the Get the Lead Out campaign, which aims to pass legislation requiring testing for lead and treatment to decontaminate drinking water in Pennsylvania public schools. Why? For the combination of environmental policy, advocacy, legal and political change, as well as grassroots organizing.

Ines Uwase ’20

Where? Darby Creek Valley Association (DCVA), a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the watershed and its resources. What? Entering data, carrying out research about species DCVA helps to protect, designing charts to visualize the information for the public, and learning how to examine water quality and calculate water velocity. Why? To actively help DCVA achieve its mission.

Kass Wojcik ’22

Where? Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. What? Conducting a grassland bird survey, tracking turtles, monitoring bald eagle and sandhill crane nests, learning the GIS basics, developing interpretive signs and fliers, and working public outreach events. Why? For the chance to go adventuring outdoors, learn about what’s around her, and connect to her career goal in biology and ecological science.