2025 ELP Cohort

Hi! My name is Joseph Abi-Karam, and I am a senior majoring in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Atmospheric Sciences. I am thrilled to join the ELP program in Spring 2025! I’m passionate about advocating for environmental sustainability and clean energy, and I’m excited to connect with peers who share the excitement to make a meaningful impact. On campus, I’ve served as the project lead for the Hopkins Park Wastewater Renovation Project within Engineers Without Borders. Academically, I’ve been a teaching assistant for the Climate and Global Change class and conducted research in Urban Climate. In my free time, I enjoy working out, hiking, skiing, and playing piano.

Hi! I’m Yesenia Adrianzen, a junior majoring in Environmental Sustainability with a minor in Legal Studies. As a member of the Student Sustainability Committee, I focus on engaging students in sustainability initiatives and play a key role in determining which campus projects receive funding from the Illinois Green Fund. I’m also the new Illini Lights Out Intern, where I promote energy conservation by encouraging students to turn off lights when leaving spaces and organize monthly events to raise awareness about energy-saving practices. Passionate about environmental justice, I’m dedicated to using our collective voices to drive meaningful community change.  I also enjoy connecting with nature through camping and hiking with family and friends!

Hello! My name is Adrian and I am a junior transfer student studying Geography & Geographic Information Sciences. I am currently involved on campus as a team lead within Design for America researching sustainable, human-centered design solutions to local transportation issues. I have working experiences in local government creating environmental public policy and I look forward to continuing exploring leadership roles in a variety of career fields throughout this program, specifically ones which connect environmental sciences to urban planning and cities. I also enjoy reading, exploring new music, hiking, and cooking new recipes.

Hello! My name is Katherine Bruce and I am a junior double majoring in Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability and Communication with a minor in Geographic Information Sciences. I am president of Alpha Omega Epsilon (a professional STEM sorority), co-president of the Student Sustainability Leadership Council and a board member of the Student Sustainability Committee. In my free time, I enjoy being outside, spending time with friends and family, reading and thrifting. I am passionate about addressing complex sustainability issues to protect our environment through education and policy and am so excited to be a part of this program!

Hi! My name is Megan Camacho, and I am a junior in Environmental Economics & Policy; I am also pursuing a minor in Business. On campus, I am involved in the Society of Women in Public Affairs, Illinois Enactus, ACE Ambassadors, and Delta Delta Delta Sorority. In my free time, I love playing guitar, biking, trying new coffee places, and thrifting! I am very interested in how the public and private sectors can work together to dynamically address sustainability challenges– and what this looks like on a global scale. After Illinois, I hope to go to law school and pursue an international career.

My name is Angelique Friend and I am a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability. I hope to work in clean energy and renewable resources. I am also an active member of the Society of Women Engineers, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and Omega Chi Epsilon Honor Society. In my free time, I like to make cyanotype art prints and play my guitar.

My name is Samiyah Hamilton, and I am a junior studying Sustainability in Food and Environmental Systems. I am an active member of the Women of Color UIUC organization and Habitat for Humanity UIUC. I also work as an Illini Transfer Ambassador for the Office of New Student and Family Experiences. I am excited to participate in the Environmental Leadership Program and to learn about policy. I plan to work in policy-making to address environmental injustice and integrate sustainable practices into under-served communities.

Hi, my name is Kathryn Jaszczurowski and I’m a junior studying Natural Resources and Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Science and Management. I’m also pursuing a minor in Sustainability from the iSEE Fellows Program. Outside of the classroom, I’m from Bartlett, IL and I’ve been a dancer for 16 years. I’m on the Illini N’ Motion Dance Team and you may see me perform at volleyball or basketball games on campus! I have a passion for environmental policy and education and am beyond excited to be a part of the ELP.

Hello! My name is Nafisa and I am a junior majoring in Political Science. On campus, I am involved primarily in our Model United Nations delegation, where I serve as President and Secretary General, as well as Kappa Alpha Pi pre-law fraternity. I have been strongly passionate about environmental conservation from a young age, and am excited to contribute to local environment policymaking and make a difference in protecting our planet. Following graduation, I hope to attend law school. Outside of academics, I spend my time writing, trying new recipes, listening to tollywood music, and watching SBS Animal!

I’m Elise Koch, a junior studying Sustainable Design with a minor in Environmental Economics and Law. I am currently an intern with iSEE on the Transportation Team and a leader in the RSO Cru. I am passionate about urban connectivity, and hope to work with community-based grassroots organizations to provide communities with the resources they need. I’m looking forward to the ELP and the ways it will inform how to accomplish bureaucratic change towards a sustainable future.

Hi! My name is Jimena Martinez, and I am a sophomore studying Agricultural and Consumer Economics with a concentration in Environmental Economics and Policy. I am from Chicago, one of the most segregated cities in the country, disproportionately exposing communities to pollution and flooding. From my experiences within my community, I am passionate about environmental justice. I am also passionate about sustainable fashion, as I make my clothes through knitting and crocheting. I hope to work on innovative solutions that promote sustainable lifestyles and business practices while advancing environmental justice for under-served communities.

Hi! I’m Callie McAdams, and I’m a junior studying ACE Environmental Economics & Policy with minors in political science and legal studies. I have a strong interest in analyzing how social and economic factors influence policy decisions, especially as it relates to the environment. I’m very excited to explore this interest more within the Environmental Leadership Program. After my time at UIUC, I plan to attend law school with aspirations of becoming an environmental lawyer and potentially pivoting my career to higher education down the road. My pastimes include running, yoga, spending time outdoors, and chatting with friends. Take care & I-L-L!

Hello! My name is Trey McCallister, I am a junior studying Sustainable Design. I am active in Students for Environmental Concerns as a climate organizer and currently serve as an Action Co-Coordinator. I also help advance the goals of the iCAP as a member of the Energy iCAP team. I enjoy photography, cycling, drawing, and spending lots of time outside. I am interested in decarbonization policy, particularly with buildings and transportation. I hope to use the experiences and skills I build in the ELP to further my passion and career in working towards a more livable future for all.

Hello, my name is Savannah Scheffel, and I am a junior majoring in Material Science & Engineering with a minor in Sustainability, Energy, and Environment. During the semester I love to help in the education working group in Students for Environmental Concerns where I get to help increase community awareness of environmental challenges. When I’m not busy with school, I like to crochet or play volleyball. After college, I hope to find a career in environmental engineering or R&D of low-carbon construction materials. I think it is important to view sustainability through a multidisciplinary lens, which is why I am excited to gain experience in environmental policy building and apply it to my future career endeavors.

My name is Liesl Schrag and I am a senior majoring in Integrative Biology and Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning. Some topics I’m really interested in and want to learn more about are sustainable development and planning as well as environmental justice. On campus, I’m a part of the Student Sustainability Committee, and a co-president for the Student Sustainability Leadership Council. In my free time I also enjoy playing the oboe and dancing!

I am a junior in Agricultural & Biological Engineering, with minors in Spanish and Geography & Geographic Information Systems. By pursuing my degree, I want to integrate my passion for public service and the environment to develop scientific research driven by policy and stakeholders. On campus, I am also involved in the American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers and Women in Engineering. My hometown is New Berlin, Wisconsin. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, hiking, and cooking.

Hello! My name is Reed Thibaudeau, and I am a senior majoring in Intradisciplinary Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies. I am an intern with the Student Sustainability Committee, a member of the iCAP Engagement Team, also am also a research assistant with the LAMP Lab, exploring the intersections of cognitive and social psychology. I am thrilled to further develop my longstanding passion for environmentalism as a 2025 cohort member of the Environmental Leadership Program. In my free time, you can find me tending to my succulent collection, watching Survivor, or baking focaccia.

Hi, I’m Faye! I’m currently a sophomore double majoring in Sustainable Design and Urban Planning. On campus, I’m involved with Illinois Enactus as the Vice President of Communications, Habitat for Humanity as the Advertising Chair, Illinois Solar Decathlon, and the Illini Boxing Team. I’m also an intern with the iCAP Zero Waste Team, where I get to support sustainability initiatives across campus. My hobbies include long-distance running, yoga, backpacking, and traveling. I am interested in the intersection of technology, design, and climate action, and I’m passionate about pursuing a career in sustainable community development.

Hi! My name is Noah Yeager, I am a junior studying history and political science from Chatham, IL. On campus, I’m involved with the Undergraduate Law Review as an executive editor, as a member of the Student Fees and Tuition Policy Advisory Committee, and as secretary for Model United Nations. In my free time, I love to cook and to listen to music (especially at the same time). After graduation, I plan to attend law school to learn more about environmental law, so I look forward to learning more about the policy creation process with the ELP!

I am a junior James Scholar who is committed to using my academic and extracurricular experiences to create meaningful societal impact, particularly in diversity, equity, and sustainability. One of my most significant contributions has been collaborating with Professor Renee Hendricks to enhance the Human-Computer Interaction/User Experience (HCI/UX) Pathway curriculum at the iSchool. I served as the social media chair for Habitat for Humanity, engaging with our diverse membership and creating promotional materials to support our cause. I’m an active member of Traveling Illini and BLNKD. I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence. I am interested in how AI can optimize energy consumption and promote environmental sustainability. I hope to make meaningful change in the energy sector and help combat the global climate crisis.