Student Stories

Joey Bishop is a sophomore at the University of Arizona studying Optical Sciences & Engineering and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Marine Sciences. In this Q&A, Bishop discusses how he hopes to help people feel empowered to create change by connecting them more deeply with their environments both near and far.

Bianca Rodriguez is an incoming student planning on studying architecture at the University of Arizona. In this Q&A, she discusses what she's looking forward to during her first year at the U of A and share a reminder to appreciate the everyday beauty of Tucson amid the hustle and bustle of the school year.

About to begin his journey as a Wildcat this August, Ruben Aguirre shares what he's looking forward to as he starts his college career, his recommendations for surviving the Arizona heat, how growing up in the Sonoran Desert has influenced his view of the environment.

A University of Arizona junior majoring in biosystems engineering and dance, Katie Sweet embraces crossing disciplines and exploring new opportunities. 

Sawyer Sullivan is a sophomore studying neuroscience and cognitive science. With a focus on intersections between art and science, between people and nature, Sullivan hopes to better understand how storytelling can inspire investment in the environment.

Roger Palmenberg is a second-year student at the University of Arizona studying statistics and data science in, but that is just the beginning of his interests. A professional athlete, and musician and an environmental advocate, Palmenberg talks about how everyone -- regardless of there field of study or hobbies -- can care for the Earth.

Samantha Araya is a junior in the University of Arizona Eller College of Management. Inspired by her upbringing in Costa Rica, Araya strives to integrate sustainability throughout her personal life while also advocating for environmentally conscious behavior among her peers.

In this Q&A, Araya explores her interests in technology and how she believes everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment and natural resources.

Shannon Taylor, White Mountain Apache and Navajo, is a junior studying Geographic Information Systems Technology. In this Q&A, she discusses how she hopes to apply Traditional Ecological Knowledge along with GIS and cartography to help with Native American communities' conservation efforts, historic preservation, land management and other tribal environmental issues.

Grace Adams is a senior studying Environmental Science with an emphasis on Leadership, Sustainability, and Communication. As the outreach and communications team lead for Compost Cats and through her other various activities, Adams has worked to shift the UArizona campus culture toward sustainability and environmental stewardship.