Meet Some of Our Environmental Studies & Policy Students
Sarah Cipollini on What Makes the Environmental Studes & Policy Major Unique, Small Classes, and Feeling Confident in Her Field
Sarah Cipollini, '20
Division
Education & Human Studies
Major
Environmental Studies & Policy
Minor
Social Justice
Hometown
Southington, CT
Pronouns
she/her
Studied Abroad
Auckland, New Zealand
Internship
Online Organizing Intern at 350VT in Burlington, VT
“
Our small classes allow for positive growth and meaningful discussions, which further our individual and collective development.
”
Why did you choose the Environmental Studies & Policy major?
When it came time to apply to college, I felt lost about what I wanted to do until I realized that I had always been passionate about nature. I wanted to spend my time protecting it, and I figured the best way to do that would be to write policy, educate others, and be an ally for the planet. I was intrigued by the Environmental Studies & Policy program at Champlain because it wasn't limited to environmental science, and it brought the issues into a social lens.
What is the best thing about this program?
I love the Environmental Studies & Policy program, the professors who teach in it, and the content we cover. Our small classes allow for positive growth and meaningful discussions, which further our individual and collective development. Our professors are incredibly passionate, knowledgeable, and unique. Because our program is so close-knit, we became close with professors and we were able to enhance our learning on a more personal level.
How has the Upside-Down Curriculum enhanced your education?
The Upside-Down Curriculum allowed me to jump right into the type of learning and work that I hope to continue in my professional career. I am interested in community engagement, education, and empowerment around social and environmental issues, and my classwork and internships have provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge to feel confident in that field.
Gabe Ingman n Learning by Doing Fieldwork, the Champlain Apiary, and Working with the Winooski Valley Parks and Recreation Department
Gabe Ingman, '19
Division
Education & Human Studies
Major
Environmental Studies & Policy
Minor
Business Administration
Internship
Nonprofit Intern at 1% for the Planet in Burlington, VT
Studied Abroad
Auckland, New Zealand
Post-Grad Job
Event Coordination Intern at the Washington State of Sciences in Seattle, WA
“
The work I've done with the Environmental Studies & Policy major has all been project-driven, outdoor-driven, and with as little office work as possible.
”
How has the Environmental Studies & Policy major prepared you for your professional goals?
I want to work in the outdoors, and the work I've done with the Environmental Policy* major has all been project-driven, outdoor-driven, and with as little office work as possible. It's a lot of fieldwork and that's really important to me. I learn by doing, whether I'm in the apiary or out in the forest measuring trees.
*Program name was changed to Environmental Studies & Policy in 2018
Can you tell us about the Champlain Apiary?
There are three individual hives, all with their own queens. All the hives have personalities, and you can see it when they interact with new people and even in how they build their honeycombs. We harvested honey with Kristin Wolf and learned how to facilitate the management of an apiary.
What is your favorite natural feature in the Burlington area?
I love the Winooski Valley Park District. There's a path that's only available in low-flooding times; it's this little offshoot of forest right into the Winooski River. It's really special. There's a beach there surrounded by woods right on a very slow-moving river, and it's beautiful. I helped the Winooski Valley Parks and Recreation Department measure trees and make a trail map there.
Lily Mason on the Champlain Community, Becoming an Advocate on Campus, and Speaking a the New England Fair Trade Conference as an Intern
Lily Mason, '18
Division
Education & Human Studies
Major
Environmental Studies & Policy
Hometown
Nutley, NJ
Pronouns
she/her
Internship
Intern at the Vermont Ibutwa Inititative in Burlington, VT
Post-Grad Job
North East Regional Fellow at Fair Trade Campaigns in Burlington, VT
“
I love the permission to express oneself that the Champlain community encourages.
”
What is the best thing about the Champlain community?
I love the permission to express oneself that the Champlain community encourages. The diversity of interests here gives me a clearer perspective about the many facets of society that must be included when decision-making for the future.
What has been your experience with the Environmental Studies & Policy?
I have spent a lot of time talking to students about their influence in the globalized marketplace and in their local political arena. I am interested in conscious consumerism. I dedicate a solid amount of my energy to advocating for the conflict-free campus resolution to get integrated at Champlain so that we stop buying conflict minerals.
Can you tell us about your internship?
I am an intern with the Vermont Ibutwa Initiative. I help them organize events for colleges, run their Instagram account, and update their Facebook page. I have spoken publicly in front of groups at the New England Fair Trade conference and the Student Sustainability Leaders conference about our mission. This opportunity has provided me with the passion, courage, and resources to expand my day-to-day advocacy efforts.
Holly Francis on Creating a Climate Action Plan for Champlain, Having Science Classes Outdoors, and Exploring Vermont With Her Internship
Holly Francis, '20
Division
Education & Human Studies
Major
Environmental Studies & Policy
Hometown
Elkhart Lake, WI
Pronouns
she/her
Studied Abroad
Auckland, New Zealand
Favorite Class
Ecology
Internship
Public Programs & Education Intern at ECHO Leahy Center in Burlington, VT
“
Most of my classes at Champlain are discussion-based, so I learned not to shy away from a debate and grow as a public speaker.
”
What was a particularly rewarding project you've worked on at Champlain?
In my Ecological Economics course, I worked with a small group on a Climate Action Plan for Champlain to become carbon neutral by 2030. It took many weeks, and a lot of effort, but our group presented it to Interim President Dr. Laurie Quinn to work on making the project a reality. A huge benefit of going to a small school is a president who listens to their students.
What was your favorite class in the Environmental Studies & Policy program?
My favorite class was my Ecology course because I love science, labs, and getting outside. Since our class was small, we were able to go around the community to observe local ecosystems. I learned a lot during this course, and I'm sure other science lovers would adore it just as much.
Can you tell us about your internship?
I am currently the Public Programs & Education intern at the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, so I teach children and families STEM concepts at the Center and at schools around Vermont. Most of my classes at Champlain are discussion-based, so I learned not to shy away from a debate and grow as a public speaker.