Access, Community and Engagement / ENS Students Shaping our Environmental Future

ENS Students Shaping our Environmental Future

ENS Students Shaping our Environmental Future

Environmental and Sustainability Studies students at the University of Kentucky are making meaningful contributions on campus, in Lexington, and beyond.
 
Through outreach, advocacy, education and leadership, ENS students have helped advance local food awareness, urban forestry, environmental education, campus sustainability and community-based initiatives. Their work reflects the program’s commitment to preparing students to address real-world environmental challenges through creativity, collaboration and public engagement. From developing new sustainability leadership roles at UK to supporting citywide environmental initiatives and youth education, these students demonstrate the many ways ENS graduates are helping shape a more sustainable future.
  Name Graduation Accomplishments
Rachel Cook 2019 Rachel created the #AdultingUK series, which works to familiarize students with campus resources and expose them to the concept of local food through a joint partnernship with The Food Connection and UK Student and Academic Life.
Julianna Dantze 2019 Julianna conducted environmental outreach with the City of Lexington to educate the public about different environmental initiatives the city had begun. She is also a member of the Citizen's Environmental Academy, and has worked on several projects with her peers to help improve Lexington's sustainability.  
Sophia Dovenbarger 2019 Sophia worked for the Urban Forestry Initiative (UFI) to advocate for the function, value, and perception of urban forests across Kentucky. She has helped to raise awareness for the value of urban forests. Currently, Sophia is an Americorps Environmental Educator for Bluegrass Greensource, helping mould young minds towards sustainable practices.  
Tiana Thé 2019 Tiana helped create the Director of Sustainability position in UK's Student Government Association. She has developed a strategic plan for future Directors, with her goal being to bring sustainability to the forefront as a multifaceted priority. Tiana is currently serving as Deputy Director for UK's President, Eli Capilouto.