Our 2017-18 Planet Forward Correspondents

Learn more about the talented team of students selected to be 2017-2018 Planet Forward Correspondents, and be sure to click through to see their full profiles:

  • Mariam Abdallah, SUNY Plattsburgh (Plattsburgh, New York): A junior studying broadcast journalism, with a minor in political science, she hopes to become an international correspondent.

  • Katherine Baker, Columbia University (New York, New York): A graduate candidate seeking an MPH in Environmental Health Science, who hopes to focus her work on sustainable food systems and clean water.

  • Gillian Elizabeth Daley, Florida International University (Miami, Florida): A sophomore in International Relations and Political Science, with a strong interest in the environmental changes seen in the ocean.

  • James Ian Duffy, Rutgers University (New Brunswick, New Jersey): A senior studying Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, who says our challenge, moving forward, is to mature into the role of sustainable “planetary planners.”

  • Conner Elliott-Knaggs, Elon University (Burlington, North Carolina): A senior in Policy Studies, minoring in Human Services, he finds a challenge in getting engagement in sustainability issues and hopes to inspire action through his work.

  • Terrius Harris, University of Mississippi (Oxford, Mississippi): A senior studying International Business Administration, French, Environmental Studies, International Studies; and Entrepreneurship, is interested in sharing the stories of indigenous communities that are losing their homes because of climate change.

  • Alaine Johnson, Yale-National University of Singapore (Singapore): A senior in Environmental Studies is interested in effects from climate change-related flooding and the exploitation of animals and the issues stemming from it.

  • Austin Keating, Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois): A graduate student in Journalism, focusing on Interactive Storytelling, said we should look at the shift in optimum growing conditions for plants due to climate change - and what that means for agriculture and food supplies.

  • Dakotah Kimbrough, Warren Wilson College (Asheville, North Carolina): A senior in Environmental Policy, he would like to focus on the cultural and individual disconnect from the natural environment that has arisen in our age.

  • Matilda Kreider, The George Washington University (Washington, D.C.): A sophomore in Political Communication is interested in public lands conservation and outdoor recreation, which, she says, is at the core of the American environmental story.

  • Maizy Ludden, Syracuse University (Syracuse, New York): A junior in Biology/Geology wants to look at the diverse stories behind how different cultures connect to the environment physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

  • Navya Pothamsetty, University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, California): A sophomore in Public Health and Public Policy hopes to highlight the stories of people who are working toward ways to make the planet better, and also what you can do as an individual to help the environment.

  • Hailey Smalley, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Syracuse, New York): A junior in environmental studies, she said she believes that we can combat climate change through continued small scale efforts.

  • Olivia Urbanski, Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, Illinois): A senior with a dual major of Environmental Studies and Global and International Studies, she wants to share the different ways communities are confronting climate change and how they are working together — far and wide — to make their communities and nations more sustainable.

  • Gavin Winter, Northeastern University (Boston, Massachusetts): A junior in Chemical Engineering, and coming from a science background, he’s interested in energy security issues, and issues with sourcing of materials for next-generation technologies.

All Correspondent work will be featured here. Check back frequently!

How do you move the Planet Forward? Tweet us @planet_forward or contribute to the conversation with your own story.

Hub Content

Grafitti Earth dining

Jehangir Mehta proves sustainable dining can be chic in the heart of Manhattan by pioneering zero waste restaurant practices and sustainable sourcing. (Photos courtesy of Graffiti Earth)

Planet Forward Senior Correspondent | Cornell University
Jehangir Mehta proves sustainable dining can be chic in the heart of Manhattan by pioneering zero waste restaurant practices and sustainable sourcing. 
Florida

Rising tides in Florida threaten the safety and security of coastal residents (Ryan Loughlin/Upsplash.com)

Florida International University
Florida is in trouble. In the wake of overpopulation, mass flooding and indifference from the powers that be, we're asking all of you to hear our desperate S.O.S call.
Farmers market donation jar

A donation jar placed on a book table at the weekly Oxford Community Farmers Market.

Planet Forward FAO Fellow | University of Oklahoma
One farmers market in Oxford, Mississippi, has re-established themselves as a community center in an effort to battle food insecurity. 
Sustainability labels

Could produce and packaged food be labeled with carbon data in the future? (Katherine Baker/Columbia University)

Planet Forward Senior Correspondent | Cornell University
The food system emits up to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and many consumers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Sustainability labeling may be part of the solution.
Solar panels

Solar cells could help Puerto Rico build a new energy grid to end dependency on fossil fuels. (Pixabay)

Elon University
In the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, Puerto Rico faces a challenges to reinvent their power system. Pushes for renewables are embraced by locals. 
Earth Action Initiative

Graphics and photos courtesy of Brandon Wood.

UC Berkeley
Berkeley grad students are creating and implementing consolidated guidelines for environmental groups based on successful action strategies.
Carbon footprint of meals

A protein dense, carbon friendly lunch. (Photo by Katherine Baker)

Planet Forward Senior Correspondent | Cornell University
A comparison between 5 meals shows that carbon emissions per calorie varies greatly for certain types of food. Not surprisingly, meat recipes hold the highest carbon-to-calorie ratio.
What's in your trash?
What's in your trash?
Planet Forward Senior Correspondent | Cornell University
A close-up of what makes up our trash, and how we can create less of it.
Foraging

Foraging helps create a better relationship between people and food. (Max Pixel)

Syracuse University
Developing a healthier connection to the natural world might be as simple as trying out some new cuisine. Expert forager Sam Thayer shares his thoughts on how foraging can help us see ecosystems as sacred places we need to care for. 
Energy awareness: A pocket sized solution
Energy awareness: A pocket sized solution
SUNY Plattsburgh
With Utility Smart, you can track how you throw out trash and recycling, or how high you set your thermostat during the winter. It compiles the data and helps you learn about how your choices impact the environment.

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