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Photos: McKinney Climate Fellows' summer of sustainability

Photos: McKinney Climate Fellows' summer of sustainability

Tuesday, August 01, 2023

This summer, 40 McKinney Climate Fellows—Indiana University undergraduate and graduate students interested in sustainability career experiences—spread out across the state to help Hoosier organizations advance climate and resilience goals.

Part of the IU Environmental Resilience Institute’s McKinney Midwest Climate Project, McKinney Climate Fellows (MCF) connects IU students with local governments, businesses, and nonprofits in need of sustainability support. From late May to early August, fellows contributed to a wide range of projects, including sustainability strategic planning, habitat restoration, community outreach, and more.

Check out the photos below to get a glimpse of MCFers’ summer of sustainability.

(Left) Isioma Nwayor presented on climate trends affecting Gary, Ind. during a community workshop informing the city’s resilience planning efforts. (Top right) Ben Richardson led research and gathered data on behalf of Pacers Sports & Entertainment to inform the organization’s sustainability plan. (Bottom right) Alex Hakes (right) spoke with community members on economic development related to the electric vehicle sector on behalf of Greater Indiana Clean Cities Coalition.

(Top left) Cecelia Kincaid conducted Indiana-based research and outreach on behalf of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. (Top right) Cooper Sykes led climate resilience planning for the City of New Albany, helping the community understand its vulnerabilities to climate change. (Bottom) Alisha Ahmed helped Fischer Farms in St. Anthony, Ind. market their sustainable farm practices and products.

(Bottom left) Francisco Martinez Marquez (left) assisted with stream conservation training site evaluation and sustainability, climate, and community resilience projects being led by the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments. (Top left) Karenna Tankersely (third from left) gained experience in greenhouse gas verification, sustainability reporting, and forest carbon offsets working with Keramida. (Right) Sara Carter conducted wetlands research at the Sam Shine Foundation Preserve on behalf of the Sycamore Land Trust.

(Top) Zolboo Dashmyagmar spearheaded a climate risk and vulnerability assessment for the City of Columbus, Ind., gathering data and community input to identify and prioritize risks. (Bottom left) Emilie Johnson managed a one-week waste audit of the Newfields museum and garden campus, presenting waste reduction recommendations to staff. (Bottom right) Dalton Jackson (middle) and Sakshi Shirbhate (right) supported Cummin’s technical and environmental systems department.

(Left) Gabrielle Robles researched solar regulations and surveyed new land acquisitions with the Indiana Land Protection Alliance. (Top right) Hannah Ayer learned about environmental compliance and regulations related to waste and planned an open house on behalf of Waste Management. (Bottom right) Tera Gotschall checked insect traps in the Hoosier National Forest and created outreach materials to advance the mission of the Indiana Forest Alliance.

(Top left) Alexandria Workman spoke with teachers about hands-on climate learning opportunities and led youth climate policy camp as part of her experience with Earth Charter Indiana. (Top right) Hannah Walker (left) helped the City of Fort Wayne's stormwater department manage its grease management cooperative with local food service establishments. (Bottom) Homa Taheri, Julie Garcia, Breanna Hume, and Ana Lim helped connect rural Indiana communities to federal sustainability grants through the Indiana Resilience Funding Hub.

Media coverage of 2023 McKinney Climate Fellows

"Preparing for a changing world: Community stakeholders discuss Gary's climate vulnerabilities," with Isioma Nwayor, NWI Times, July 19, 2023

"McKinney Climate Fellows," with Isioma Nwayor, Hannah Walker, Emilie Johnson, and Homa Taheri, College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington student news

"Student gains hands-on conservation experience as McKinney Climate Fellow," with Tera Gotschall," IU Kokomo newsroom, Aug. 4, 2023

"Spotlight: Zolboo Dashmyagmar," with Zolboo Dashmyagmar, IU Women in IT

"McKinney Climate Fellows: Creating 'Real-World' Impact All Over Indiana," with Cooper Sykes and Ana Lim, The Pennant, May 28, 2024

The McKinney Climate Fellows program is supported by the McKinney Family Foundation, Honda USA, Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Energy Foundation, Rural Climate Partnership, IU Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council, and ERI donors.

About the Environmental Resilience Institute

Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute brings together a broad coalition of government, business, nonprofit, and community leaders to help Indiana and the Midwest better prepare for the challenges of environmental change. By integrating research, education, and community, ERI is working to create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. Learn more at eri.iu.edu.

About the Integrated Program in the Environment

Bringing together faculty, students and staff across 10 Indiana University schools, the Integrated Program in the Environment is a hub for academics, research, and activities focused on the environment. Administered by the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the School of Public Health, and College of Arts and Sciences, IPE is preparing the next generation of environmental and sustainability leaders. Learn more at environment.indiana.edu.

Photos: McKinney Climate Fellows' summer of sustainability

Media coverage of 2023 McKinney Climate Fellows

Additional links and resources