Student Profiles

Ruthann Richards, Cheng Lab

BS Candidate, Environmental Science, Skidmore College

Ruthann is a sophomore at Skidmore College, where she also double minors in Computer Science and Political Science. She is the president of the Environmental Action Club and treasurer of BenefAction, which is the community service club on campus. At Skidmore, she works to increase student creation and engagement when concerning sustainability initiatives on campus and in their own lives. She will be working with the Cheng Lab this summer to study soil samples from New York City and Beijing.

    Claire Stevens, Branco Lab

    BS Candidate, Environmental Sciences/Organismal Biology, Saint Norbert College

    Claire is a senior at Saint Norbert College in Illinois, where she is double majoring in Environmental Sciences and Organismal Biology. She grew up in the Chicagoland area, but has spent considerable time in rural regions as well, giving her a unique approach to urban ecology.  At Saint Norbert, Claire is involved with aquatic ecology research, and studies zooplankton community dynamics. These interests in both aquatic ecosystems and urban ecology are what inspired her application to the BUEE program. Claire is working in the Branco lab this summer and is excited to join the BUEE program.

      Marlen Terrazas, Forlano Lab

      BS Candidate, Environmental Science, Ecology and Evolution, Saint Mary's College

      Marlen is a senior at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN where she’s an Environmental Science, Ecology, and Evolution major and Environmental Studies minor.  She’s originally from Chicago, but spent a significant amount of time in Mexico as a child where she developed interests in both ecology and environmental ethics. She’s spent her 3 years at Saint Mary’s working in the Kloepper Lab, studying soundscapes within the Notre Dame area during Notre Dame Football season. Through this research, she’s developed a passion for the conservation of natural soundscapes and hopes to continue to learn more about this through work from both a scientific as well as a moral and ethical perspective. Marlen will be working in the Forlano lab this summer to continue getting more experience on this topic!