March 8, 2021

Congratulations to Drexel's nominees for the 2020 Udall Scholarship! The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to outstanding sophomore and junior level college students committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care. Udall Scholars typically have a track record of promoting environmental issues, a desire for problem-solving or consensus-building, leadership potential, and a vision for how they're going to make a difference. These four students have been nominated by Drexel University to compete in the national application process and have spent the past few months working hard on their applications, which they're recently submitted. We wish them the best of luck!


Elizabeth Clarkson (BS Environmental Engineering '24, Honors) is a second year student studying environmental engineering. She believes that our society is indifferent to the environmental crisis and the importance of innovative energy solutions. During her STAR research, Elizabeth studied material circularity in Wind Turbine blades to develop an interactive model to quantify waste reduction from recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing processes. Elizabeth was also accepted into the Aspire Scholars Program for 2020-21, to expand her professional connections to open new career avenues and explore the vastness of the energy sector. Elizabeth is the Event Coordinator of Engineers Without Borders, an engineering service organization that is focused on building sustainable solutions for communities in South America and around Philly. She also enjoys trying new things, by joining the club squash team, rock climbing, and playing table tennis. Elizabeth also plays flute, performing in the concert band and Pep Band, playing loud and proud during the home basketball games.

Anna Kloiber (BS/MS Environmental Engineering '23, Honors) is a third year student working towards a dual bachelor's and master's degree in environmental engineering, with a specialization track in water resources. She hopes to work on portable water accessibility and managing freshwater resources. Outside of classes, she is a trip leader for Weekend Warriors and a member of the Engineering Honors Society Tau Beta Pi. Anna also works as a supervisor for the Intramural Sports department.

Samantha Seiden (BS Environmental Engineering '24, Honors) is a second year student working towards a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering and a certificate in technical writing and publishing. She began research at Drexel through the STAR Scholars program where she worked with Dr. Franco Montalto and the Sustainable Water Laboratory. Her research project focused on developing multifunctional cooling strategies for vulnerable communities in Philadelphia. Outside of classes and research, she is the co-chair of the Outreach Committee for Drexel's Society of Women Engineers and a member of Drexel's Water Polo Team. In addition, she is a 2020-2021 Aspire Scholar and was part of the 2020 Frances Velay Fellowship cohort.

Grace Zaborski (BA Environmental Studies and Sustainability '23, Honors) is a third-year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and sustainability and a minor in politics, focusing on urban planning and policy. She has completed a co-op with the City of Boston’s Zero Waste Team and will co-op with Drexel’s Climate and Sustainability Initiative this spring. When not in class, she peer-mentors students in the First Year Exploratory Studies and Environmental Studies programs, works as a Student Ambassador and Drexel tour guide, writes for the Triangle’s Arts and Entertainment section, and is a member of the Sierra Club.

Special thanks to the members of Drexel’s 2021 Udall Campus Committee, who worked with Undergraduate Research and Enrichment Programs to review, interview, and advise the nominees on their applications:

• Jocelyn Sessa, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth & Environmental Science; Assistant Curator, Academy of Natural Sciences
  
• Alexis Schulman, PhD, Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Director of the Environmental Studies and Sustainability Program; Dolan Fellow for Innovation in Water Science, Patrick Center for Environmental Research, Academy of Natural Sciences
  
• Amanda McMillan-Lequieu, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, Center for Science, Technology and Society
  
• Emily Kashka-Ginsburg, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Research and Enrichment Programs, Pennoni Honors College
  

The Udall Scholarship awards approximately 50 scholarships of up to $7000 to sophomore and junior level college students committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care. The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics.