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Fellows

My name is Sarah Abrahams and I am pursuing degrees in both Quantitative Economics and Spanish, along with a minor in Sustainability Studies at Auburn University in Alabama. Freshman year of college I took a course entitled Intro to Sustainability, where I was enlightened on the complex social and environmental issues we as a civilization will face in the upcoming years. Accompanied by a passion for economics, I realized for the first time that I want to dedicate my life to the development of sustainable environmental policy. This research experience has opened my eyes to the complex process of energy development and the importance of community planning and awareness.

My name is Mike Galeski and I am from Omaha, Nebraska. I study Sustainability at Creighton University with minors in Business and African Studies. I am interested in how industry and development can be successfully sustained in the face of climate change. This research project broadened my perspective on the natural gas industry and American energy. I also gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the complexity of the debate surrounding pipeline development and what factors would make someone support or oppose such a project.

My name is Elise Malvicini and I grew up in Manila, Philippines. I study Environmental Studies as well as Sustainable Design at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. Having grown up in a bustling city, development, water resources, pollution, poverty, and climate change have been central parts of my education and have shaped my worldview. I am interested in urban development with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. This project has given me a wider understanding of the convoluted viewpoints of various stakeholders that have been and will be impacted by the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

Mentors

W. Cully Hession

PhD, PE, CED

Biological Systems Engineering

Virginia Tech

chession@vt.edu

Leigh-Anne H. Krometis

PhD. Associate Professor

Biological Systems Engineering

Virginia Tech

lehenry@vt.edu

Brian Badgley

PhD. Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Science

Virginia Tech

badgley@vt.edu

 

James D. Ivory

Ph.D. Associate Professor

Department of Communication

Virginia Tech

jivory@vt.edu

Luke Juran

PhD. Assistant Professor

Department of Geography and Virginia Water Resources Research Center

Virginia Tech

ljuran@vt.edu

Erin Ling

M.S. Sr. Extension Associate and Program Coordinator

Virginia Household Water Quality Program

Biological Systems Engineering

Virginia Tech

ejames@vt.edu

Tiffany Drape

Ph.D. Agriculture and Life Sciences

Virginia Tech

tdrape@vt.edu

Amber Vallotton

M.S. Fresh Produce Food Safety Team Coordinator, Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)

Virginia Tech

avallott@vt.edu

Acknowledgements

This work is part of the Virginia Tech "Training Future Leaders to Solve Resource Challenges at the Confluence of Water & Society"​ project, supported by the Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) Program [grant no. 2018-67032-27705] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

VT Confluence Website:

https://vtconfluence-reeu.weebly.com/.

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