Brigitte Worstell, Program on the Environment Undergraduate Scholarship

Brigitte Worstell is an Environmental Studies and Economics double major at the University of Washington, graduating in Spring 2026. This summer she will be a Voluntary Carbon Markets Communications Intern with the Environmental Defense Fund, where she will work on increasing public understanding and trust in carbon markets through accessible and compelling storytelling. Previously, Brigitte interned with the Electrification Coalition, where she developed nonpartisan communications strategies to promote electric vehicle adoption.

On campus, Brigitte served as a content editor for FieldNotes, the student-run undergraduate research journal, where she helped connect other students with science communication opportunities. She currently leads a sustainability consulting team for ClimeCo, researching decarbonization strategies for polyester and cotton supply chains.  She is passionate about equitable climate policy, and her capstone project focuses on identifying the attributes that make voluntary carbon market projects effective and equitable. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, ceramics, and taking care of the many goats on her farm.

Emily Mittenthal, Program on the Environment Undergraduate Scholarship

Emily is a double major in Environmental Studies and Political Science and will be graduating in 2026. She is passionate about sustainable food systems, urban planning and design, and environmental justice. During her time at UW, she has leaned into these interests by volunteering at the university food pantry, co-leading a campus-wide solidarity campaign for immigrant rights, and conducting research on the intersections of environmental justice, urban planning, and Indigenous sovereignty. This summer, she will continue her community work by volunteering at the University District Food Pantry, supporting consistent food access for the local community. Emily believes that building strong connections with local communities and standing up for values of sustainability and justice are essential to creating meaningful, sustainable change. She aims to incorporate these values into shaping her future path.

Maggie Chen, Program on the Environment Undergraduate Scholarship

Maggie is an Environmental Studies major from Ringgold, Georgia, and will be graduating in Spring 2028. Her academic passions lie in environmental justice, climate education, and sustainability. Currently, she is involved in SEED, Symphonic Band, Music for Charity, and the Society for Ecological Restoration, where she will become a site manager in the fall. Outside of UW, she works as Program Developer for Climate Action Families, a non-profit focused on expanding an intergenerational climate movement through educational and community-centered events. Through her time in and out of UW, Maggie has learned about the importance of community in tackling issues that seem greater than ourselves, and she hopes to share this sentiment with others now, and well into the future.

Oliver Girouard, Program on the Environment Undergraduate Scholarship

Oliver, who has lived in Seattle his entire life, will be receiving his degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington in 2026. Drawing from his experiences as an environmental camp counselor and Washington Conservation Corps crewmember, Oliver is passionate about sharing the joy of exploring the Pacific Northwest and plans to become an environmental educator. Oliver believes that the youth of today could greatly benefit from more time in nature, especially given our rapidly expanding digital world. He is also passionate about native plant production and circular economies and has been serving as an intern for the SER Native Plant Nursery on campus. While in service at the nursery he has been in charge of designing and implementing a sustainable shade cloth system with minimal waste and renewable materials. Prior to his entry to UW, Oliver was a member of the Honors College at Shoreline Community College where he presented his research on the feasibility of bioplastics in the circular economy at the UW’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. He is committed to learning about climate adaptation strategies and finding ways to educate youth about environmental issues that inspire action rather than despair.

Sarah Desai, Program on the Environment Undergraduate Scholarship