Jhon Benrick Diaz, Program on the Environment Undergraduate Scholarship

Jhon Benrick Diaz is a double-major in Community, Environment, & Planning (CEP) and Environmental Studies, with a passion for community advocacy and equitable sustainability. He is an active member or officer of several campus organizations, including Fil-Am sa CBE, FASA, the Urban Planning Club, and Homeroom, where he continues to build community and deepen his commitment to social and environmental justice. Currently, Jhon serves as a Project Manager intern with Sustainability Ambassadors, a non-profit partnering with local school districts and municipalities to advance impactful sustainable initiatives. Outside of academics and his professional work, you can find him exploring the wilderness, drawing fantasy maps, or getting lost in a sci-fi novel at a nearby park.

Seiler Grubb, Program on the Environment Undergraduate Scholarship

Seiler Grubb is pursuing a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Data Science. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri but after moving to California developed a passion for marine biology and conservation. Seiler began interning for Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST), a citizen science organization, in June 2025 and has since assumed the position of Senior Intern and Americorps member. In addition to working with COASST, Seiler is the current Science Communication Fellow for Washington Sea Grant. Throughout her educational and professional career she has continued to bridge the gap between scientific literature and the public’s knowledge to reduce eco-anxiety and inspire communities to engage with the environment. Seiler plans on graduating in the spring of 2027 after completing her capstone project exploring the intersection between marketing and sustainability. Her academic and professional goals align with environmental policy analysis, marketing, and communications.

 Kalina May, Program on the Environment Undergraduate Scholarship 

Kalina is an Environmental Studies and Interdisciplinary Visual Arts double major graduating in spring 2028. Born in Seattle but raised in Bloomington, Indiana, she is excited to be back in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! Outside of classes, she participates in activism with Institutional Climate Action, advocating for the decarbonization of the UW power plant, fighting for limits on generative AI and data centers, and educating others about pressing climate issues. On Friday evenings, Kalina is a volunteer at ROOTS Young Adult Shelter, and she typically spends the rest of her weekends going to local house shows with friends. This summer, she will be working with the Fund for the Public Interest as part of their Citizen Outreach Team. Kalina is passionate about wildlife conservation and protection of endangered species. After graduating, she plans to work in conservation, before eventually returning to the UW for law school with a concentration in environmental law. While conservation is her main career goal, she also plans to continue creating art as an independent artist and grow her small business. Find her at each quarter’s Maker’s Fair at the HUB!