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. 

The Program on the Environment will host the Spring 2026 Capstone Symposium on Tuesday, May 26th (online) AND on Tuesday, June 2nd (in person) at the UW School of Aquatic Fisheries & Science.  

Each spring, the University of Washington recognizes the Husky 100, honoring 100 undergraduate and graduate students across all three UW campuses who are making the most of their time at the University. 

Anna Frank is a Senior studying American Indian Studies and Environmental Studies. Read about how she’s working with the Cascadia Culture and GeoScience Exchange (CCASE) program to supplement her studies! 
Through the Cascadia Culture and GeoScience Exchange (CCASE), I am participating in a place-based learning program that connects earth science education with Indigenous culture and community engagement. 

BEST POSTER PRESENTATION: Scout McHugh, “On the Right Track: Addressing the Barriers in Non-Profit Organization Collaborations”.

HONORABLE MENTION – BEST POSTER: Grace Cui, “Broadening Participation in Green Stormwater Infrastructure: Customizing RainWise Outreach through Community Lifestyles, Cultures, and Interests”.  

When I introduce myself for the first time, people are often surprised by what they hear. “Creative writing and environmental studies?” They’ll say. “That’s an interesting combo.” I wasn’t always carrying this dual focus. 

Stephanie recently graduated from UW after completing her degree through the Program on the Environment. But before graduation, she embarked on a year-long senior Capstone project to examine the links between sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and farmworker rights. 

Our alumni are doing amazing things! Read below to hear Mia Nelson, a 2024 graduate of the Program on the Environment, share about her work with Nature Adventure Trek in Seattle’s Discovery Park. 

Victoria Bigga, Leo Reitan Endowed Scholarship
Victoria is an Environmental Studies and  Law, Societies, & Justice double major, graduating in the Spring 2027. As well as being a student, she is a project manager for the Foster School’s Net Impact Consultancy where she works with outside businesses on sustainability and environmental awareness through research and marketing projects. 

Congratulations to PoE Professor P. Sean McDonald on his latest publication in Frontiers in Marine Science! The research article, titled “High resolution monitoring of Salish Sea estuarine communities through participatory science”, is a collaboration with colleagues from Washington Sea Grant, the Program on the Environment, and the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences.