Hi everyone! My name is Shanelle Thevarajah and I am a third-year Ph.D. student at the University of Connecticut (UConn). This is also my THIRD (!!!) year serving as the Graduate Mentor for the Conservation Ambassador Program (CAP) and I am so excited to have another group of changemakers.
Feel free to look at my blog post from 2025 to learn more about my path before my time at UConn: Shanelle’s 2025 NRCA Blog Post
To avoid repeating myself in this year’s post, I have been really enjoying my time here at UConn. So far, I have developed and led environmental education curriculum using culturally sustaining approaches to over 200 students! Over the past 3 years, my research has been coming together and I am excited to keep learning more about a topic I care deeply about.
I love supporting the Conservation Ambassador Program during the field experience and meeting all of the students. It is even more thrilling when we all come together for the showcase to celebrate everyone’s hard work. I have had the great pleasure of mentoring 10 past CAP students (shoutout to the Falcons and the Mighty Mice), and this year (2026-2027) I have a group of 6! I look forward to seeing the amazing things that the Blue Rings accomplish.
My main goals for this year are to start sharing my research with others, craft more, and to prioritize self-care.
Outside of Difference Maker Mentor life, I love to spend time with my dog (Oswald/Ozzy), explore New England, and try out new recipes.
