(Re)Introducing Sydney Seldon: EDS Mentor

January 24, 2024

Howdy y’all!

My name is Sydney Seldon, and I’m a Junior at UConn majoring in Environmental Science and Sustainable Communities.

You might recognize me from the NRCA’s Conservation Ambassador Program, in which I participated as a Difference-Maker Mentor throughout most of the ’22-’23 academic year. My time as a DMM and personal explorations regarding accompaniment, culture, and social well-being have shaped my academic pursuits and, beyond all else, my being.

A fruit of these ponderings is Sustainable Communities; an individualized major focused on cultivating communities in which tangible and intangible needs are recognized and met through the promotion of empathy, grace, and culturally relevant action that promotes the spiritual and physical reconciliation of the environment and relational networks.

My ultimate joy in pursuing Sustainable Communities is connecting my faith, passions, and “big” questions to my course material and encouraging others to explore their curiosities and pondering questions such as: “What does it mean to pursue social well-being?” or “How do we pursue justice in a world where oppression runs rampant?”. These questions have allowed me to empathize with the suffering and embrace the joys of life with people, which is among the most worthwhile ways to spend our time on this planet.

When I’m not pondering questions like the ones above, you’ll likely find me wandering around used bookstores, volunteering, exploring Willimantic, reading my Bible, playing ukulele, and cooking yummy things in my kitchen.

Along with being an EDS Mentor, I’m an intern at the Office of Sustainability, Student Leader/Give & Go Program Director at Community Outreach, CAHNR Ambassador, and involved in a medley of other research/extracurricular shenanigans. I’m incredibly excited to continue working with the NRCA as an EDS Mentor by walking alongside high school students who have (or soon will) explore many of the same questions I’ve pondered. Together, we’ll learn to articulate those questions about their community and propose culturally relevant answers through digital media storytelling!

NRCA’s Eco-Digital Storytellers is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers program. The material on this webpage is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2148606. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Introducing EDS Mentor: Annie Gong

January 23, 2024

Hello! My name is Annie Gong and I am excited to be an Eco-Digital Storytellers Mentor with UConn’s NRCA for the 2024 spring semester. I’m currently a junior majoring in Digital Media Design, with a concentration in Motion Design & Animation.

I have been interested in all mediums of art my entire life, and taking art classes in and out of school since a little kid has led me to win multiple awards and scholarships. You can see what projects I’m currently working on in my portfolio!

I was inspired to be an Eco-Digital Storytellers mentor because the ability to inspire others while also contributing to a positive change towards the future with creativity resonates with me. As an artist, I have always observed and connected with the environment around me. Serving as a creative mentor enables me to show people the potential of these skills to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Outside of class and work hours, I like to read, skateboard, and eat snacks (I’m always hungry). You can also find me staying active at the gym working out or playing volleyball. I also love all animals. Overall, I enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring!

Introducing EDS Mentor: Jamaile Hall

January 20, 2024

Hello there! My name is Jamaile Hall and I am happy to be part of the NRCA’s EDS program as a mentor. I am a junior undergraduate at the University of Connecticut. I am currently studying Digital Media & Design with a concentration in Motion Graphics and Animation along with a 2nd major in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. On campus you might catch me rock climbing in the gym, taking photos of wildlife, or reading! My interests spread across many fields such as geology, conservation, photography, and film-making. I aspire to work in one of our many national parks in the U.S. and eventually create an animated film that is entertaining and inspires others to become passionate about exploring and taking care of their environment.

In my years I have had amazing opportunities to take part in my surrounding environments. Throughout high school I volunteered with a non-profit called Groundwork Bridgeport contributing to the city I grew up in from park trail maintenance to brainstorming recreational plans for the Bridgeport, CT waterfront. I interned with the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance during summer of 2023 to create a few 3D animated humpback whale animations for an ethogram and social media.

I now take on the role of an Eco-Digital Storytellers mentor for spring of 2024 with the Natural Resources Conservation Academy! As a person who participated in youth programs, several program leaders have uplifted and inspired me to pursue the degrees I am today. I am thrilled to now to the same for other youth. As an EDS mentor I get the opportunity to mentor high school students from around CT on the environmental stories they wish to take action on in their communities. I cannot wait to see how their final projects looks like in a few months!

Yellowstone River – Yellowstone National Park

Mammoth Hot Springs – Yellowstone National Park

Introducing EDS Mentor: Natalie Maddox

January 19, 2024

Hi, my name is Natalie Maddox and I’ve recently joined the NRCA here at University of Connecticut. I’m a junior in the College of Agriculture Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), majoring in Natural Resources with a concentration in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation. My dream career would be somewhere in a Central American rainforest studying endangered species, specifically treefrogs.

I would say I have two homes. I was born in Rhode Island but raised partially in Missouri. My mom owns a flower shop in RI, while my dad is a cattle farmer in MO So that combo has influenced my contrasting interests of going shopping for hours or finding new food spots but equally enjoy “outdoorsy” activities. This would also lead to my passion for environmental justice and wildlife conservation.

In high school I created an Environmental Action club that still operates today. We lead weekly meetings about environmental news and how to further my school’s community to become more eco-friendly. Unfortunately it got shortened due to the pandemic but I hope to bring that passion for change, with my position as an Eco-Digital Storytellers Mentor.

One of the best ways to embrace positive change is to educate and spread knowledge. I hope to plant the “environmental-consciousness” seed in all of the students I mentor. By the end of the program, the goal is for all of them to be repotted wherever they end up and to continue pollinating their communities. Spreading environmental-based action all over.

Introducing Difference Maker Mentor: Aalyah Contreras

October 2, 2023

Hello everyone! My name is Aalyah Contreras and I am happy to be a part of UCONN’s NRCA program for the year 2023-2024 as a Difference Mentor Maker (DMM).

I am a first generation student and a senior majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS), my academic path has been both challenging and rewarding. Something that helped me get through these 4 years is yoga. I started doing yoga at college and it has been a great help in de-stressing my body and mind.

I am originally from Hartford, CT. At home, I have 2 yorkies Luna & Caiman and a cockatoo named Bella. When I’m not working or studying, I love to go out and try new things, especially dishes. Recently, driving up to New York has been one of my favorite things to do with family or friends. I love to be out and discover new things. So for a change I wanted to go out and try something new outside of the city.

Becoming a Difference Mentor Maker was a decision I took to come out of my comfort zone. Usually I stay within my comfort zone so I wanted to shift my focus outward and engage with the world around me in a more hands-on and impactful way. Being part of NRCA’s program gives me the opportunity to be a part of something meaningful. It’s a chance to contribute to my community, make connections, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Being a Difference Mentor Maker, I am able to mentor and guide young individuals who are very passionate about helping the environment. I was able to collaborate with high school students from all over CT in a natural resource program that provides an opportunity to educate the next generation about environmental issues, sustainability and conservation.

NRCA’s Conservation Ambassador Program (CAP) and NRCA’s Difference Maker Mentors (DMM) program are currently supported by a generous 5-year donation from the original private family foundation and from a grant (WAMS-2021-38503-34817) from the USDA Women & Minorities in STEM Fields.

Introducing Difference Maker Mentor: Adriana Garcia

September 22, 2023

Hey there! My name is Adriana and I’m one of 5 DMMs (Difference Maker Mentors) for the 2023-2024 NRCA program. I’m a Junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Cognitive Science but with many interests in other fields like Developmental Psychology, Linguistics, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Natural Resources and the Environment, to name a few. Although my goal is to become a psychologist, I also want to delve into nature by possibly building a farm or nature space where I could grow food, raise animals like chickens, goats, and bunnies; and have a pollinator garden where I could experience butterflies around all the time. Something I would like to study and possibly specialize in is the connection between psychology and exposure to nature.

If you want to know who I really am, besides a jokester, it’s important to know that I enjoy learning about different unrelated topics because I value the privilege of being able to experience so much despite growing up in a low income household. I remember having mentors as a child that influenced me more than they probably think they did and I want to be able to pass that on to other children of all ages and be a role model they can count on. In a way, my mentors inspired me to become a mentor. This, coupled with my interest in nature and the environment is what inspired me to become a DMM.

From this role and the experiences it comes with, I hope to learn even more about myself and what I want to do with my studies and my life. Most importantly, I hope to make a real difference in the lives of the students I get to work with. I am also excited to continue networking with professionals/professors/mentors, as well as friends that I’ve made along the way. I appreciate the community that this role has introduced me to-which is abundant in positivity, environmentalists, and people who have found their purpose and calling who wish to share that with the world.

So far, I’ve been developing my professionalism and my leadership skills. During the field experience, I realized that in order for others to participate and explore new experiences, it’s important that you guide the way for them to. This resulted in me trying so many new things like flying and landing a drone, getting into the Fenton river wearing a wader all while trying not to fall in, Dr. Jason Vokoun clipping a crawfish on my lanyard, holding a worm, learning about indigenous smudging, and getting stung by a yellowjacket, for the first time on our hike through the UConn forest, although unlike everything else, that was unexpected.

Fisheries day: Adriana and Andy in the Fenton River — Fisheries day: Adriana and Andy in Fenton River

Indigenous smudging during Traditional Ecological Knowledge day

Becoming a DMM has benefited me greatly, and I can’t wait to continue growing in this role and taking what I’ve learned about leadership, culturally relevant, responsive, and trauma-informed approaches, and using this knowledge in future roles.

Introducing Difference Maker Mentor: Alexandra Blas

September 21, 2023

Hello, my name is Alexandra Blas, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as one of the Difference Maker Mentors for the 2023 – 2024 academic year. I am a senior at the University of Connecticut, majoring in Allied Health Sciences with a minor in psychology. My academic interests center around genetics and genomics, particularly how environmental exposures can impact our DNA and the potential consequences, including diseases like cancer. The fusion of healthcare and scientific exploration is my passion, and I’m hopeful to learn more about our understanding of these intricate connections.

I am originally from Stamford, Connecticut, but I have moved over 15 times! Which has taught me how to adapt to new environments. In my free time, you can find me in the company of my four-legged, hairy, german shepherd children, Milo and Canelito. Their playful antics always allow me to take a break from school and remind me how to enjoy the simple things in life. I enjoy teaching them new tricks. Milo is trained in providing anxiety relief by doing deep pressure therapy. I also enjoy creating new dishes, and testing out different ingredients. I love decorating pastries and even created dog friendly pastries so that my dogs can enjoy them as well. Art, in fact, has always held a special place in my heart. When I was younger, I began exploring various creative outlets, including pottery, drawing, painting, and crafting my own jewelry. This artistic inclination continues to influence my life, allowing me to see the world through a different lens. It has become a way to release any feelings I may have, and allows me to take a break from things going on around me.

Becoming a Difference Maker Mentor was a conscious choice to explore a different field and reconnect with my love for the outdoors. This program has not only allowed me to connect with nature again but has also opened my eyes to the vast unexpected learning opportunities. Collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, gaining insight into their work, and uncovering the behind-the-scenes processes have been some of the most enjoyable parts of this experience. My goal as a mentor is to expand my knowledge in this field and support my mentees in their unique journeys. I aim to assist them in discovering their passions and guide them in creating projects that can leave a lasting impact for years to come. I look forward to this exciting journey ahead and the opportunity to help my mentees bring their project to life.

NRCA’s Difference Maker Mentors (DMM) program are currently supported by a generous 5-year donation from the original private family foundation and from a grant (WAMS-2021-38503-34817) from the USDA Women & Minorities in STEM Fields.

Introducing Difference Maker Mentor: Andy Zhang

September 20, 2023

Hello! My name is Andy Zhang and I am a sophomore at the University of Connecticut where I serve as a NRCA Difference Maker Mentor for the 2023-2024 cohort .

As a dedicated student, I am pursuing degrees in environmental science as well as economics with the aim of developing a well-rounded perspective on how we can create sustainable solutions that integrate ecological preservation with economic prosperity. It is this aspiration that has driven me to become a Difference Maker Mentor among other things.

Being a mentor in this program has allowed me to connect with a group of students who share a deep passion for the environment. The prospect of guiding and empowering them throughout the upcoming year fills me with immense excitement. The experience of collaborating with like-minded peers, all fueled by the ambition to make a positive impact on the world, makes me hopeful for the future of our planet.

Beyond my position as a Difference Maker Mentor, I’m also actively involved in various other UConn organizations and clubs. The Office of Sustainability has been a platform where I contribute as an intern, empowering me to become a champion for sustainability. In addition, I’m a proud student ambassador for the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. These involvements not only enhance my own growth but also enable me to actively contribute to the university community.

When I’m not busy with my academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, you can find me engaged in a variety of hobbies. I have a long-standing love for reading books and I’m always working on improving my foreign language skills. Of course, I also indulge in the occasional Netflix binge-watching session to unwind and relax. Staying active and healthy is something else I try to keep in mind and I accomplish this by either using our state-of-the-art recreation center for weight lifting or running around the local Storrs area.

My UConn life has been a dynamic blend of academics, personal growth, and leisure, and I’m excited to continue embracing all that it has to offer. As I step into this role of Difference Maker Mentor at the NRCA and continue my journey at UConn, I’m eager to make a positive impact, learn from my experiences, and collaborate with others who share my vision for a sustainable and vibrant future.

Introducing Difference Maker Mentor: Paige Booth

September 18, 2023

Hello Everyone! My name is Paige Booth and I am a junior at the University of Connecticut studying environmental science with a concentration in sustainable systems and a minor in ecology and evolutionary biology. I am lucky enough to serve as one of the Difference Maker Mentors for the 2023-2024 school year. On campus, I am also the treasurer of my acapella group Rubyfruit, a member of the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, and a CAHNR ambassador. In my free time, you will most likely find me at a concert (I’ve been to 12 this year)! I also enjoy going on nature walks, binge-watching new shows on Netflix, and petting any and every cat I can.

I have recently discovered my passion for mentoring youth. I was a first-year experience mentor last fall and I am also a husky ambassador. Sharing what I am passionate about with the next generation of learners has truly transformed me. These mentoring positions have pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me things I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. Whenever someone asks me what a DMM is and what it entails, I have the privilege of explaining it to them. I’m able to work closely with these incredibly driven high schoolers and help them develop a project that will improve the quality of their community. I am not sure exactly what I want to do after receiving my undergraduate degree, but I do know that I want to continue to work for organizations such as the NRCA and mentor youth. The future truly is up to them.

I’ll end with my environmental motto: “Put the joy into saving the environment”. That is exactly what the NRCA and these students are doing. I feel as though the current status of the environment brings fear and anger into the hearts of many. While these feelings are valid and needed, I also believe we need to enjoy what nature provides for us while helping it at the same time. During the field experience week it was lovely to see the students outside enjoying the many riches nature has to offer.

Introducing Graduate Mentor: Christopher Cane

November 29, 2022

Hello! My name is Christopher Cane, and I am a graduate student mentor and research assistant with the NRCA Conservation Ambassador Program and NRCA Difference Mentor Maker Program. I’m currently a master’s student studying Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Connecticut. As an undergraduate student, I double majored in environmental anthropology and studio art at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

While at Umass, I had the privilege of collaboratively planning a service learning trip to Plenitud ecological farm in Las Marias, Puerto Rico, where I traveled with other students to volunteer by harvesting and making anti-inflammatory turmeric salves to bring to local elders to relieve arthritis, among other things. I worked at the university Visual Resources Archive to digitize and archive the ethno-botany photo collections of the late Dr. Lawrence and Lucy Kaplan from Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexico, and I was fortunate to meet Dr. Kaplan before he passed away in 2018. I still quote botany facts that I learned from him in my environmental education lessons. Participating in a year-long honors capstone course in International Epidemiology was also integral to the formation of my worldview. The course included a winter semester case study in Cape Town, South Africa, where we met with local community leaders to witness the impacts of apartheid, as well as the resistance movements that we had been learning about.

After completing my bachelors degrees, I served as a FoodCorps service member with Green Village Initiative in Bridgeport, Connecticut for two years. While with Green Village Initiative, I coordinated a school garden advisory committee of public school teachers, public health researchers, a local chef, non-profit leaders, and district subject area leads. During the first year, I worked with 125 6th grade students, the Cesar Batalla School community, Green Village Initiative, and Home Depot to redesign and rebuild their school garden. During my second year, I committed much of my time with several key teachers to build capacity and investment in caring for the garden and utilizing it as an outdoor learning space. For the last three years I have had the pleasure of working as an environmental educator for Common Ground High School and New Haven Ecology Project. It was distinctly special opportunity to learn outdoors in West Rock State Park with students aged six to eighteen.

In my free time, I have an endless list of hobbies to keep me busy. I’m currently building a bookshelf from the salvaged wood of an Eastern black walnut tree that was felled in my home-town of Westbrook, CT. I enjoy gardening, fermenting kombucha and cider, and cultivating edible mushrooms. I like to cook for my five housemates, sit around a fire with friends and family, and go on hikes and adventures with my partner.

As a research assistant with the NRCA, I am interested in social and ecological relationships, with concern in particular for collective decision-making about the environment and natural resources. I’m curious what factors lead to sustained community environmental stewardship. I believe that we’ll be able to learn more about this by better understanding the ways people collaborate to carry out environmental action projects with the NRCA Conservation Ambassador Program.