Environmental Studies Summer 2025 Fellows
Kappa Psi Upsilon Maine Based Environmental Studies Fellowships
Ginger Arnold '27 - City of Bath Sustainability
This summer at the Bath Sustainability Office Ginger had the opportunity to work on climate action implementation with Siler Climate Consulting. Their guidance helped shape several projects and highlighted the important role of public engagement in municipal sustainability efforts. From sidewalk audits to zoning updates each project involved some element of community input.
“My primary projected involved creating a public-facing dashboard to track Bath’s greenhouse gad (GHG) emissions. This work included migrating the city’s data into ClearPath 2.0 platform, researching how other municipalities communicate GHG data and aligning Bath’s performance metrics with ClimateView’s transition elements to show progress toward net-zero emissions. I also supported a sidewalk audit in collaboration with the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transportation Committee. I developed a digital survey using Survey 123, conducted field assessments and used ArcGIS tools to analyze sidewalk conditions and trends. This summer experience encouraged me to think more strategically about how to connect with residents, motivate their participation and build excitement around sustainability initiatives.”
At CEI this summer Emi documented and analyzed CEI’s history of engaging with environmental work. Through conducting interviews and research, she built a timeline of this history, situated it in the context of the U.S.’s past and present sociopolitical landscapes, and generated recommendations for CEI's future work. She also organized lending data to supplement the archival and historical research in her final 30+ page report, ArcGIS StoryMaps page, and presentation delivered to employees and leadership.
"“Sustainability” for CEI applies not only to climate resilience and financial health but also relationships: the threads that keep this work together- especially during times of adversity. Being at CEI when the landscapes of community development and environmental work are in flux has given me insight into a network of creative people determined to adapt to changing circumstances. This gives me hope for the immense promise of local work and mobilization in the future. I gained professional development through this internship and an understanding of the kind of work I may want to do in the future.”
Emma Butterfield '26 - Maine Coast Fishermen's Association
Emma spent her summer working at Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), with a specific focus on MCFA’s Working Waterfront Project (WWF). Emma joined the project in the preliminary stages immersing herself in research catching up on the state of working waterfronts over the past 30 years. To help provide a comprehensive site of information for those concerned with Maine coastal communities Emma created a webpage that will be used as a reference point for the WWF project going forward. The work Emma was able to contribute to and hear about amongst the workers at MCFA gave Emma insight into what a pivotal contribution non-profit organizations can make on their communities.
“I am very grateful for the time I got to work with MCFA throughout the summer. This internship has been incredibly insightful in providing an in-depth look into the multiple layers that are necessary for building a successful non-profit. As a Mainer myself it was very special to see firsthand the devotion that is given back to Maine fishing communities that have served as the building blocks of our state for decades. I am excited to apply the understanding that I have gained of the nonprofit world when looking to start my career post-grad.”
Lex Davis '26 - Flycather, LLC
This summer Lex had an incredible opportunity to do various field-based tasks! She assisted in wetland delineations, helped write proposals and reports, visited solar and wind sites as well as helped conduct a turtle survey among other activities. She got the opportunity to break out of the Bowdoin bubble and get to see other parts of Maine and improve her Maine knowledge and geography. Throughout the whole process she learned so much about the environment and all that environmental consulting entails.
"One part of the experience that I am especially grateful for is that every day was a different adventure and every day was a learning opportunity! It is also a really cool feeling to drive past places where I have worked on field sites and realized how extensive my “office” was this summer. I enjoyed driving to sites with coworkers, while getting to know them and witnessing their passion for the environment."
Henry Doerr '26 - Town of Brunswick Planning and Development
This summer Henry worked with the Town of Brunswick Environmental Planner’s Office where he worked to support implementation of the Mare Brook Watershed Management Plan under the guidance of Environmental Planner Ashley Charleson. With Brunswick beginning the process of updating its 2005 pesticide and fertilizers ordinance, Henry researched similar ordinances from other towns to help ensure that the town is well informed to move forward with drafting an update. Both projects involve significant outreach and encourage community engagement.
"This summer I supported of implementation of the Mare Brook Watershed Management plan. I conducted public outreach to residents living near Mare Brook, meti with nonprofit partners like Trout Unlimited, and researched the ecological benefits of strategic wood additions- an approach that involved placing woody material directly into the stream channel to improve habitat. I also worked with the Brunswick Coastal Resource office to monitor stream conditions- measuring flow salinity and temperature and collecting water samples for quality testing to better understand potential pollution sources and protect the bay’s water quality."
Ethan Hatcher '27 - Environmental Studies Fellow with Manomet for Conservation Sciences
Working for Manomet Conservation Sciences, Ethan engaged in a variety of projects focused on promoting resilient and productive coastal ecosystems and communities. He participated in field work which included green crab and blue crab trapping and monitoring to determine the species population dynamics, as well as monitoring Quahog growth in a floating upweller system. Outside of his fieldwork, Ethan researched federal and state level shellfish regulations as part of an effort to reduce unnecessary burdens faced by shellfish harvesters. He also gained valuable experience with data analysis, as he used R to analyze green crab data from Casco Bay and presented his work to groups working on eelgrass restoration.
“My fellowship with Manomet provided a great opportunity to dive into fisheries research, which was a field I didn’t have any experience in. I was able to explore Maine through field work and meet so many incredible scientists, fishers, and other experts from Manomet’s partner organizations. I was given the freedom to pursue my interests, which allowed me to have a positive impact while engaging deeply with the projects I was working on and developing skills that will help me in my future. I am excited to continue learning about Maine’s fisheries!”
Hazel Johnson '27 - Maine Coast Fishermen's Association (MCFA)
Hazel spent the summer with the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), focusing on a project that worked with Manomet and local fishermen. The black sea bass survey was created to have data to support fishermen’s sightings of an increase in the fish in Maine waters. Hazel created a poster and a business card to promote the survey to fishermen, especially lobstermen who have been catching black sea bass in their traps. She used the software ImageJ to measure fish in pictures that fishermen sent in. Hazel made a storymap in ArcGIS to show where fishermen are catching black sea bass and explain why knowing more about the fish’s migration into Maine is important.
“Being a part of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association team gave me a glimpse into the wide range of necessary work that happens around fisheries. I got to be a part of weekly staff meetings and help staff on various projects. I enjoyed collaborating with MCFA and Manomet to create posters and an ArcGIS storymap to inform fishermen about the black sea bass project.”
Shea McGrath '27 - Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM)
During his time at BCM, Shea helped at education and outreach events, including bicycle safety presentations, fix-a-bike classes at libraries and schools around Portland, and tabling/e-bike demo events. He also helped at two of BCM’s summer ride events, and parked bikes at the popular “Bike Valet” service at Portland events and concerts. Throughout the summer, his main project involved creating an interactive online map with GIS to assess the bikeability, or stress level, of Greater Portland’s roads and streets. Through this project, Shea collected critical community feedback on high-stress areas for vulnerable road users and engaged with city planners to model where infrastructure improvements are most needed.
“I had a great time at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine! I created a bikeability mapping project with GIS for BCM’s website. I had the chance to meet and learn from transportation and city planners and conducted community outreach with the Portland bicycle community. Having the opportunity to immerse myself into the work that goes into making streets safe for all was so fascinating and inspiring. BCM keeps Maine rolling!”
Raam Melvani '27 - Brunswick Topsham Land Trust
Raam spent his summer with the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust- building bridges at the Tom Settlemire Community Garden where he planted seeds, plucked weeds, and installed irrigation lines for a portion of the garden dedicated to growing produce for the Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program. He staffed the “Taking Root” plant sale at Crystal Spring Farm. Stewardship Fridays found Raam digging trails, building bridges, and clearing weeds on BTLT trails. At the Cathance River Nature Preserve (CREA), Raam was a field trip assistant and CREA camp counselor.
“For my independent project I compiled a guide for the Tom Settlemire Garden which included information about pests, pollinators, seeds and seedlings, specific crops, wind, soil, the garden’s history. And perhaps most importantly- what it means to garden in community. I surveyed more than 40 plot holders and interviewed a few one on one. My main take away: you get out of the soil what you put into it. Mainstream farming practices sacrifice long-term environmental stability for short-term production.”
Iris Reyes '26 - Town of Topsham Planning and Development
This summer at the Topsham Department of Planning and Codes Iris was immersed in three main projects. Working in the town’s Historic District where she researched Topsham’s historic preservation guidelines and wrote a memo for a proposed window replacement in one of Topsham’s historic buildings. Under the supervision of the Town Planner and Director of Planning Iris participated in the review process for a preliminary subdivision application. Throughout the summer she also conducted in-depth research on open space subdivisions by analyzing selected ordinances from across Maine.
“I gained invaluable guidance and mentorship with the Town of Topsham Department of Planning and Codes this summer. I was able to work closely with the Historic District researching the town’s preservation guidelines, writing a memo for a proposed window replacement in a historic building, attending the review of the application by the Historic District Commission and saw the ultimate approval of the application. Under the supervision of the Town Planner and Director of Planning I participated in the review process for a preliminary subdivision application. I analyzed the application materials for compliance with the town’s zoning and subdivision ordinances, collected staff comments and shared my feedback directly with the developer. I also conducted research on open space subdivisions by analyzing ordinances from 17 towns.”
Logan Environmental Studies Fellowship
Isa Fernandez '27 - The Nature Conservancy of Maine
Isa spent her summer working with a variety of teams at The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Maine Field Office, with a heavier focus on projects with the Policy and Government Relations team and the Freshwaters team. With the policy team, she conducted research on Maine Won’t Wait, providing suggestions for how TNC could best achieve their 2030 climate goals in line with the policies of Maine’s Climate Council. With the Freshwater team, she assisted with their Culvert Restoration project, which involved combing through data provided by the Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation to create a cohesive document with all the necessary information, making the tracking and monitoring of these culvert restorations more streamlined.
“My summer with TNC was nothing short of remarkable. I was able to see first-hand how many different groups influence environmental policy and conservation work, as well as how many communities rely on organizations such as these to advocate for them in a time where climate change threatens so many Mainers. I have a newfound passion for community resilience, and plan on applying the number of skills I learned with TNC in the future!”
Poppy Environmental Studies Fellowship
Charlotte Tagupa '26 - Maine Conservation Voters
While at Maine Conservation Voters (MCV), Charlotte contributed to the policy, communications, and development teams. At the Maine State House, she directly engaged with legislators to advocate for the Energy Fairness Bill. She also helped compile data and conduct research for MCV’s environmental scorecard—an accountability tool that highlights key developments from the 132nd Maine legislative session. Throughout the summer, Charlotte enjoyed writing blog posts, conducting research projects, and connecting with MCV members at fundraising events.
“Leaving MCV, I’m taking with me a deeper understanding of the legislative process, government accountability, and the power of coalitions. In class, I’ve studied environmental and political issues in theory, but MCV showed me what political change looks like in practice. With guidance from my colleagues, I learned that real change depends on relationships, coordination, and persistence. On a personal level, I’ve become more engaged with Maine politics and developed a strong appreciation for the importance of participating in state government.”
Cooke Environmental Research Fellowship
Hannah Crowley '27 Cooke Environmental Studies Research Fellowship
Faculty mentor: Professor Brandon Tate
This summer, Hannah contributed to the Tate Lab’s ongoing research into synthetic fuels while engaging with her community on the underlying issues that motivate the lab. Instead of drawing from non-renewable carbon resource pools underground, synthetic fuels are synthesized with captured carbon dioxide gas, making the synthetic fuel cycle carbon neutral. With rapidly changing weather patterns and an economy that relies on natural resources, Maine is feeling the impacts of climate change acutely. The young people in our community deserve to be empowered to tackle the crisis head on, which is why Hannah spent part of the summer educating students about the power of green chemistry and how the Tate Lab is harnessing its principles.
"During my time in the Tate Lab, I focused on developing hard-soft acid-base mismatch catalysts to activate hydrogen for carbon dioxide hydrogenation, a critical reaction step in the synthetic fuel cycle. Our hydrogenation catalysts are unique and somewhat novel because they employ acid-base chemistry as opposed to redox chemistry, which is most common for hydrogenation catalysts but less suitable for our carbon dioxide substrate. As a result of their novelty, my primary responsibility in the lab was to refine the synthetic pathway to the catalysts’ precursor.
Beyond my lab work, I spent the first week of my summer with a small group of students and professors from Bowdoin in Calais, Maine, where we taught interactive science lessons to seventh graders from the Passamaquoddy Indian Township Reservation and the Sipayik Reservation. The lesson that I led explored the effects of climate change in Washington County and the ecosystem’s inspiring resilience. Later in the summer, I partnered with the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick to put together an installation for their children’s section that explained the importance of clean energy. Both experiences grounded me in the significance of my lab work and deeply enriched my summer."
Asher Savel '26 Cooke Environmental Research Fellowship
Faculty mentor: Shana Starobin
Food lover Asher Savel explores the effects of the Maine Food Sovereignty Act on Maine towns, producers, and consumers to examine how the state’s food systems can improve under town-based regulations. He has interviewed and spoken with farmers, town officials, nonprofit coordinators, and visited markets across the state from Caribou to Yarmouth. The 'Right to Food in Maine' Act has created tensions among food producers and processors surrounding licensing and inspections, property rights, animal welfare, and food quality. Under Food Sovereignty, more unlicensed residents in communities have felt empowered to produce and sell their own food legally, while larger producers are worried about damage to Maine’s reputation.
Asher will continue to explore the issue in an honors project.
“My research on Food Sovereignty and Maine’s relationship with food has taken me all over the state, interviewing and talking to farmers in Aroostook County to municipal planners in Auburn. The Right to Food has laid the foundation for a local food revolution brewing in small towns, fostering closer relationships with communities and their food production. This fellowship has underlined the importance of fresh, healthy, local food and our need to stray from the centralized, subsidized system of low-quality food that too many rely on.”
Environmental Studies Collaborative Project
Idil Ibrahim Aibo '27 Environmental Studies Collaborative Project with Growing to Give
Idil spent her summer working with Growing to Give, alongside a small crew of farm staff and volunteers. She learned to propagate new plants, prepare and maintain soil beds for crops, do pest control, harvest, and much more. Her work included conducting an independent project to digitize past plans and create an interactive map of the farm's crops using ArcGIS. This facilitated the process of planning crop rotation and provided an organizational tool to visualize previous farm layouts. Throughout the summer, she participated in valuable conversations with volunteers on the farm that highlighted the value of bringing community together to fighting food insecurity in Maine.
"This summer, I became familiar with the work that goes into growing quality organic produce and observed how G2G collaborates with hunger prevention organizations to combat food insecurity. I built on what I had learned in my ES classes through conversations with farm staff and volunteers, concluding that climate-friendly agriculture encompasses many values that are deeply personal and unique to each individual. Most importantly, our farming mantra was "many hands make light work"; I experienced firsthand that community brought together can tackle tasks that once seemed impossible."