2023 Graduates

Caitlin Aquila received the Berta Isabel Caceres Flores Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership. While at Loyola, she served as an undergraduate researcher, a lab assistant, and an advocate for programs at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Center (LUREC). Her enthusiasm and initiative made her a role model for her classmates. 

Degree: BS in environmental science

Hometown: Peoria, Illinois

Favorite Loyola memories: "My favorite moment at Loyola was taking a summer class at LUREC (the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus). The way we were able to engage with the area's agricultural community was a unique learning experience. Seeing the expertise and passion of farmers first-hand while exchanging interests and knowledge was incredibly meaningful, and it's something I will carry with me throughout my life. The LUREC course also allowed me to meet some of my closest friends and develop relationships with students and faculty."

What I'll miss about Loyola and SES: "I will miss the community within SES and Loyola the most. The camaraderie and support that SES students and faculty have for one another is unmatched. I will miss walking around SES and the broader Loyola space and seeing familiar friendly faces everywhere. It is so fulfilling to engage with so many people with different ideas and perspectives and share their experiences."

Plans after graduation: "I will be completing the accelerated bachelor's/master's program, receiving a master's in business administration from Loyola's Quinlan School of Business in 2024. I look forward to making an impact in corporate sustainability or a related field."

How SES prepared me for my future career: "SES has allowed me to develop my passions into tangible goals and plans. I entered SES with a passion for shifting the responsibility for making sustainability changes from individuals to larger institutions and organizations. I am leaving with specific knowledge and skills to help reach that goal. My time here has allowed me to explore different areas of study and develop my framework of thinking about sustainability issues, enabling me to apply myself in an area about which I am passionate and knowledgeable. I have formed a picture of how sustainability efforts should be incorporated into the world." 

My advice to the incoming class: "Do not be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone in everything you do – often, the rewards outweigh whatever fears you may have."

Carolyn Bidó received the Hazel M. Johnson Award for her leadership, academic excellence, and extracurricular achievements as a graduate student in SES. She participated in the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge and was part of the team that won third place for their concept for reusable steel actuators for inhalers. As a graduate student, Carolyn demonstrated a passion for environmental advocacy and encouraged and inspired fellow students.

Degree: MS in environmental science and sustainability 

Hometown: Queens, New York City, New York 

Favorite Loyola memories: "My favorite moment at Loyola was seeing the Department of Fine and Performing Arts' play "Somewhere," based on the many complexities behind climate migration, science, and our connection to nature and environmental sustainability. The students outperformed and delivered a strong message about the gravity behind climate change, how we must learn to respect and love nature because we are a part of it, and the many consequences of not doing so."  

What I'll miss about Loyola and SES: "Walking through the most unique and breathtaking building on campus, SES! Specifically, I will miss Engrained Café's fantastic healthy food and the endless examples of inspiring sustainable infrastructure within the building's entrance, classrooms, bathrooms, and even floors." 

Plans after graduation: "I will complete a summer policy and science internship at the Environmental Law and Policy Center, focusing on the ongoing efforts to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles across the Midwest, specifically electric school buses. I am excited to work with a passionate team fighting for an equitable transition to environmentally sustainable transportation."  

How SES prepared me for my future career: "As a new incomer to the field after transitioning from veterinary medicine, I knew my journey would be challenging. My ambition, in conjunction with the school's vast access to crucial networks, professional development opportunities, educational activities, and outstanding professors, eased the process and allowed me to obtain the professional growth I sought."  

My advice to the incoming class: "My first advice would be to take care of your mental health. The environmental field can be heartbreaking, upsetting, and sometimes discouraging. Learn to search for good news on progress, accept that some people will not agree with you, and understand that taking a break is okay. Second, always read the SES Student Bulletin emails. They have excellent information about internships, fellowship opportunities, and other professional development options, such as the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge. Thanks to the bulletin, I completed a fellowship with Yale School of the Environment and obtained my upcoming summer internship at the Environmental Law and Policy Center."  

Connor Bishop received the James E. Hansen Award for his outstanding work as an intern in the Office of Sustainability. During his two years in this role, Connor supported initiatives such as Zero Waste Games, paper towel composting, and the Cycle and Recycle Center, making vital contributions to sustainability efforts on campus. 

Degrees: BA in environmental policy, BA in political science

Hometown: Fairhope, Alabama

Favorite Loyola memories: "My favorite moments at Loyola included my time as a campus sustainability intern for the Office of Sustainability. Aaron Durnbaugh was a great mentor and guide as I learned about the many ways to incorporate sustainability into organization management and one's lifestyle. Before coming to Loyola, I didn't encounter concepts like "sustainability" or "environmental justice" very often. Working with Aaron provided a tangible demonstration of those concepts in action."

What I'll miss about Loyola and SES: "I will miss Loyola's campus, especially the greenhouse and the entire SES facility. I always enjoyed studying in the IC, Engrained, and the SLUG when it was around. It still amazes me how we have such a beautiful campus in such a big city."

Plans after graduation: "I have been working part-time for State Senator Mike Simmons (IL-07) as his operations aide since January 2022, and I plan to transition to a full-time position with him in May. Our team consists of just three people, including myself, alongside the Senator, so we really have a tight-knit team. I am excited to continue working with them all to help represent constituents from all around the district to the best of our ability."

How SES prepared me for my future career: "I have always had the desire to work in state or local government to help support social justice initiatives through progressive American politics. From my time at SES, I realized the importance of sustainability and how I believe it must be integrated into my future career. I hope to combine these three passions into a career focused on achieving a sustainable future for all people--regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation--through inclusive policies and a diverse movement."

My advice to the incoming class: "Make sure to go out, explore Chicago, and visit all the diverse neighborhoods it has to offer. It can sometimes be easy to get stuck in a homework positive-feedback loop, so take an afternoon every once in a while to hop on the L and ride down to a stop you have not been to before. Chicago is a truly special place that brings many different cultures together, so do not take the city for granted!"

Audrey Eros received the Lee Botts Award in recognition of her commitment to conservation and restoration in the greater Chicago region. During her time at Loyola, she was a leader in the Restoration Club and often participated in restoration workdays at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus on Saturdays. She also took part in research focused on microplastics and invasive species. 

Degree: BS in environmental science: conservation and restoration. 

Hometown: Lafayette, Indiana

Favorite Loyola memories: "My favorite memories from Loyola are the connections and friendships I have built over the years. SES provided me with the opportunity to see some of my favorite people every day, and I am very grateful for that. I am also very thankful for our ecology campus, LUREC (Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus), where I spend as many Saturdays as I can doing restoration work. Restoration workdays are always full of laughter and time well spent in the dirt. This year, I went to Belize with Father Mitten, which helped me realize that no matter where I end up, I will always be able to find genuine human connection while in nature."

What I'll miss about Loyola and SES: "I am going to miss seeing all of the wonderful people I have met every day." 

Plans after graduation: "I plan on staying in Chicago for another year or two. After that, I would like to work seasonal restoration jobs and live in new places around the country. Long term, I see myself working in environmental education relating to conservation." 

How SES prepared me for my future career: "My time in SES has made me confident that I am in the right field for me. I think SES provides great opportunities to learn through hands-on experience needed for a career in ecology."

My advice to the incoming class: "I would advise new students to get involved in student organizations, connect with professors, make sure to spend time in nature, and read Braiding Sweetgrass."

John Gorman received the Rachel Carson Award for his outstanding academic achievements. He completed bachelor's degrees in both environmental science and chemistry. John excelled in his coursework and tied with classmate Alex Quebbeman for the highest grade-point average in the SES graduating class. 

Degrees: BS in environmental science, BA in chemistry 

Hometown: Wooster, Ohio

Favorite Loyola memories: "From road-tripping to Pittsburgh to see Loyola play in March Madness, to making countless batches of Biosoap in the Biodiesel Lab, to working with first-year students as a Peer Advisor, to playing in the Jazz Ensemble here, it's almost impossible to pick a single favorite moment. However, if I had to choose one, it would be spending three weeks at LUREC the summer before my senior year, helping with the summer classes. I got to know some of my best friends there, worked with faculty in and out of classroom settings, and learned far more about the local environment than I could have from a textbook or lecture." 

What I'll miss about Loyola and SES: "I will miss the camaraderie throughout the environmental program here at Loyola. Environmental issues are enormous and can often start to feel overwhelming. Seeing the passion that all the students bring in and the different ways people come up with to address these issues is very encouraging for the future and makes approaching these problems seem much more manageable." 

Plans after graduation: "This fall, I plan to start a Ph.D. program focusing on environmental chemistry. Specifically, I'll look at per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) water contamination detection, quantification, and remediation." 

How SES prepared me for my future career: "Coming into Loyola, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do post-graduation. I knew I wanted to focus on environmental issues, but I was unsure of the best way to make a change. Over the past four years, I've been exposed to countless ways one can make a difference in their local community and environment. I've loved seeing how each student I speak to seems to have a niche about which they are passionate. Seeing the SES faculty's impact on cultivating these passions, I gravitate towards pursuing teaching after completing my PhD. I want to give back to students in the same way that the faculty have inspired me."

My advice to the incoming class: "Curiosity and tenacity are two of the most important attributes you can have coming into Loyola. A desire to learn and to make your community a better place is essential, but determination is key to getting the most out of your experience here. Some of my best memories tied to Loyola – working in the Biodiesel Lab or interning with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – began with rejections. The important thing is to remember to learn something from these rejections and continue to persevere." 

Ericka Gonzalez Guzman received the Wangari Mua Maathai Award for her exceptional service and dedication to sustainability and social justice. She was one of five student leaders who founded the Eco-Warriors eco-anxiety support group, helping to plan how this group could serve SES students. While on campus, Ericka also worked as a team leader in the Sustainable Agriculture Program, serving as a compassionate and inspiring mentor for other students. 

Degree: BS in environmental science: food systems and sustainable agriculture 

Hometown: Romeoville, Illinois

Favorite Loyola memories: “My favorite moment was when I started to work as a team leader in the Urban Agriculture program. We did our first harvest of the year in the summer of 2022. In that moment, I felt empowered to share my knowledge with students and to be able to learn alongside them the care for the land that sustains us.” 

What I'll miss about Loyola and SES: “I will miss the camaraderie with my colleagues, coworkers, and faculty. I will miss walking through campus and saying hello to such a diverse group of people that cares for me.”

Plans after graduation: “I plan to become a sustainable agriculture educator. I want to expand my teaching and farming skills to become part of the next generation of urban growers.” 

How SES prepared me for my future career: “Being part of SES has allowed me to use my knowledge and networking skills to get involved with many Chicago organizations focusing on sustainable food systems. I have learned about the Illinois career and technical educator license to become an agriculture teacher. I am setting my mind to accumulating more experience in the field to get licensed.” 

What advice do you have for the incoming class? “Be confident that you will find a place to belong here at Loyola. Don't be afraid of making mistakes, because you can only learn from those, and never stop showing your curiosity.”

Rowan Obach received the E.O. Wilson Award for her excellent work conducting rigorous and practically relevant research on regional food systems. She completed a research project in collaboration with the Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC), a group working to advance food justice in the Chicago Region. Rowan's research provided actionable feedback that helped CFPAC adapt to changing conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Degree: BA in environmental policy 

Hometown: Singapore

Favorite Loyola memories: “My research has been a huge chunk of my experience at Loyola, especially since regular classes were interrupted during the pandemic. I was fortunate to join club swimming my first year, where I was able to start creating my community of friends. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome in the spring of my junior year, where I was exposed to a new culture and learned about subjects outside of my major. I also have been able to complete four internships through Loyola-SES partnerships and have gained great network connections and valuable coworkers from those experiences.” 

What I'll miss about Loyola and SES: “I'll still be studying at Loyola next year, completing the master's program in public policy, so luckily, I won't miss the campus and my friends much. I will miss the faculty and staff at SES. I've had a great opportunity with almost everyone I've worked with – they helped cultivate a healthy learning environment where I am not afraid to make mistakes or ask for help. I hold many of my SES professors in high regard because of their organization and communication skills and their approachable personalities and caring characters.” 

Plans after graduation: “I currently work part-time at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). I'll continue master's classes into the fall and spring and graduate with my master of public policy degree next year. Afterward, I hope to join a Peace Corps mission or work as a policy analyst for a nonprofit or environmentally-focused organization. Longer term, I may go to law school to become an environmental lawyer or remain in the policy field.” 

How SES prepared me for my future career: “It has allowed me to explore policy more deeply and gain a better understanding of its impact on society. Solidified my interest in socioenvironmental dynamics and helped increase my confidence in economic and fiscal strategies. My studies exposed me to the various positions that exist in the environmental field. I'm sure there will be many more in the future!”

My advice to the incoming class: “Trust yourself to make decisions but don't take everything so seriously. Nothing is set in stone, especially when you're young. Now is statistically the best time to take risks! Try your best to get your money's worth from whatever program you are involved in. Use campus resources, make network connections, attend free events, apply for funded internships, etc.” 

Alex Quebbeman received the Rachel Carson Award for her outstanding academic achievements. She tied with classmate John Gorman for highest grade-point average in the SES graduating class. During her time as an undergraduate, Alex also made exceptional contributions to the school as a teaching assistant, communications intern, and undergraduate researcher.

Degree: BA in environmental studies

Hometown: Racine, Wisconsin

Favorite Loyola memories: “I’ve had several unforgettable experiences at Loyola as an undergraduate researcher, SES teaching assistant, and more. One of my favorite moments at Loyola happened just a few weeks ago. I took a semester-long jazz dance class for fun, and we had an end-of-year performance for all the dancers at Loyola. Everyone was so supportive, and being on stage is something I’ll never forget.”

What I’ll miss most about Loyola and SES: “While I will not be leaving Loyola, I will miss being a communications intern in SES. I’ve had an incredible time building closer relationships with students and faculty through interviews and writing articles. I will also miss seeing my friends every day.”

Plans after graduation: “I will be completing the master of science in environmental science and sustainability research track degree at Loyola. I will work in Professor Reuben Keller’s lab, where I will lead two projects. The first is a diet analysis of an understudied, invasive amphipod in Illinois. For the second project, I will sample aquatic invertebrates in Chicago harbors." 

How SES prepared me for my future career: “SES has allowed me to explore the social and scientific dimensions of the environment. It can be overwhelming to think about settling on one path, but SES’s interdisciplinary curriculum broadened my understanding of what it means to be involved in meaningful environmental work.”

What advice do you have for the incoming class? “I would encourage environmental science students to take as many humanities and arts electives as possible. From cultural anthropology and sociology to East Asian history and dance, pursuing seemingly random interests has made me feel very well-rounded and knowledgeable. I also think visiting professors’ office hours is so important! I’ve been offered several job and research opportunities through building connections with professors. And most of all, cherish the friendships you make in college. Friends make everything more fun!"

Grace Ramírez received the Aldo Leopold Award in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in coursework, research, and service. Her honors thesis in sociology demonstrated an advanced understanding of the social impacts of climate change, including implications for climate-driven human migration and international refugee policies.  

Degrees: BA in environmental policy, BA in sociology 

Hometown: West Chicago, Illinois

Favorite Loyola memories: “My favorite memories include going to Arch Madness in 2022 and seeing the 'Blers win! Women's soccer also dominated for nearly all of my time as an undergrad, which was very fun to experience.” 

What I'll miss about Loyola and SES: “I will miss learning about intersectional topics in the classroom, including environmental law, health, sociology, environmental justice, and politics. I am grateful for the incredible professors that I have had who have pushed me to understand ecological topics from many different lenses—also, an honorable mention for missing Lake Michigan.” 

Plans after graduation: “I will continue working as a paralegal at an immigration law firm in Chicago learning the ins and outs of immigration law and will eventually attend law school. My goal is to become a knowledgeable immigration attorney, open my own boutique law firm in my hometown, and provide quality representation to clients on a sliding-scale payment basis. At the same time, I am committed to continuing to organize to raise awareness surrounding local politics, including in Spanish, so that my community's local elected officials are held accountable.” 

How SES prepared me for my future career: “My time in SES has allowed me to pursue my research interests with inspiring faculty mentors. I am most proud of producing a research thesis analyzing the extent to which US immigration programs could provide lawful status to individuals displaced by climate change. I interviewed immigration policy experts, environmental activists, and successful litigators during this research, which was a very formative experience for me. SES faculty provided invaluable insights throughout this process, pushing me to think even more critically about my topic. This research and knowledge will become increasingly inseparable from my career in immigration law, and I hope it will help me better serve my clients in the future.” 

My advice to the incoming class: “My advice is to be inquisitive. Don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions about the class content. Don't be afraid to show up to office hours. Don't be afraid to ask people questions about their careers, research, or goals--including professors and other students! Putting yourself out there is scary and difficult, but I have found that asking thoughtful questions and telling others about my goals can build lasting connections.”