Helena Ashmore

Environmental Studies and Business Double Major

Hi, I’m Helena. I am a double major in business administration and environmental studies with a concentration in policy. I am a scientific diver through ENST and have been able to aid in research diving at the Wrigley Institute for almost two years, in addition to participating in restoration projects. I am usually the person my roommates call for when there’s a spider in the apartment. My personal hobbies includes reading, crocheting, and baking.

Chloe DerGarabedian

Environmental Studies and NGOs and Social Change Double Major

Hi, my name is Chloe DerGarabedian and I am double majoring in Environmental Studies and NGOs & Social Change.

Hector Espinoza

Environmental Studies and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Double Major

Hi, I’m Hector! I live in southeast LA in the city of Huntington Park, a predominantly hispanic community, where my family owns and operates a taqueria. Besides eating and making tacos, I love to read philosophy, engage in discussion about anything with my peers, and gardening. Since an early age, I aspired to be an attorney but was unsure in what field. It soon became evident that I had to be an environmental attorney given the environmental existential world we live in. I am especially drawn to rectifying the systemic environmental injustices done to minorities and advocating for a sustainable economy, despite how radical it may seem. 

Sara Eyassu

Environmental Studies Major, Law and Public Policy Minor

I’m Sara, and I am studying environmental studies while pursuing the pre-law track! This combination will bring me to fight for environmental justice. I love convening in Christian fellowship, hiking, and visiting new places!

Jose Guzman-Wug

Environmental Studies Major, Applied Analytics Minor

My name is Jose Guzman-Wug and I am an undergraduate student majoring in Environmental Studies B.S. with a minor in Applied Analytics. I am a proud LA Native with a passion for finding sustainable solution to the various issues facing our society regarding the environment. Some of my hobbies include watching professional sports (primarily basketball), staying up to date with comics, and baking. I am always searching for ways to grow and looking forward to working with everyone in the group!

Ashley Halim

Environmental Studies Major, Data Science Minor

My name is Ashley Halim, from Jakarta, Indonesia, and I’m currently pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Data Science. I am passionate about driving meaningful change, particularly in addressing air quality issues. Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking, rafting, drawing, photography and music!

Tess Kelly

Environmental Studies Major

Hi I’m Tess Kelly! I’m a junior from San Diego and Hawai’i. I’m an Environmental Studies major with a focus in Oceans and People. I’m particularly passionate about the conservation of coastal ecosystems and the intersection of nutrition and sustainable food systems. I love hiking, traveling, camping, pilates, and spending time with friends and family!

Valerie Kuo

Environmental Studies Major, Progressive Masters Candidate in Public Administration

As a USC student pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Studies, my career goals, academic desires, and personal values lie within the intersection of environmental and social justice within policy. I aim to create a more equitable future through community empowerment, changes in local government, grassroots organizing, mutual aid, and uplifting the voices of those who are often marginalized and underrepresented. I am the current co-executive director of the Environmental Student Assembly and a part of the Dornsife Agents of Change program.

Muna Obiefule

Environmental Studies Major, Occupational Science Minor

Garrett Ordonez

Environmental Studies and International Relations Double Major

My name is Garrett Ordonez, and I’m from Wailuku, HI & Las Vegas, NV. At USC, I’m studying Environmental Studies and International Relations and also am an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the CEE Lab, at USC Dornsife for the Department of Marine and Environmental Biology. I’m hoping to matriculate into a JD and/or PhD program after my undergraduate career. During my free time, I hike, rock climb, run, swim, and visit new places.

Cheska Pangilinan

Environmental Studies Major

Hi, everyone! My name is Cheska Pangilinan, and I am a senior pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Studies with an Environmental Policy concentration and pre-law emphasis. Along with being an ENST Student Representative, I am a Sustainability Hub Programming and Events Intern with the USC Office of Sustainability and a STEM Outreach and Research Office Intern with the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership. Fun fact – I participated in back-to-back Catalina Maymester Programs at the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability!

Kat Ramirez

Environmental Studies Major, Data Science Minor

Hey, I’m Kat! I’m an ENST student minoring in data science. Other than dancing and reading, my favorite pastime is exploring LA’s culture and food scene with friends, so let me know of any recs. I’m always up for a chat about anything and everything, so don’t hesitate to reach out and connect!

Kira Sano

Masters in Sustainability Management Masters Candidate (BA in Environmental Studies and NGOs and Social Change)

Hi everyone, my name is Kira and I am studying Environmental Studies and Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change! I love water polo, data analytics, and teaching. I intern with Friends of the Los Angeles River and the American Cancer Society and my passion is working in environmental and health equity!

Olivia Silvestri

Environmental Studies and Economics Double Major

Hi! I’m Olivia Silvestri and am majoring in Environmental Studies and Economics. I am originally from Las Vegas and some of my hobbies include tennis, running, skiing, and anything else that gets me outdoors. My favorite memory so far from the Environmental Studies program was my maymester on Catalina, where I formed connections with so many like- minded people and interacted with nature more closely than ever before. I’m super excited to join this organization and expand upon my amazing experiences.

Kevin Tan

Environmental Studies Major

I’m studying environmental studies. I like to learn about new things I’m interested in. I’m also open to new perspectives and want to see the world from others. I have quite a bit of hobbies, playing music, drawing, exercising, and traveling.

Jake Tanda

Environmental Studies Major

Hi! My name is Jake Tanda, and I’m pursuing a BS in Environmental Studies. My passion in this program lies in wildlife conservation and ecology, which led me to the opportunity of interning at the Los Angeles Zoo with the Conservation Division. In my spare time, I love exploring and learning about the natural world around LA through hiking and birding, as well as reading and listening to music!

Tatianna Velicer

Environmental Studies Major, Marine Biology Minor

Hi everyone, my name is Tatianna Velicer and I am pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Marine Biology. I am interested in marine ecology, conservation, education, and scientific scuba diving. Some extracurriculars I am involved with include the USC Surfrider Foundation, USC Environmental Student Assembly, The Bay Foundation, the Marine Mammal Care Center and the USC Scientific Dive Program. I also work in the Cnidarian Evolutionary Ecology Lab on campus studying staghorn coral. Outside of school I love to surf, scuba dive, hike and camp. My favorite opportunity through Environmental Studies has been assisting with the scientific dive class and learning from the incredible community of scientific divers at USC.

Lilly Wang

Environmental Studies Major, Cinematic Arts Minor

Hi, my name is Lilly, and I am an ENST major and Cinematic Arts minor! I am from St. Louis, Missouri, and I really enjoy exploring the SoCal natural environment through hiking, snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving (next semester), and guiding trips with SC Outfitters. I participated in Maymester last semester, which has been such an unforgettable experience and cool opportunity from the ENST program. Outside of school, I like exploring the outdoors, pasta, playing music, ceramics, hockey, skiing, and film!

The Environmental Studies Program acknowledges our presence on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Tongva/Gabrielino/Kizh people and their neighbors, the Chumash, Tataviam, Kitanemuk, Serrano, Cahuilla, Payomkawichum, Acjachemen, Ipai-Tipai, Kumeyaay, and Quechan peoples. Indigenous stewardship and rightful claims to these lands have never been voluntarily relinquished nor legally extinguished. We pay our respect to the members and elders of these communities – past, present, and future – who remain stewards and advocates of this region.