2021 Udall Scholarship Nominees Blend Environmental Research and Advocacy
Three students whose academic, leadership, and service experiences have demonstrated a sustained commitment to environmental causes have earned Northeastern University’s nomination for the 2021 Udall Scholarship. The federally endowed Udall Foundation awards 55 scholarships each year to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.
Alexander Bellavia COS’23 majors in environmental studies with a minor in international affairs. This course of study reflects Alexander’s interest in pursuing policy solutions to environmental crises as the global level. Outside of coursework, Alexander has conducted research under Professor Daniel Aldrich into the “hard” and “soft” infrastructural aspects of Boston’s preparation for the effects of climate change. Alexander is active in the Husky Environmental Action Team (HEAT) and Sunrise Northeastern, among many other activities. Alexander hopes to earn a PhD in a field related to environmental policy to continue using research to influence decision-making.
Lauren MacDonald COS’22 majors in environmental geology and chemistry. Lauren’s overarching focus is on water, the basis of all life on earth. Building from a foundational knowledge of chemistry to an understanding of the complex interplay of water, soil, and pollutants, Lauren is working to ensure the availability of clean water to promote healthy natural systems and human communities. A co-op at Roux Associates, a soil and groundwater remediation firm, allowed Lauren to connect her knowledge to the practice of environmental intervention and improvement. Lauren aspires to earn a PhD in water systems and become a leader in water research and remediation.
Derrick Salvatore COS’22 majors in environmental science and mathematics. This course of study emblematizes Derrick’s commitment to using statistical and analytical methods to garner insights from large quantities of data—insights which can then form the basis of action toward environmental justice. Derrick has worked extensively in Northeastern’s PFAS Project Lab to understand the prevalence and persistence of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are used in a wide array of applications such as firefighting and waterproofing materials and which are sometimes called “forever chemicals.” Derrick hopes to continue this research in graduate school and embark on a career assisting affected communities to understand and remediate the presence of these substances.
The Udall scholarship honors the legacies of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.