Meet the 2025-26 Liverman Undergraduate Environmental Fellows

Leonnie Aikens is a senior at the University of Arizona, majoring in Veterinary Science with minors in Classics and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Her lifelong fascination with animals grew into a passion for veterinary medicine, with a special interest in conservation and wildlife medicine. Beyond academics, Leonnie enjoys drawing, exploring new restaurants, and volunteering in her community.

Kayla Faulkner is a senior at the University of Arizona, majoring in Studio Art with emphasis on
Illustration, Design and Animation. After college she hopes to pursue a career in the Animation
industry as a Visual Development Artist or Storyboard Artist. Growing up in Tucson, Arizona,
they’ve been surrounded by a desert environment, and deeply interested in the impacts of water
scarcity, specifically surrounding riparian areas. They would like to share with the world stories
about the environment and people, to bring more awareness to those situations.

Elayna is a senior majoring in natural resources with a concentration in conservation biology as well as working towards a certification in Geographic Information Systems. Having grown up in Philadelphia, she has seen the impacts of environmental injustice in marginalized communities, so her passion is ensuring all people have access to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment regardless of factors that are outside of their control.

Ryan is a senior Urban and Regional Development major, minoring in Environmental Studies. Since coming to the University of Arizona, he has developed a passion for creating inclusive, affordable, and sustainable cities, with a primary focus on the intersection of policy, planning, and environmental justice. Dedicated to public service, he hopes to enshrine communities’ role in the decision-making process to foster a future where all voices are heard, regardless of socio-economic status. Outside of his studies, he enjoys making music, drawing, and cooking whenever possible.

Riley is a senior studying environmental science with an emphasis in physical and chemical dynamics. Growing up in Houston, Texas, he saw how the oil and gas industry shaped his community and the planet. Riley is determined to live sustainably and help those around him. His current work involves education about and removal of invasive species. Riley plans on doing more environmental work in the future.

In his free time, Riley plays ultimate frisbee, goes outside, and hangs out with his seven cats.

Briana Jamieson is a Senior at the University of Arizona. Double Majoring in Political Science and Global Studies with a minor in German. While studying abroad Briana got the chance to see many different cultures and environments, which inspired the goal to help preserve and maintain both. After graduation Briana hopes to work with an international humanitarian organization, before going to law school.

Tommey Jodie (she/they) is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Nutrition and Food Systems, Food Studies, and Creative Writing. She is Diné, originally from Teesto, Arizona, and raised in Winslow. Tommey's work centers around Indigenous food sovereignty, land stewardship, and the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Her academic and creative projects explore how food, land, and identity are deeply interconnected, especially for Indigenous communities navigating environmental and colonial challenges. 

Emmalyn (Emma) Larson is a senior studying Environmental Science with a biosphere emphasis and pursuing a minor in Natural Resources. She developed her passion for the environment through annual camping trips with her family, which developed her love for the outdoors and showed her how small actions among many could make a big impact. She cares about the environment, conservation, and sustainability, and she has a strong desire to promote environmental education at all levels.

Dev Patel is a senior majoring in Biology with an emphasis in Biomedical Sciences. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue dental school and build a career in dentistry. In addition to his professional aspirations, Dev is passionate about promoting a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing basketball and spending time with friends.

 

 

 

Erin is a senior majoring in Biology with a biomedical emphasis and minoring in Nutritional Sciences and Biochemistry. Originally from Washington State, she grew up surrounded by the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, which sparked her passion for the environment, sustainability, and protecting national parks and wildlife. Looking ahead, Erin plans to pursue a career in forensic science and research. Beyond academics, she enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, and playing tennis.

Isabel Spinato is a sophomore studying law. Originally from a small town in Wisconsin, she was inspired by a freshman-year course to pursue environmental advocacy through a legal lens. As a first-generation student, Isabel has expressed her desire to give a voice to the voiceless, especially the planet, and to advocate and explore sustainable solutions for Tucson and beyond. She hopes to deepen her understanding of environmental justice with the Liverman Fellowship.

Christien Stevany is a senior at the University of Arizona, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Sustainable Mineral Resources. Raised in West Papua, Indonesia, surrounded by ocean and rainforest, she developed a passion for understanding the environment scientifically and promoting sustainable practices. She hopes to bridge the gap between scientific research and the indigenous communities of West Papua. After graduation, Christien plans to work in environmental consulting before pursuing graduate studies in environmental management.