OCA Sustainability Ambassadors

OCA Sustainability Ambassadors lead sustainability education and outreach efforts across our campus and community. They connect their peers with updates on Rutgers’ climate and sustainability initiatives, as well as the many ways that students from all majors can get involved.

Sustainability ambassadors:

Create their own sustainability awareness campaign
Host outreach tables to promote Rutgers climate initiatives
Take part in professional and personal development
Build friendships and community through meaningful action and fun

The 2025-2026 program runs from September 8, 2025 – May 1, 2026.

The Application Deadline for the 2025-2026 Academic Year has passed.

Information for Applicants

Sustainability ambassadors will:

Work collaboratively to create a sustainability awareness campaign and event
Host outreach tables at events and in public spaces around the New Brunswick campus
Complete a series of orientation modules on climate change and sustainability
Attend bi-weekly Ambassador Team Meetings at the Office of Climate Action on Cook Campus
Attend the OCA Sustainability Ambassador Retreat at the NJ School of Conservation Friday October 3—Sunday October 5, 2025
Work approximately 6 hours per week from September 8, 2025–May 1, 2026, excluding final exams and breaks. Orientation modules, team meetings, and the Retreat also count towards this requirement.

Ambassadors will:

Inspire the Rutgers community to create positive and meaningful change
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Rutgers climate action initiatives
Learn more about the social and physical science of climate change
Gain hands-on experience planning and running awareness campaigns and events
Assist and learn from Office of Climate Action staff and partners
Improve written and verbal communication skills
Make new friends and be better connected to the Rutgers community

Additionally, ambassadors will receive a $3,000 award for their participation for the Academic Year. Ambassadors will receive an official t-shirt and quarter-zip sweatshirt.

Requirements

Sustainability Ambassador candidates must commit to:

Attending Rutgers - New Brunswick as an undergraduate student for the fall and spring semesters
Participating in the program for the fall and spring semesters
Working approximately 6 hours per week, primarily in-person, excluding final exams and university breaks
Attending bi-weekly Ambassador Team Meetings in-person at the Office of Climate Action on Cook Campus
Attending the OCA Sustainability Ambassador Retreat at the NJ School of Conservation Friday October 3—Sunday October 5, 2025

Preferred Skills and Qualities:

Commitment to the three core values of Rutgers Climate Action: Climate Justice, Civic Responsibility, and Actionable Scholarship
Positive energy and enthusiasm
Willingness to learn and share information with peers
Interest in learning from other perspectives
Experience with outreach and peer-to-peer education
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent time management skills

For first-time applicants, preference will be given to rising sophomores and juniors.

Meet the Sustainability Ambassadors

Audree Gousse
Hello! I'm Audree Gousse, a senior Environmental Policy Major and Sustainability Minor. I am also the fundraising chair of the American Cancer Society chapter at Rutgers. This year I hope to build on my previous experience as an ambassador, and apply my education and experience in sustainability to foster community improvement. One of my favorite sustainability tips "When in doubt throw it out", a mantra used to reduce recycling batch contamination and ensure higher yields of recycled materials. Outside of my educational career, I love to crochet, play video games, and paint.

Marissa Grapine
Hello everyone! My name is Marissa, and I'm a second-year student aspiring to double major in Public Health and Data Science. Currently, I'm interning in both an Entomology lab and a Psychology lab. However, I spend much of my free time involved with Christian organizations on campus. I joined the Sustainability Ambassador Program because I’ve seen firsthand how environmental stressors disproportionately affect underserved neighborhoods, and I want to build the skills necessary to make a positive impact. My favorite sustainability hack is simple yet effective: reusable water bottles! A fun fact about me is that I can freestyle!

Ashley Herrera
Hi! My name is Ashley Herrera, and I’m a sophomore biology major in the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS). I’m involved in the Pre-PA Club and the Colombian American Student Association. I also volunteer with my hometown’s local cleanup crew and RWJ Barnabas Hospital. I joined the Sustainability Ambassador Program to encourage eco-friendly habits, such as shopping at local farms and reducing waste. I hope to help others make small changes that lead to a more sustainable lifestyle. My favorite sustainability tip is to bring reusable containers and bags when shopping to avoid single-use plastics. A fun fact about me is that I love to bake!

Sofia Kurdyla
Hello everyone, my name is Sofia Kurdyla and I am a junior majoring in Environmental Science, minoring in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behaviors (EPIB), and am working towards a certificate in Latino and Caribbean Studies. This is my second year as a Sustainability Ambassador, I am a sister of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority, I am a Chemistry II Teaching Instructor, I am a member of Young Life, and I play for the women's club lacrosse team. I joined the Sustainability Ambassador Program because I am passionate about the environment, sustainability, and science communication. My main goal is to educate others on how they can do their part to live more sustainably both at Rutgers and at home. My favorite sustainability hack is to paint old plastic containers and use them for desk organizers (pen and pencil cup, makeup brush holder, etc.) instead of buying new plastic holders; eco-friendly and personalized! A fun fact about me is that I'm pretty good at Just Dance and love to play it with my friends.

Sofia Little
Hi, my name is Sofia and my major is Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior (EPIB).
Apart from being an ambassador, I am a First Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) Peer Instructor, Editor-in-Chief of the EPIB Trail, and an active member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and Rutgers Debate Union.
I joined the Sustainability Ambassador Program because I hope to talk with and work with students to find ways to be more sustainable on campus. I also want to let people know about the actions Rutgers is currently taking to increase sustainability initiatives.
My favorite sustainability hack is going to estate sales to buy furniture rather than shopping at a retail store like IKEA. You can usually find very unique pieces for cheap prices! One fun fact about me is I love to bake, and I have been having fun making pies and cakes recently.

Jeremy Londono
Hi! My name is Jeremy Londono, and I am an Animal Science major on the Pre-Vet track. On campus I am involved in RUSEPRC and CASA, and in my free time I love to play the drums. I joined the Ambassador Program to make meaningful connections regarding sustainability, and I hope to get more people caring about climate change and campus initiatives. My favorite sustainability tip is to buy seasonal produce, as it not only has a smaller carbon footprint, but is also better for you!

Parie Patel
Hi there, my name is Parie K. Patel and I am a mechanical engineering and environmental policy, institutions, and behavior double major. On campus I am part of Omega Phi Alpha, the national service sorority. I am also a part of Rutgers Outdoors Club, Rutgers Cheese Club, and the Rutgers Women's Gaming League! I joined the Sustainability Ambassador Program to help decrease the negative climate impact Rutgers as an institution has on the planet. I also wanted to connect with students, faculty, and staff over important environmental issues on campus! My favorite sustainability tip is using the student discount offered by NJTransit and taking the train for a fraction of the cost! One fun fact about me is that I'm an oil painter; my favorite pigment is Burnt Umber!

Rosy Rodriguez
Hello everyone, I’m Rosy and I’m majoring in Communications! Aside from being a a sustainability ambassador, I am involved throughout campus. I serve as the VP of Programming for Rutgers PRSSA, Co-Communications Chair for Latino Student Council, and Public Relations Chair for Latin American Student Organization. Why I wanted to join the Sustainability Ambassador Program was to make a meaningful impact on campus by promoting sustainable developments on campus. I hope to help build an eco-friendly community - not just for today, but also for our future scholars. My favorite sustainability tip is to ditch the paper towels and use microfiber towels! (i.e. drying dishes, cleaning, to dry your hands, etc.) And one fun fact about me is that I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order.

Rafia Shahid
Hello All 🙂 !! I am Rafia Shahid one of the returning ambassadors and I am a Junior Studying Industrial and Systems Engineering. I am highly involved with Society Hispanic Engineers and you all should join, if you ever need advice we are here for you too. I joined the program to be able to leave a legacy and be more involved with the social change here. My favorite hack would be drinking from my reusable water bottle. My fun fact is, I can sleep for hours and hours and still sleep more.

Jonah Shick
Hello Rutgers! My name is Jonah Shick, and I am a third-year Meteorology Major, Urban Planning Minor. I forecast for RuWeather watchers, so follow me for the latest weather updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. I joined the Ambassador program to make connections and improve the campus environment. I hope to further learn more about the ways we can mitigate our carbon impact at Rutgers. One of my favorite potential ways of doing this is to utilize green spaces to their fullest by planting native wildlife. A fun fact about me is that I play three instruments: drums, piano, and bass.

Lillian Simhon
Hi! My name is Lilly and I'm majoring in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry with an EPIB minor. At Rutgers, I'm on the eboard for two clubs as the co-president of RU Thrifty and the event coordinator of the Rutgers Cheese Club. I also do research at the Children's Health Institute in the Manzini Lab, where we investigate muscular dystrophy in zebrafish. I joined the sustainability ambassador program because I want to be more involved in environmental activism on campus and become educated on how Rutgers is trying to be more sustainable. This year, I hope to join my passions of fashion, science, and sustainability in a campaign for the Rutgers community. My favorite sustainable hack is to fix holes in my clothes through various mending techniques, such as using embroidery thread or patches. A fun fact about me is that last semester, for my club's fashion show, I made a dress completely out of old soda tabs!

Joshua Stewart-Roberts
Hi! My name is Joshua and I'm double majoring in Data Science and Information Technology & Informatics. Currently on campus, I’m an Aresty Research Assistant working on the project “AI for Earth,” which aims to use generative AI and large language models to improve climate simulations and enhance environmental predictions. In addition to that, I am also a Resident Assistant.
I joined the Sustainability Ambassador Program because I want to combine my background in data science with my passion for climate justice and help students see how sustainability connects to their daily lives. This year, I hope to create campaigns that highlight the importance of climate justice and inspire meaningful climate action across Rutgers. My favorite sustainability tip is thrifting clothes to give them a second life and reduce waste. A fun fact about me is that I love singing, playing the piano, and listening to music.

Luke Czerepak | Mechanical Engineering and Economics

I am Luke Czerepak, and I am studying Mechanical Engineering and Economics. I am from Franklin Lakes NJ, where we say the correct pronunciation of Taylor Ham. In my free time, I like flying drones, skydiving, and flying airplanes, and I am passionate about technology and athletics. In the future, I hope to work on cutting-edge technology to create impactful solutions that change the world.

If I had a superpower to fight climate change it would definitely be the ability to use telekinesis to pick up anything, move anything, and change the shape and state of matter of things, to clean up the pollution and dangers to all living things.

Samantha Gavina | Pharmacy

Hello! My name is Samantha Gavina. I am Pharmacy major with a passion for sustainability. I have 4 years of small-scale research experience from high school, focusing on pharmaceutical pollution. I love to take care of my succulents and my bonsai tree, as well as practice self-care. As a sustainability ambassador, I am looking forward to learning more about the connections between climate change and my major.

I would want the superpower to communicate with animals so that I could understand the needs of endangered species and work with them to protect their habitats! It would be a powerful tool for conservation and understanding the impacts of climate change on the natural world.

Audree Gousse | Environmental Policy Institutions & Behavior

I'm Audree Gousse. I am an Environmental Policy major with a passion for environmental justice and sustainability. Building on my experience interning at the Office of Climate Action, as an ambassador I am excited to advance my education and experience in sustainability while fostering community improvement. I am ready to learn the tradeoffs of sustainability and which practices are most beneficial for the Rutgers community. I believe developing skills in problem-solving, analysis, and contextualization, will help me in achieving my goal of implementing sustainable practices at both social and political levels. Outside of pursuing my career, I love to crochet, play video games, and paint.

If I could be a superhero who fights climate change, I would have the power to temporarily disable selfishness in decision making. A lot of world leaders are fighting against environmental solutions based on greed or self-service, forcing those fighting climate change to make compromises and lessen the effectiveness of their environmental solutions.

Kushaan Jain | Economics and Business Analytics

I’m Kushaan Jain, second-year student at Rutgers University Business School with a focus on Economics and Business Analytics. Inspired by my hands-on experiences at PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, UN Foundation Climate Alliance, and PSEG Renewables and Energy Solutions, I am highly committed to the mission of sustainability in my future endeavors. I love playing soccer, biking, and collecting vinyls.

If I had one superpower to fight climate change, it would be the ability to convince everyone that addressing climate change is the number one priority for our planet.

Eugene Ko | Marine Biology

Hi, my name is Eugene Ko and I’m a current junior studying Biological Oceanography. I’m really interested in addressing environmental issues surrounding our oceans, such as overfishing, ocean acidification, and ocean warming.

If I could possess any superpower to fight climate change, it would be the ability to poke a little hole in our troposphere to let the heat escape. I’d have to be really good at math to calculate the ideal size of the hole and the time it stays, but anything to keep temperature rise below 1.5℃, am I right?

Sofia Little | Environmental Policy, Institutions, & Behavior and Spanish

Hi, my name is Sofia Little, and I became a Student Ambassador to connect with Rutgers students and come up with ways to improve sustainability at Rutgers collectively. It’s so important to interact with students from all schools so that we all can do our part to make Rutgers a more ecologically friendly campus. This summer I interned with the Rutgers gardens farm team and during the school year I work part time at Harvest IFNH. I am an undergraduate junior majoring in Environmental Policy, institutions, and Behavior (EPIB). I am also treasurer of Rutgers Debate Union and editor-in-chief of the EPIB Trail.

If I could have a climate superpower, I would eliminate all food waste. Having worked with food a lot, seeing how much waste comes from food production and consumption is astounding!

Rigo Salvatierra | Latino & Caribbean Studies and Political Science

My name is Rigo Salvatierra. I am currently double majoring in Latino & Caribbean Studies and Political Science, and I am looking to pursue a doctorate degree in immigration and border security after I graduate. I decided to become a Student Ambassador in order to learn more about ways that we as college students can work towards tackling climate change, as well as exploring the rich synergy between climate action and the construction of borders. Outside of school I enjoy reading, rock climbing, and spending time with my three younger siblings.

If I could possess a superpower to help combat climate change, I would obtain the ability to build eco-friendly borders that are cognizant of animals’ migration behaviors for every country around the world.

Rafia Shahid | Engineering

I am Rafia Shahid and I am an Industrial and Systems Engineering major. I am looking forward to meeting new people and guiding fellow students to learn more about sustainability at Rutgers. I enjoy helping people and being able to bond over similar interests. In my downtime, I love photography and sleeping.

My superpower would be able to bend metal and plastic so that I can repurpose those things that would otherwise be thrown away. A lot of plastic and other pieces go to waste, but with this power I could come up with a better solution to reuse items on the spot.

Murat Turkeli | Industrial & Systems Engineering and Business Administration

I am Murat Eren Turkeli. I am studying Industrial Engineering and Business Administration as an International Presidential Scholar from Türkiye. I am a tennis and soccer athlete, song composer, and guitar player. I love reading, exploring new places, visiting museums and art exhibits, and nature hikes. I also founded a national NGO for waged chess tournament organization for kids with SMA disease and researched AI/OI for Renewable Energy with the Rutgers Energy Lab. I want to combine my technical skills with hands-on social experience to guide and lead towards a green, safe and sustainable future.

If I could possess a superpower to fight climate change, I would choose the abilities of an Ice Maestro. With a simple whistle, I could summon the chilling winds of the Arctic, instantly restoring and expanding the ice caps and glaciers. Imagine a world where, at my command, the majestic ice mountains and pristine polar landscapes would flourish once more, ensuring a balanced climate and a healthy planet for future generations.

Madison Vorona | Agriculture & Food Systems and Sustainability

Hi, I am Madison Vorona. I am current senior at the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences pursuing a major in Agriculture and Food Systems with a Sustainability minor. I am enthusiastic about getting individuals outside and into the natural world to grow environmental consciousness on campus. Some topics I am particularly interested in include access to green spaces, knowing where your food is coming from, and expanding ecological education across all fields of study. As a Sustainability Ambassador, I am excited to use these skills in working with a diverse team that shares the passion and determination to make a significant impact on the Rutgers community and beyond.

If I could possess any superpower to fight climate change, I would want the ability to conduct peaceful climate communication. This power would allow me to develop human relationships with the natural world while positively influencing the environment's processes and elements for a balanced coexistence.

Henry Poblete | Environmental Engineering & minoring in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior

Henry is an Undergraduate Student in the graduating class of 2026 at Rutgers New Brunswick. Henry is majoring Environmental Engineering & minoring in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior.

Sofia Kurdyla | Environmental Science & minoring in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior

Sofia is an Undergraduate Student in the graduating class of 2027 at Rutgers New Brunswick. Sofia is majoring Environmental Science & minoring in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior.

Lea Cerini
Undergraduate Student, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Luke Czerepak
Undergraduate Student, School of Engineering
Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Atharv Jayprakash
Undergraduate Student, School of Arts and Sciences
Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Eugene Ko
Undergraduate Student, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Philip Kubaj
Undergraduate Student, School of Arts and Sciences
Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Parthavi Patel
Undergraduate Student, School of Management and Labor Relations
Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Madison Vorona
Undergraduate Student, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Rutgers University–New Brunswick