Grace McGinley is a sophomore from Essex Fells, New Jersey. She is a PiTE major with a specialization in sustainable business. Her passion for the environment largely stems from her gap year spent almost entirely outdoors, including backpacking from Boulder, CO to Yuma, AZ and working on sustainable farms throughout the Western United States. Grace’s academic interests revolve around the impact of globalization on our environment and exploring the role of market shifts in creating a more sustainable future. Outside of Eta, Grace enjoys cooking and exploring Michigan!
Hailey is a sophomore from Grand Rapids majoring in Earth & Environmental Science and Biochemistry. Her passion for environmentalism began as an appreciation of the nature and landscapes she explored while hiking and running outside. Now, she is particularly interested in combining her love of the environment with her love of science to study climate change and its effects on the environment as well as human health. In her free time, Hailey loves running with her running buddies on MRun, watching movies (good or bad!) with her besties, or color-coding her GCal for the millionth time.
Isabel is a sophomore from Grand Rapids Michigan, majoring in PitE and English. A lover of all things storytelling, she hopes to pursue a career in Environmental Communications and Journalism, while reframing environmental research findings so that they are more equitable and accessible. Outside of eta, Isabel can be found playing percussion in the University Band, working at the Museum of Natural History, and frolicking around Kerrytown.
Kaitlyn is a freshman Dance major in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. She is originally from Kansas City and is at the university to pursue a dual degree with the Program in the Environment. She found interest in environmental and sustainability issues through joining FFA and starting an environmental club at her high school. Although she is still exploring the different realms of environmental sciences, topics that she loves are sustainable agriculture and fashion, as well as climate change. Outside of dance and school, Kaitlyn enjoys tending to her houseplants, reading, and various forms of secondhand shopping.
Zoe is a junior from metro Detroit majoring in PitE with a concentration in Urban Planning. A lover of the Midwest, Zoe can usually be found hiking, hanging with her fellow etas, cooking, or visiting the local farmers market. She is particularly passionate about coastal resiliency for cities like Chicago and New York and hopes to be a part of their sustainable preservation for years to come.
Miriam is a junior dual-majoring in PitE and Earth and Environmental Sciences, with minors in Spanish and Sociology. She currently works in the IsoPaleo lab getting her hands dirty with soil carbonates, but she likes to go outside to do that too (pass the HCl!) She loves to talk about all things research, but specifically land use and remote sensing. Her favorite activity is listening to music, so if you call her on campus she probably won’t hear you. Her other hobbies include photography, biking, talking to her friends, and taking pictures of her pet cat.
Addy Franz is a sophomore from Traverse City, Michigan. She is pursuing a BA in Environmental Science with a specialization in business as well as minoring in German. She hopes to become a consultant and aid in sustainable transitions for businesses within various sects. Addy continues to grow her passion for the environment through backpacking and hiking in her free time. Outside of Eta, Addy enjoys exploring Ann Arbor, reading, and swimming.
Walker Whitehouse is a Junior from Morenci, MI, on the path to be a PitE major. His passion for the health of the planet and humanity was largely fostered by his rural upbringing. From FFA to Epsilon Eta and beyond, Walker seeks to understand the natural world from multiple perspectives. Following his work as a laborer at a plant nursery and as an environmental summer camp instructor, he hopes to land an environmentally-focused internship this summer. In his free time, Walker enjoys being active indoors and outdoors as well as exploring good eats and new experiences with his friends.
Amber Widner is a Sophomore from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is majoring in Program in the Environment and minoring in Law, Justice and Social Change. She is most interested in Environmental policy, equitable food systems and sustainable living. Amber is also a part of the club Waterpolo Team on campus and enjoys staying active around campus. In her free time Amber enjoys reading, baking, spending time with her cat (Luna) and making terrible playlists.
Shea Vatalaro is a sophomore from Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. She is majoring in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, along with a double minor in History and Water. When Shea was little, she wanted to be a marine biologist. Honestly, not much has changed, except that she’s much more interested in corals than her 7-year-old self would’ve imagined. She’s currently working with U of M’s Museum of Paleontology to make paper records on invertebrate biodiversity and extinction patterns more accessible through GIS. In her free time, Shea enjoys going on weekend hiking trips in Northern Michigan with her sister, listening to true crime podcasts, and experimental baking.
Julia is a sophomore from San Anselmo, California. She is double majoring in Sociology and Spanish and was excited to join EH to be able to explore environmentalism outside of the classroom! She spent her childhood hiking in Northern California and on ranches with her mom, who worked in conservation. Her passion for environmentalism has only grown as she’s learned about the intersection between climate change and racial justice. In her free time, you can find Julia practicing with the Mock Trial team, dreaming up trips out of the country, and watching Survivor with her housemates.
Epsilon Eta – Beta Chapter 