Our peer mentors help new Environmental Science majors reach their full potential! From navigating classes to answering questions about campus life, the peer mentors are here to help.
Meet our inaugural 2019-2020 Peer Mentors!
Environmental Science Peer Mentors
Who are the Peer Mentors?
Our Peer Mentors are current Environmental Science majors (sophomores, juniors and seniors) who help freshmen navigate classes, explore campus life and develop skills necessary to excel at environmental science. The Peer Mentors will meet new students at the Welcome and Tour 2019 on August 22, 2019.
A few activities include:
- Attend several classes and events with new students
- Meet with mentees on a regular basis
- Share their experience as Environmental Science majors
- Take advantage of resources in the department and beyond
- Get involved with events and seminars
This personalized experience helps build community and better integrate new students into our department at the University of Arizona.
Nick Buchanan, senior (graduated May 2020)
Environmental Science major (Accelerated Master's Program)
Why did you choose the Environmental Science major?
I like that a focal point is on science that impacts communities and people's lives.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Riverside, California. Whenever I can, I like to backpack and snowboard, and here in Tucson I go from long runs near Starr Pass. I am a big fan of local restaurants, always looking to try new places!
What's something fun you like to do on campus that people may not know about?
I went for a hike led by UA Campus Recreation (the Rec) called Outdoor and Challenge and thoroughly enjoyed it! I would highly recommend checking them out.
Future plans?
I am aiming to finish my Master's in May 2020 through the Department of Environmental Science Accelerated Master's Program. Afterwards, I'm looking to spend some time snowboarding and traveling. Eventually, I hope to work in environmental regulation.
Davis Caldwell, senior (graduated May 2020)
Environmental Science major
Why did you choose the Environmental Science major?
My father is an environmental and software engineer and has influenced my passion to help save the environment. I have been interested in science my whole life and want to make the world a better place for everyone.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Maryland, but have been coming to Tucson for 18 years. I like to be constantly active and play golf, squash and tennis. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, trying new foods and going out with friends. I was involved with the Soil, Water and Environment Club last year and attend as many college and department events as possible.
For the 2019 summer, I am training as a soil conservationist in Tucson with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in order to move into a full-time career.
What's something fun you like to do on campus that people may not know about?
I enjoy walking around campus and finding new quiet spots to relax and study. It's also fun to sit outside the UA Student Union with friends, just hanging out, studying and eating.
Attending club meetings and events within the department is an excellent way to not only stay involved, but also meet peers and professors your field of study.
Future plans?
I hope to get a full-time position in Tucson with the USDA. Either way, I am considering graduate school to further my education.
I would like to eventually work in Washington, D.C. for either the USDA or an environmental policy organization. After I few years, I would like to move to Europe and work for either the government or company that allows me to travel around the world and share my knowledge of the environment.
Mariah Cathey, junior
Environmental Science major
email: mcathey1@email.arizona.edu
Why did you choose the Environmental Science major?
I have always had the urge and passion to learn more about the environment and help teach other people about it.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am from Goodyear, Arizona and love to hike and be outside. But I also like stay inside watching "Our Planet" on Netflix.
What's something fun you like to do on campus that people may not know about?
I love being a part of clubs like the Vietnamese Student Association at the University of Arizona where I have gotten to meet so many people, get out of my comfort zone and eat free food!
Future plans?
My goal is to graduate with my bachelor's degree, maybe get my Master's in environmental science and make the world go round.
Isaiah Daum, senior
Environmental Science major, Geosciences minor
email: daum@email.arizona.edu
Why did you choose the Environmental Science major?
I want be able to impact the world by leaving it cleaner and safer after I'm done using it. I was enticed by the chemistry and earth science aspects of the Environmental Science major, particularly in soil science.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a community college transfer student from Yuma, Arizona. I enjoy video games and playing basketball at the UA Recreation Center (the Rec). I work for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as hydrologic technician and a geohydrologic analyst. I also work on geomorphology data collection at the Miami and San Manuel Mines for Dr. Jon Pelletier in UA Geosciences.
What's something fun you like to do on campus that people may not know about?
I like to reserve a single-study room at the Science-Engineering Library and take a nap when I don't have time to go home!
Future plans?
I anticipate being accepted into a geoscience Master's program in Fall 2020.
Hannah Everhart, senior
Environmental Science major (Biology emphasis), Spanish minor
email: hannaheverhart@email.arizona.edu
Why did you choose the Environmental Science major?
I lived in Egypt for four years and have vivid memories of piles of trash (taller than my six-year-old brother!). I remember thinking about why no one was doing anything about all of the waste and wondering what I could do to help.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am originally from from Washington, D.C. and ran cross-country in high school. I like the show Parks and Recreation more than The Office and am currently President of the U of A Ecological Restoration Club.
What's something fun you like to do on campus that people may not know about?
I like to shop at the Farmer's Market that comes to the UA Mall on Wednesdays during the school year.
Future plans?
My dream job is to be an 8th grade science teacher. I would really like to work in a school either teaching science or Spanish.
Rylie Gosiak, junior
Environmental Science major, emphasis in Biology
email: rjg7@email.arizona.edu
Why did you choose the Environmental Science major?
I chose this major because I have always known that I want to make a positive impact on the world around me. With a degree in environmental science, you can choose a field that helps the earth, public health, or both.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am originally from Tucson but moved to Maricopa, Arizona when I was nine years old. An interesting fact about me is that I know way too much about sharks.
What's something fun you like to do on campus that people may not know about?
I like to study on the top floor of the Meinel Optical Sciences Building because it has a great view!
Future plans?
After I graduate college, I want to pursue a career in public health or go to graduate school for marine biology.
Cat Maroney, junior
Environmental Science major, emphasis on Soil, Air and Water
email: cjmaroney@email.arizona.edu
Why did you choose the Environmental Science major?
I love science and learning about environmental issues, especially after I I took the International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems and Societies in high school. Right now, I'm enjoying learning from the great professors here at the university.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised just outside of Washington, D.C and have been a vegan for over four years. I'm in Alpha Delta Pi as the Environmental Advocate and Food Relations Chair and also work at a family-owned winery.
What's something fun you like to do on campus that people may not know about?
I like taking sunset walks around campus to de-stress and clear my head. I'm also involved in the waste management committee for the Students for Sustainability at the University of Arizona.
Future plans?
I want to pursue graduate school here at the University of Arizona and find a job that I feel makes a difference in the world.
Maddie Morris, sophomore
Environmental Science major, Mathematics and Spanish minors
email: madisonmorris@email.arizona.edu
Why did you choose the Environmental Science major?
I wanted to combine my love for science and nature in my studies. I was also drawn to the fact that a major in Environmental Science focuses on social and political issues in our community, and that an education in this field can be used to help resolve them.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am from Queen Creek, Arizona and like to sew, volunteer, and go hiking in my free time. My favorite dessert is ice cream and I have a 14-year-old Schnauzer back at home.
What's something fun you like to do on campus that people may not know about?
I like to go to volleyball games and go swimming at the UA Recreation Center (know as the Rec).
Future plans?
After attending graduate school, I am interested in working for the U.S. Department of the Interior or within the non-profit sector.
Rae Pickens, senior (graduated May 2020)
Environmental Science major
Why did you choose the Environmental Science major?
I chose this major because issues of the environment are the most pressing ones our species currently faces. The first steps in solving environmental issues is to open up a dialogue about them through education, a dialogue I love being a part of. I also love being outside and studying of environmental science.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am an avid rock climber and yogi from Tucson, Arizona. I work as an outdoor guide at UA Outdoor Recreation, guiding camping trips to national parks.
What's something fun you like to do on campus that people may not know about?
On campus, I love going to bouldering nights at the University of Arizona Recreation Center (know as the Rec), joining the slacklining club out on the UA mall, and getting coffee at Café Luce. I also frequently attend the Borderlands Brewing Company Science Cafe through the UA College of Science.
Future plans?
I would like to go into the translational field of environmental science, preferably working outdoors. My main purpose in this field would be to communicate environmental science to the general public in a way that is poignant and easy to understand. This could mean being a national parks guide or communication expert at an environmental non-profit.