Hannah Carleson (she/her) is a graduate student at Portland State University's Master's of Public Administration Program, specializing in Natural Resources Management & Administration. She also works for Community Environmental Services at PSU as the Program Administrator. Hannah is a Certified Master Recycler, an avid reader, and a budding gardener. She is interested in addressing the issues of food waste reduction, solid waste and recycling, and climate change at a local government level.

Michelle Casey (she/her), Portland State University, just graduated with a Master of Public Policy! I have an interest in reproductive justice policy advocacy, and would like to continue working within the nonprofit sector. Fun fact is that I have been (mostly) vegetarian for the better part of 14 years!

Aubrey Green, University of Oregon Prevention Science doctoral student. Academic and research interests include LGBTQ+ suicide prevention and wellness across the lifespan, social capital, and community-based participatory research. Fun fact: I recently rekindled my avid love of reading!

My name is Erin Harms and I am a graduate student in the Conflict Resolution Master of Science program at Portland State University. A fun fact about me is that I make wheel thrown pottery in my spare time!

My name is Grace Howard (she/they) and I’m a junior at Portland State University. I’m studying political science and have an interest in pursuing my masters degree in international relations! I am so excited to get to connect with everyone and feel honored to be a part of this program.

Hi, I'm Katie! I am a graduate student at the University of Oregon studying public administration. I am really interested in food systems and agricultural policy, and I hope to eventually work to support sustainable farming systems through nonprofit work and policy research. A fun fact about me is that I love cooking.

Miranda Rose Kanter, Portland State University, studying Urban, Public, and Global Affairs.

Katy Kaszubinski (she/they) is a graduate student in the Postsecondary and Adult Continuing Education (PACE) program at PSU. As a person with low vision, she is passionate about accessibility. As a STEM Academic Coach (and general STEM enthusiast) she loves to help students pursue their STEM academic and professional goals. In her free time Katy likes to read fantasy novels (Brandon Sanderson anyone?), dance, and spend time with her spouse, friends, and doggo, Mona.

My name is Hannah LaVeine, I currently go to Oregon State University. I am majoring in BioHealth Sciences Pre-med, and I have a blackbelt in Taekwondo.

My name is Chloe Lee, and I am a third years honors undergraduate student at Oregon State University. I am currently studying Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and double minoring in psychology and chemistry. My academic interests range from neuroscience, biotechnology, music, education, social justice, and reading. A fun fact about me is that I love learning languages! I am hoping after graduation to gain mastery over them.

Julia Lo is currently studying Biology with a minor in Business Administration at the University of Oregon Clark Honors College. In her free time she is the student representative on UO's Board of Trustees, works as a student researcher at OHSU, assists an introductory Biology class, coaches F45 classes at the student recreation center and participates in an on campus sorority and the Wayne Morse Scholars. Julia is most passionate about science and social justice issues and hopes to bring those together in her future profession. A fun fact about her is that she loves painting her nails and always tries to have fun designs on them.

My name is May Mon. I’m doing English Language Teaching with Cambridge University and International House (London). I’m also running a school chain in Myanmar. My fun fact: I love all sorts of risky things extreme sports, exploring new things and taking risks in business.

Hi all! My name is Lauren Nguyen and I am a rising Junior at the University of Oregon. I am double majoring in Spatial Data Science and Planning, Public Policy, and Management. Fun fact about me: even though I can't swim to save my life, I love water activities like kayaking and white water rafting!

Hi, I'm Tsionah! As a returning and transfer student, I recently finished my B.S. in Psychology and Social Science from Portland State University and also completed a Community Psychology Certificate. Currently, I am a Research Assistant in a Social Psychology lab at PSU. Looking ahead, one thing I'm interested in is action and community based research to analyze the intersect of gender and religious trauma. A fun fact about me is that I love to travel and have been known to make insomnia induced flight purchases.

My name is Makayla Olson, and I’m studying English Lit at Portland State University. A fun fact about me is that I’m an avid home baker and home chef!

araceli ortiz vasquez (they/them) is currently completing their MFA in Applied Craft + Design at Pacific Northwest College of Art and is interested in collaborating with language, textiles and the interconnected motions of weaving to create spaces and tools that work to heal the depths of being.

fun fact: araceli enjoys the intensities of a cosmic blue and the space where sky and geography meet

My name is Kellan Parker. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences. I am also a research fellow, and a future graduate student in conservation biology and wildlife behavior at Oregon State University. Currently residing primarily in Oregon with my dog Duke, but on the rare occasion, I’m sometimes found in Southern California where I grew up. I have previous research experience in understanding the placement and orientation of nest boxes for successful barn owl box adoption and methods to increase chick survival rates during my mentorship in the Undergraduate Research for the Sciences and Arts program. I participated in the University Legislative Scholars program, where I investigated effective methods to integrate wildlife science and policy, as well as developed strong connections with legislators, state and federal biologists, and advocates for wildlife conservation. I am extremely passionate about conservation and wildlife behavior and believe that having effective leadership skills will allow me to handle challenging stakeholder meetings or negotiations. A fun fact about me is that I love to write sci-comm-themed social media posts, as well as knit in my free time!

My name is Jutta Pearce. I am a Senior studying Public Policy at Oregon State University. I am particularly interested in policy that affects women in rural Oregon including child care and education policy. When I'm not studying, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four kids.

I’m Pavithra Prasad. I’m an international student pursuing Masters in Engineering and Technology Management at PSU. I’m the sustainability affairs committee Director in ASPSU and also a volunteer in the cultural sustainability task force of Student Sustainability centre. My academic interests are New product Development and management. Most of my research projects are around, sustainable innovations in automobile industry. Apart from academics, I love spending time amidst nature and like going on hikes and biking around Portland. I’m committed to doing community service and love meeting new people with similar interests. I also enjoy making macramé and practicing sports.

A fun fact about me is I’m very friendly!

Good afternoon, fellow NLO members! My name is Sophia Retnani and I am a Political Science Major with a minor in French and will be graduating this June 2022. I am a fluent French speaker, a chef and enjoy deep-rooted discussions about Philosophy.

My name is Saara Vihavainen. I am a senior majoring in Communication Studies at Portland State University. Within my academic discipline of choice, my special interests include interpersonal and digital media communication. I am also very interested in studying foreign languages. A fun fact about myself is that I own all 10 seasons of Friends on DVD—no need to rely on streaming services to watch my favorite comfort-binge TV show!

I also work as a trapeze teacher and recycling consultant, and I used to be a beekeeper.

Celeste Yager-Kandle is a Master of Social Work graduate student at Portland State University, School of Social work, with a focus on practice and leadership in communities and organizations.

She works in nonprofit communications for an organization that focuses on advocating for early childhood policies in Oregon.

Celeste is an avid runner and is currently training for the 2022 Cascade Lakes Relay and also preparing to run the Portland marathon.