Nine Swarthmore students have been newly selected for the President’s Sustainability Research Fellowship (PSRF), a high-impact learning experience where students take stewardship over vital sustainability challenges at the College. The program matches motivated students with small teams of staff and faculty mentors to research, develop, and implement projects in a yearlong course and associated internship.

The program is jointly run by the President’s Office, the Office of Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Program, and the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility. It has led or contributed to many of the College’s sustainability efforts, including the College’s zero waste efforts, the restoration of Crum Woods, the development of a sustainable purchasing program, and more.

The incoming 2026-2027 President’s Sustainability Research Fellowship cohort includes:

Paola Almeda ’29 is a prospective engineering and environmental studies double major from Chicago, Ill. Her passion for taking care of the environment began at a young age, and originated with her love and appreciation for nature. In the past, she has pursued this passion by volunteering for a nonprofit environmental organization and presiding over her high school's Green Team club. 

“I'm so honored and excited to be a part of PSRF. I look forward to creating meaningful change on Swarthmore's campus, while developing my own knowledge of the intersection between sustainability, architectural design, and student well-being,” says Almeda.

Mirabel Fernald ’27 is a political science, philosophy & economics and art double major from San Francisco. Growing up in California and helping with her family's vegetable garden, Fernald was immersed in environmental and agricultural practices from an early age. Bringing her interests to Swarthmore, she has served as a Green Advisor for two years and worked as a Garden Assistant for the Scott Arboretum for three. She hopes to help change the way humans engage with the environment and create a more sustainable and just food system.

“I am looking forward to bridging the divide between the idea of a campus farm and making it a reality,” says Fernald. “There is a lot of space at Swarthmore to understand food systems, and having an on-campus farm is a step towards it. Hopefully I will help build a space for students, faculty, and staff to engage more deeply with where their food comes from.”

Addie Franklin ’27 is an environmental studies and dance double major from Paducah, Ky., and loves learning at these subjects' intersection, especially when it involves community outreach and education. She has worked as a Green Advisor, helped to coordinate the Food Recovery Fridge in the 24-25 academic year, worked as an outdoor environmental educator, and been involved in environmental stewardship at Swarthmore, all of which has propelled her to serve as a PSRF. Franklin is also very involved in dance spaces on campus, as a member of Rhythm n Motion dance team, and a frequent participant in student projects.

“I’m looking forward to working in the Crum Woods again, as I haven't since my sophomore year,” she says, “and especially excited to work on research and education about the future of the wood's ecosystem in reference to the Harris Dam.”

Devin Malhotra ’27, of Charlottesville, Va., is majoring in engineering and applied mathematics.

His interest in sustainability started while volunteering in Habitat for Humanity youth leadership groups. Across three years at Swarthmore, that interest has developed into a passion to help improve the sustainability of our energy sources and systems.

“I am incredibly excited to be working with the Facilities Department to help identify ways that campus data can be used to increase the efficiency of energy use at Swarthmore,” he says. “Through the project, I hope to learn more about the intersection of energy systems and efficiency.”

Linnaea Rasmussen ’29 is a prospective political science and environmental science double major from Redondo Beach, Calif. In high school, she worked on a local bluff restoration project and led an environmental awareness club. She looks forward to tackling environmental challenges at Swarthmore and beyond. 

“I’m excited to work to improve waste-sorting behavior among students, faculty, and staff on campus and to help Swarthmore achieve its zero waste by 2035 goals,” she says. “Through this fellowship, I hope to turn feasible solutions into reality at Swarthmore in the years to come.”

Justin Seo ’27, is an Honors economics major and Honors environmental studies minor who grew up across East Asia, living in Manila, Shanghai, and Singapore. He witnessed firsthand the devastating 2008 flooding caused by Typhoon Fengshen in Manila, an experience that sparked a lasting interest in how communities can build more resilient social and physical infrastructure to protect themselves from growing environmental threats. Most recently, taking the Honors Environmental Economics seminar opened his eyes to a whole field dedicated to studying environmental damages, externalities, and the economic tools available to mitigate harmful behavior and promote sustainable alternatives.

“I'm excited to work firsthand on greenhouse gas data and further develop my skills in data visualization and analytics to help the college solve tangible problems that are immediately relevant to my life here as a Swarthmore student,” he says.

Se’Cora Simmons ’27 is a global politics and policies and environmental studies double major from Pontiac, Mich. Whether Simmons was composting or assisting with her dad's garden, sustainability has always been a pressing topic. She has always had a passion for sustainable advocacy and teaching, which is what made becoming a PSRF such a meaningful milestone.

“I am ecstatic to be working with Paige Jennings (director, Gender & Sexuality, Student Affairs) to expand menstrual care initiatives across Swarthmore’s campus,” says Simmons. “I know how significant and ignored menstrual care has been portrayed, so being able to research, plan workshops, and share resources with the Swarthmore community strongly intrigues me.”

Katie Skibicki ’28, of Hockessin, Del., is majoring in mathematics with an emphasis on statistics and economics. Her time as a Green Advisor has inspired her interest in furthering and communicating sustainability goals at Swarthmore. She is honored to continue to learn and contribute through the PSRF program.

“I am excited to apply my interests in statistics and data analysis towards sustainability,” she says, “as I work on the development of a new annual sustainability report and analysis of our current sustainability performance.” 

Nichole Suero Gonzalez ’27 is a neuroscience and cognitive science double major from Albrightsville, Pa.

Growing up in a rural town exposed Gonzalez to the impact of her environmental footprint in her very own backyard. As a result, she always attempts to engage in environmentally conscious thinking and actions in her everyday life. Her experience as a Green Advisor has only solidified this resolve to provide a resource for students to choose more sustainable practices.

“I am looking forward to being around nature,” she says, “and working on the Crum Woods restoration project.”