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STORRS, CT, May 23, 2023 – Sustainable CT, a leading statewide initiative in Connecticut aimed at inspiring and supporting communities in becoming more sustainable, is thrilled to announce the participants in its 2023 Fellowship Program. This esteemed fellowship program recognizes and supports individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and commitment to advancing sustainability practices across the state.
After a rigorous selection process, the 2023 Sustainable CT Fellowship has been awarded to eleven outstanding college students from diverse backgrounds across Connecticut.
The Sustainable CT Fellowship program provides an exceptional opportunity for highly qualified young people to work closely with municipalities and regional organizations on various sustainability projects. The Fellowship Program places fellows across the state’s Councils of Governments (COGs), Connecticut’s regional planning organizations, to help cities and towns understand and use Sustainable CT's many no-cost resources and collaborate on the implementation of sustainability initiatives.
Fellows gain valuable experience working within a professional setting and are directly engaged with innovative sustainability initiatives, local government operations, and regional coordination and operation. Sustainable CT fellows have gone on to intern at the Connecticut General Assembly, pursued advanced degrees, worked at the COGs as regional planners and at Sustainable CT partner organizations, and they’ve even worked for towns that they once supported as fellows.
The selected fellows for the 2023 cohort are a group of talented individuals with a passion for sustainability and a commitment to making positive change. They bring a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives to address the unique challenges faced by municipalities in Connecticut. They include:
Lillian Adamo – a rising senior at the University of Connecticut. She is majoring in environmental science and political science. She will be working with the Western CT Council of Government in Sandy Hook.
Cole Burnham – a rising first-year graduate student at Tufts University studying urban and environmental policy and planning. He will be working with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments in Waterbury.
Morgan Casey – a rising junior at Central Connecticut State University studying international studies with a minor in French. She will be working at the Southeastern CT Council of Governments in Norwich this summer.
Adrian Huq – a rising senior at Tufts University in Massachusetts majoring in applied environmental studies and minoring in film and media studies. This summer, they will be working at the Capitol Region Council of Governments in Hartford.
Nicolas Lombardo – Nicolas is earning a dual-degree in applied and resource economics and cognitive science with minors in geographic information science and crime and justice at the University of Connecticut. This summer, he will be working with the Western Council of Governments in Sandy Hook.
Puji Masireddy – a rising sophomore at Wesleyan University, majoring in economics with a minor in data analysis. This summer, Puji will be based at the Capital Region Council of Governments in Hartford.
Katie Meder – a rising Junior at Wheaton College in Massachusetts. She is majoring in environmental science with a biology concentration and is minoring in environmental studies and urban studies. She will be working at the South Central Regional Council of Governments in North Haven.
Summer Mitchell – a rising senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in environmental science. Summer is excited to be working at the Lower Connecticut Valley River Council of Governments in Essex.
Dylan Steer – a rising Junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in environmental studies and political science. He will be working at the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments in Bridgeport.
Devin Sturtevant – a rising junior at Wesleyan University majoring in science in society. This summer, she will be working with the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments in Essex.
Ryan Ziemnicki – a member of the class of 2023 at Westfield State University. He is majoring in environmental studies with a minor in sustainable studies and geography. This summer, Ryan will be working with the Northwest Hills Council of Governments in Goshen.
Throughout the fellowship, these emerging leaders will collaborate with local governments and community partners to develop and implement sustainable practices and policies. They will engage in research, data analysis, community outreach, and project management to drive tangible outcomes that contribute to Connecticut's sustainable future.
"We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2023 Sustainable CT Fellowship Program," said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of Sustainable CT. "These individuals have demonstrated a deep commitment to sustainability, and we are confident that they will inspire others and have a lasting impact on their communities.”
The 2023 Fellows will be formally introduced at Sustainable CT’s “Spring into Summer Celebration” at the Glastonbury Boat House on June 1.
The Sustainable CT Fellowship Program is made possible by the generous support of the Hampshire Foundation, Connecticut Green Bank, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, and the Valley Community Foundation. The commitment of these organizations to sustainability and community empowerment is instrumental in driving positive change across Connecticut.
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