This summer, the Office of Sustainability welcomed six new full-time summer associates. They will help with tasks ranging from communications, operations, and alternative transportation projects. The following is a brief introduction about each of them, and what they hope to accomplish in their time at the Office of Sustainability.
Alexis Vidaurreta
Alexis is a sophomore majoring in Architecture and minoring in Environmental Studies and Urban Design. Her love of nature and passion for environmental issues began in her hometown of Miami Beach, where she enjoys biking to the beach in her free time. On campus she is Co-President of VERDE, works on the Marketing Team for Women in Architecture and Design, and is a contributing writer and illustrator for Issues Magazine. She is excited to begin working with the Alternative Transportation team in 2017 to inspire the WashU community to explore St. Louis in new ways.
Kristen Patino
Kristen is a senior majoring in Architecture and minoring in Environmental Studies and Landscape Architecture. She is interested in creating more accessible and productive green spaces through urban design and landscape design. Urban landscape plays a crucial role in bringing community together, regenerating ecosystems, and mitigating climate change effects. From near Chicago, Illinois, she enjoys running, hiking, sketching and experiencing art and music around St. Louis. On campus, Kristen is involved in the Wilderness Project, gives tours of the Sam Fox School of Design, and is a member of the Outing Club. She is excited to be interning with the Office of Sustainability to help students and the community coexist more harmoniously with the environment.
Mackenzie Hines-Wilson
Mackenzie is a First-Year student majoring in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology on the pre-med track. With a knack for problem-solving and experience with design thinking, Mackenzie wishes to use her knowledge of psychology to aid people in participating in sustainability initiatives. Conserving the earth for future generations inspired her to want to work in the Office of Sustainability. During her free time, she enjoys community service work, dancing, and baking. One day, Mackenzie hopes to travel to underprivileged countries and research how green spaces can improve mental health.
Makio Yamamoto
Makio is a sophomore studying architecture in the Sam Fox School of Design. He is interested in learning the design principles that allow buildings and spaces to be environmentally friendly while at the same time improving the quality of life and interaction for the inhabitants. Working in communications Makio will be able to help promote a culture of environmental awareness on campus. Makio loves to play soccer and is on the men’s team at Washington University. He also loves to be outside and explore new cities.
Megan Krause
Megan is a senior majoring in Environmental Earth Sciences and minoring in Mathematics. She is passionate about environmental conservation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary learning. She is excited to work at the Office of Sustainability to build these passions and create innovative solutions to the environmental issues we face on campus. At WashU, Megan is an active member of the Women’s Club Volleyball team, Phi Delta Phi Pre-Law Fraternity, and Pathfinder Program in Environmental Sustainability.
Article by Makio Yamamoto on 15 June 2017