Meet our Shi Institute 2024-25 Fellows

We’re excited to introduce nine Shi Institute Student Fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year! They’re from four different countries (Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Tanzania, USA) with a total of nine different majors.

“The passion and innovative ideas of our Student Fellows is inspiring,” said Associate Director of Sustainability Programs Joy Baker. “These students are a driving force behind creating a greener, more resilient campus here at Furman.”

Vanessa Amasi ’26
CCC Fellow
Originally from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Vanessa came to Furman University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in sustainability science. Her strong passion for sustainable urban planning and sustainable cities led her to apply for the role of Community Conservation Corps (CCC) Student Fellow. She is excited to work with the Shi Institute’s home weatherization program that promotes inclusivity of low-income households in climate action and aims to reduce carbon emissions through efficient energy-use in residential buildings. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys traveling, dancing, and photography!

Stella Frisbie ’25
Eco Rep Fellow
Stella is an Environmental Conservation Biology major from Washington, N.C. and is serving as an Eco Rep Fellow alongside Nabila Wilson. Furman Eco Reps is a chapter of an international organization to promote peer-to-peer bottom-up sustainability practices. She leads monthly meetings and events, and works with stakeholders to make campus-wide sustainable change. In her free time, Stella enjoys hiking and running, sewing and spending time with friends.

Ellie Howard ’25
Alternative Transportation Fellow
Ellie, a Sociology major from Woodstock, Ga., is in her second year as the Alternative Transportation Fellow (aka the Bike Fellow). She oversees the Paladins on Bikes rental program and is having a great time promoting the brand-new fleet of bikes the program secured over the summer! Ellie was initially interested in this fellowship because her favorite hobby is biking and wanted an opportunity to expand the biking community at Furman.

Summer Marsden ’25
Student Assistant Farm Manager
Summer is a Sustainability Science and Philosophy double major with a minor in Latin American/LatinX studies. She graduated from high school in Apex, N.C., before her parents relocated to Greensboro, where she spends most of her summers. Summer was interested in the Assistant Farm Manager position because she is passionate about sustainable food systems and would like to pursue a career in which she can help promote and increase food security in disadvantaged communities. In her free time, Summer likes to play pickleball with her friends, cook and eat good food, and play with her cat, Willow.

Kaia McMullen ’27
Recycling and Compost Fellow
Kaia is a sophomore neuroscience major from Aiken, S.C.  As part of her fellowship, she picks up recycling from 11 different locations on campus and tracks the weekly amount collected. She is also excited to help the Eco Reps promote their residential composting program to students. Her passion for reducing landfill waste and educating others about sustainable practices inspired her to apply to this position. She enjoys crocheting, dancing, reading and watching movies with friends in her free time!

Aruzhan Sakhariyanova ’26
Communications and Outreach Fellow
Aru is a double majoring in Sustainability Science and Communication Studies. She grew up in Astana, Kazakhstan, where she became interested in promoting sustainable practices through activism. Her fellowship combines both of her passions, allowing her to highlight environmental topics through media. In her free time, Aru enjoys traveling, thrifting and playing the piano.

Virginia St. Clair ’27
Sustainability Assessment Fellow
Virginia is from Boone, N.C. and is studying Sustainability Science and Data Analytics. In her current role, she is assisting in collecting and organizing Furman’s Green Office Program data and greenhouse gas reporting. She’ll also help plan events and create student engagement opportunities. She was drawn to this program because of how it connected her interest in data collection and analysis to sustainability. This fellowship allows her to apply skills from both fields of study to Furman’s campus, where she can see her work playing out and paying off. In her free time, Virginia enjoys hiking, reading, crafting and being with friends and family!

Aubin Vertueux Dzossa Bontse ’27
Climate Resilience Fellow
Aubin is a sophomore majoring in Physics with a minor in Data Analytics. He grew up in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where he completed all his education before coming to Furman University. He was drawn to this fellowship by his strong desire to learn the skills necessary for developing and implementing successful resilience strategies. Aubin hopes to use these skills in the future to build resilience in transportation and building infrastructures. In his free time, Aubin loves watching science documentaries, playing video games and listening to music.

Nabila Wilson ’27
Eco Rep Fellow
Nabila is a sophomore from Houston and is majoring in Sustainability and Spanish. Nabila is so excited to be one of the Eco Rep Fellows this year as it encompasses much of her interest and background in activism and environmental education. When Nabila’s not promoting sustainable living, you can find her hiking, taking photos, reading or practicing karate.