Introducing our 2025 Summer Fellows!

We are so excited to introduce our Summer 2025 class of Shi Institute Student Fellows! Representing six states, seven countries and 13 different academic majors and minors, this diverse group will tackle real-world sustainability projects across the state this summer from Greenville to Bluffton.

“We are so lucky to have incredible community partners who help us provide these engaging, hands-on career exploration opportunities for our students,” said Associate Director of Sustainability Programs Joy Baker. “This groups has an enthusiasm and a willingness to learn that is sure to make this summer a success.”

Read on to learn about each fellow, their community partner, and the work they’ll be doing this summer. And check back in the coming weeks as each fellow provides a more in-depth look at their summer experience.

 

Riya Lala ’27 is a Business Administration (Marketing) major and a Visual Strategy minor from Davidson, NC. She is the Communications and Outreach Fellow for the Shi Institute this summer. Riya was drawn to this fellowship because of its promise to give her an introduction into the marketing world whilst simultaneously allowing her to call attention to the importance of sustainability. Outside of academics, Riya manages the newly revived Furman Radio (FUNC Radio) where she hosts her show “Sometimes Eighties.” In her free time, Riya enjoys reading, drawing, and logging (mostly 5 stars) on Letterboxd.

 

Tanyaradzwa Masvimbo ’26 is a Zimbabwean student at Furman University, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Data Analytics. She cares deeply about using her skills to serve others and feels a personal responsibility to contribute where she can. With a restorative mindset and a willingness to learn, Tanya joined the Climate Resilience Analyst Fellowship to support local, data-informed responses to climate challenges. She sees this opportunity as a meaningful step toward helping build more resilient and equitable communities. In her free time, Tanya enjoys reading, going to the gym, and watching anime.

 

Kevin Amon ’26 is an Anthropology major from New Jersey. This summer he is taking on the City of Greenville Public Works Department fellowship! Kevin works to evaluate sustainability practices within the department and researches ways in which the department can be more sustainable. He gathers and measures data while engaging with the community through outreach. Kevin wanted to pursue this internship because of his desire to learn data analyzation skills and improve his professional communication abilities. Kevin has recently gotten into cooking and wants to learn how to make the best homemade meals!

 

Aruzhan Sakhariyanova ’26 is a rising senior from Astana, Kazakhstan, double majoring in Sustainability Sciences and Communication Studies. With a strong background in environmental education and outreach in Kazakhstan, she has contributed to numerous sustainability projects aimed at supporting local communities. This summer, Aruzhan joined the Shi Institute as the Heat Adaptation Fellow, where she focuses on conducting community surveys in a designated Climate Disaster Resilience Zone (CDRZ) in the Town of Bluffton. In her free time, Aru enjoys traveling, thrifting, and playing the piano.

 

Kaity Anne Sadler ’26 is a rising senior from Seattle, WA., with a double major in Sustainability Science and Classics. This summer, Kaity Anne is the Furman Farm Assistant Manager. This position will allow her to learn more about sustainable agriculture as well as help her determine if she wants to pursue a similar career in the future. Kaity Anne cannot wait to learn more about sustainable agriculture this summer!

 

Ryanne Rogers ’27 is a rising junior majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Environmental Studies. She is passionate about providing accessible and quality education, especially in STEM subjects, to all children. She also loves wildlife and being in nature. This summer, she is the Conservation Education Intern at the Greenville Zoo. Ryanne spends the mornings working with the summer camps and the afternoons in animal handling training and working on conservation projects. In her free time, she loves cooking and going to the lake.

 

Luke Anderson ’26 is a rising senior majoring in Sustainability Science and Philosophy. He was born and raised here in Greenville, SC. He is interested in urban planning, transportation, and land use. As the City of Greenville Environmental Fellow this summer, Luke is working with the Environmental Engineering department in Greenville. Luke enjoys spending time outdoors and studying the built environment in urban settings.

 

Miranda Glenn ’27 is a junior Politics and International affairs major with a minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. Originally, she is from Columbus, GA., but her parents recently relocated to Fairfax, VA. Miranda is one of the Watershed Conservation Fellows for Friends of the Reedy River this summer. This fellowship interested her because of its connection between public policy and sustainability. In her free time, you’ll find Miranda cooking with her roommates and binge-watching reality television.

 

Nabila Wilson ’27 is a Sustainability Science major originally from Houston, TX. This summer she is working as the Industry Greenhouse Gas Fellow for Chomarat, a composite and textile manufacturer with three locations in Anderson, SC. Nabila was interested in this fellowship because it aligns with her interest in corporate responsibility, greenhouse gas accounting, and waste management. When Nabila isn’t thinking about sustainability, you can typically find her outside, hiking, camping, laying by the pool with a good book, or her favorite, watching the sunset.

 

Vanessa Amasi ’26 is a rising senior at Furman University pursuing a B.S. in Sustainability Sciences. This summer, Vanessa joined the 2025 summer cohort as a Climate Resilience Analyst Fellow for Shi’s Applied Research team. As an international student from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (located in East Africa), she is excited to bring her diverse background and experience to promote urban sustainability, alternative transportation, and climate resilience in South Carolina. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys photography, outdoor activities, and exploring new things/places!

 

Evelina Aluimos ’27 is a rising junior from Chișinău, Moldova, and has been living in Spartanburg, SC., since 2016. She is double majoring in Urban Studies, and Politics and International Affairs. Shi is the Project Host Gardening for Good Fellow this summer. Evelina became interested in this fellowship due to its sustainable approach in growing produce that is used to address food insecurity in Greenville. As an Urban Studies major she is also interested in how urban gardens can provide spaces for social interaction and contribute to a healthy city environment by providing more green spaces. During her free time Evelina enjoys reading, biking, and doing puzzles!

 

Success Mulbah ’26 is a rising senior majoring in Sustainability Science with a minor in Data Analytics. She’s from Monrovia, Liberia and she has a passion for helping her country advance its urban development initiatives. Her career aspiration is to become a Landscape Architect, and she’s currently gaining valuable experience this summer as a Planning Fellow with the City of Travelers Rest Planning Department. Success is driven by her desire to make a meaningful impact on the people in her community, with a particular focus on contributing to positive change in her home country of Liberia.

 

Hannah Rowan ’26 is a Sustainability Science major and Data Analytics minor from Charleston, SC. This summer, she is working as the Agriculture Fellow at Sustaining Way in the Nicholtown community of Greenville, SC. Sustaining Way aims to create equitable and sustainable communities using education, collaboration, and advocacy. Hannah is really excited to work in the garden at Annie’s House this summer and use her sustainability education to serve the surrounding communities.

 

Nia Drummond ’27 is an Elementary Education major from Greenville, SC. She is working as the Sustaining Way Sustainable Education Fellow and is interested in this position because Sustaining Way provides sustainable education to children in the community she grew up in. She assists with creating and executing this education. In her free time, she likes to read, go for walks around Furman’s campus, and hang out with her friends.

 

Haoyang Liang ’27 is a junior from Shanghai, China, majoring in Sustainability and French. He discovered his passion for sustainability during his freshman year of college and has been committed to giving back to nature in meaningful ways ever since. Currently, Haoyang is busy maintaining trails and supporting day-to-day operations at the Conestee Nature Preserve—an oasis of biodiversity tucked away in the heart of a bustling city. Outside of work and academics, he enjoys learning new cultures, cooking, sharing authentic Chinese cuisine with friends, and spending time outdoors through a variety of sports and adventures.

 

Maddie Krachon ’27 is a junior from Atlanta, GA. studying Sustainability Science, with a minor in Science Education. Maddie is the Compost Fellow for the Furman Farm this summer. She was interested in this position because she loves to find new ways to be sustainable, while learning new things. She is very interested in the whole composting cycle and the Furman Farm’s closed loop system with the campus Dining Hall. Maddie has always wanted to grow her own garden and is excited to learn all about sustainable agriculture.

 

Jackie Alvarado ‘27 is a Sustainability Science major with a minor in Visual Strategy and Data Analytics. Originally from the rural town of Godwin, NC, she is spending this summer as the Sustainable Experiences Fellow at ReCraft Creative Reuse Center. Jackie was interested in this position because of her interest in non-profit management and operations, the application of sustainability and circular economy, and the intersection of sustainability and creativity in the real world. She is also inspired by the story behind ReCraft’s founding, as she hopes to start her own sustainability-focused business one day. In her free time, Jackie enjoys reading books, painting, coloring, and listening to true crime podcasts.

 

Ossian Quinn ’26 is a Psychology and Philosophy major from Rock Hill, SC. and is LiveWell Greenville’s Communications Fellow. Ossian helps the LiveWell team connect with local partners to ensure that everyone in the Greenville community has equal access to resources and practices that will help them lead healthy and fulfilling lives. They were interested in this fellowship because of LiveWell’s focus on community outreach and their focus on providing increased access to resources where people are usually not adequately reached. Ossian really enjoys watching movies and hosts a radio show on FUNC Radio.

 

Anna Jones ’27 is a Sustainability Science major from Spartanburg, SC. She applied for her fellowship with Friends of the Reedy River, because of her interest in watershed science and environmental protection. She’s most excited about giving presentations at Roper Mountain Science Center and paddling out for conservation work! Outside of FoRR, she loves hiking, walking around downtown, and going to the gym.