Introducing Our 25-26 Shi Fellows!

With the fall semester well under way, our 2025-26 Shi Institute Fellows have already been hard at work pursuing diverse projects in alternative transportation, communications, and sustainability culture change. From planting and harvesting on the Furman Farm to tracking Furman’s greenhouse gas emissions, these students are gaining valuable, hands-on experiences in what it takes to make sustainability happen on a college campus. Learn more about each of our fellows and their individual projects below.

Vanessa Amasi ’26 is an international student from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. She applied for the Campus Map Fellowship because it combines geospatial analysis with fieldwork to create an upgraded campus map that is highly accurate, easy to navigate, and accommodates a wide range of accessibility needs. Vanessa is a Sustainability Science major and Visual Strategy minor with an interest in sustainable urban planning and design. After working with Shi’s applied research team in Summer 2025, Vanessa decided to continue growing her GIS, data analysis, mapping, and climate strategies skills to strengthen her professional skillset before entering the workforce when she graduates next spring. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys photography, going on outdoor trips, and exploring new places/activities.

Kate Buckley ’26 is the Sustainability Assessment Fellow this year. She is a senior majoring in Sustainability Science from Rock Hill, South Carolina. Kate was drawn to this fellowship because of her career aspirations of sustainability reporting and her passion for helping make Furman more sustainable. Her hobbies include hiking, crafting, and spending time with friends.

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 Fall. She began this fellowship in the summer and enjoyed it so much that she wanted to continue her work into the academic year. Riya was interested in taking on this Fellowship because it allows her to utilize what she has learned in her classes to highlight the importance of sustainability. Outside of academics, Riya manages FUNC Radio and hosts her own radio show “Sometimes Eighties.”

Lucas White ’26 is a junior Psychology major and serves as the Alternative Transportation Fellow. Born and raised in Greenville, Lucas draws inspiration from his passion for cycling, conservation, and enhancing student mental health. Through his work with the Shi Institute and the broader Furman community, Lucas enjoys fostering collaboration and sustainability. Outside of his fellowship, he can be found performing in music ensembles, training at the gym, or developing creative inventions designed to help others.

Sydnee Bailey ’27 is one of the Eco Rep Fellows for the fall of 2025. She is a Junior majoring in Classics and Politics, with a minor in Environmental Studies. From White House, TN, Sydnee is passionate about community-building through sustainability and conservation. She can often be found hiking, reading, and tending to her houseplants.

Kaitlin Balog ’26 is serving as the Recycling and Composting Fellow this year. She is a senior Earth and Environmental Science and Economics major from Marietta, Georgia. Katie is excited to learn more about sustainability, bring awareness to recycling and composting, and is hoping to expand on current recycling practices. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, watching movies, and visiting new coffee shops.

Anna Moon ’28 is serving as one of the Eco Rep Fellows this academic year. She is a sophomore intending on double majoring in Sustainability Sciences and Spanish. Anna is originally from Birmingham, AL, but she currently resides in Landrum, SC. Anna enjoyed being an Eco Rep last year because she got to connect with other students and raise awareness about practicing sustainable behaviors. This fellowship allows her to continue this while also improving her leadership and communication skills. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, birding, and riding bikes.

Hannah Rowan ’26 is a senior Sustainability Science major and Data Analytics minor from Charleston, South Carolina. This year, she is working as the Student Assistant Farm manager at the Furman Farm. She is looking forward to working with the farm to contribute to the closed loop sustainable food system on Furman’s campus. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, thrifting, and spending time with her friends.