Welcome 2026 Shi Institute Summer Fellows

Summer is here and while that means slowing down for much of campus, the Shi Institute is alive this season with 17 student sustainability fellows. This cohort – representing 13 distinct academic majors and minors, 8 states and 2 countries – will spend the next 10 weeks pursuing diverse sustainability work across Greenville. Learn more about each fellow below.

Sam Ferrufino, ’28, is a double major in English and Biology from Dallas, Texas. This summer, she is working with the Conestee Nature Preserve as a Conestee Environmental Steward Fellow. Sam was drawn to this fellowship due to her desire to teach, expand her social media skills, and learn more about conservation. Sam likes reading, photography, drawing, and collecting earrings and small trinkets.

Emily Bernier, ’28, is a Communication Studies and Biology double major from Charlotte, NC. She is this summer’s Conservation Education Intern at the Greenville Zoo. She has been passionate about animals from a young age and wanted to work in zoos ever since she was old enough to watch wildlife documentaries. Communications wise, she is interested in video editing in the film industry. She enjoys reading, baking, and working out.

Frederick Dunning, ’29, is a Business Administration major from Black Mountain, North Carolina. Frederick is serving as the Student Farm Assistant Manager, where he spends his time harvesting fresh produce, watering flowers, and managing other operations. Frederick is most excited to meet new people through the vast network of farm volunteers. In his free time, Frederick can be found playing soccer, tennis, or taking a long walk around the lake.

Stefan Yazijian, ’27, is from Greenville, South Carolina and is a Sustainability Science major. This summer, Stefan is working with Friends of the Reedy River as a Watershed Conservation Development Fellow. Stefan was drawn to work with Friends of the Reedy River because of his love for his hometown’s green spaces and waterways. In his free time, Stefan enjoys playing guitar, reading, and going on outdoor adventures.

Della Avent ‘27, is serving as the Public Transportation Intern for Greenlink Transit Authority. She is a Computer Science and German Studies double major, and is excited for the opportunity to serve her community. After working on various research projects the past two years, this internship will allow her to explore and strengthen her developing skills while making a lasting impact. She is excited for what’s to come this summer!

Maggie Kelleher, ’26, is from Athens, GA and is a 2026 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Science with a double major in Philosophy. This summer, Maggie is working with Sustaining Way’s education program, offered to select high school aged fellows who will learn about different components of sustainability. Maggie is excited to learn how to teach students about sustainability and to work with Sustaining Way in helping
communities. Maggie enjoys beekeeping, reading, thrifting, spending time with friends, and being outside.

Aruzhan Sakhariyanova, ’26, is a recent class of 2026 graduate from Astana, Kazakhstan, with a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Science and Communication Studies. After completing her coursework in Sustainable Futures and a practicum project focused on municipal climate resilience planning, Aru developed a strong interest in public sector sustainability. This summer, she is completing her fellowship with the City of Greenville Project Management Office as their Sustainability Intern. During her fellowship, Aru will help analyze the city’s sustainability efforts, conduct educational workshops for the community, and collaborate with the municipal department on project needs.

Marguerite Kropf, ‘28, is a rising junior double majoring in Sustainability Science and Strategic Communication and Advocacy from Ozark, Missouri. She will be serving as the Communications and Outreach Fellow this summer. Marguerite was drawn to this fellowship because it furthers her interest in supporting and furthering sustainable communities, while strengthening her skills in communication and content design. She is most looking forward to sharing the impact of the cohort of fellows work this summer. In her free time, Marguerite can be found hanging out with the swans by the lake, watering her growing jungle of houseplants, or drinking coffee at a local coffee shop.

Lauren Waters, ’29, is a Sustainability Science major from Columbia, SC. She is working as a summer fellow with the Gardening for Good program at Project Host. Lauren is interested in giving back to the community, which is what inspired her to go for this internship. She enjoys singing, playing rugby, and being adventurous.

Erin Faulkner ‘28, is an Environmental & Conservation Biology and Anthropology double major from North Charleston, South Carolina. She is serving as the Topsoil Farm Administration and Restaurant Management Fellow this year. Erin was interested in this fellowship as it provides an opportunity to engage in organic food production and gives insight into how sustainable cuisine intersects with culture, business economics, and the local environment. In her free time, Erin enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and spending time with her cat.

Aubrey Hume, ’27, is an Economics student from Chapin, South Carolina entering her senior year. This summer, she’s spending her time working with the City of Traveler’s Rest as a Planning Fellow to help further the city’s recreation, accessibility, and infrastructure while maintaining sustainable practices. In her free time, Aubrey bakes, bikes, and plays with her recently rescued kitten, Marlowe.

Jay Dilger, ‘29, is a rising sophomore majoring in Earth and Environmental Science, from Snoqualmie, WA. This summer, she will be working with the Paris Mountain Vineyard as an assistant viticulturist fellow. Jay is excited and passionate to help Paris Mountain Vineyard with their mission to prove that grapes can sustainably be cultivated 100% organically, using biodynamic viticulture practices. She looks forward to sharing hers and PMV’s results and refined method of 100% organic viticulture with the Carolina Grape Grower’s Association by the end of the summer. In her free time, Jay likes to draw, create costumes, rock climb, and hike in the mountains.

Reece Wilson, ’28, is a major in Biology on the Environmental and Conservation track. Over the Summer he will be working with the non-profit organization Friends of the Reedy River as a Watershed Conservation Development and Outreach Fellow. Reece was eager to work with Friends of the Reedy River because he values protecting Greenville’s natural environment and being involved in the city’s community. In his free time, Reece enjoys drawing, reading and identifying different animal species.

Evelina Aluimos, ‘27, is interning at Sustaining Way as a Sustainable Agriculture Fellow this summer. She is an Urban Studies and Politics & International Affairs double major and is passionate about different ways that communities can be taught about sustainability. She is originally from Moldova, but has been living in South Carolina for a decade. Through this summer’s internship she hopes to learn more about urban gardening and how to inspire communities to install urban gardens in their neighborhoods. In her free time, Evelina enjoys reading, painting and going on little adventures with her friends.

Michael Ross, ’26, from Memphis Tennessee, graduated from Furman this last May with a Bachelors of Science in Sustainability Sciences and a minor in Data Analytics. He took the City of Greenville Environmental Fellowship because he wanted to have experience in public sector work that combines sustainability with data analytics. In addition to working his fellowship, this summer Michael will be recording his second album with his band “Normal People.”

Jay Jung, ’28, is a double major in Sustainability Science and Business Administration from Gunpo-si, South Korea. This summer, she is working as a Development Intern with Friends of the Reedy River, where she supports nonprofit fundraising, donor stewardship, and event planning while gaining hands on experience in communication and data management within community based organizations. In her free time, Jay enjoys playing the guitar, taking
walks, drawing, and traveling.

Kevin Amon, ’26, is the Student Assistant Composting Fellow this summer! Kevin is from Pennington, New Jersey, and chose this fellowship because of his interest in waste management and sustainable food systems. He just recently got into martial arts and is really enjoying it. Kevin recently graduated with a degree in anthropology, and is looking forward to applying what he learned in the classroom out in the field.

We hope you’ll follow along this summer as we continue to share stories from our summer fellows and as we spotlight the community partners that make this program such a success. You can too can be a part of that success! On June 30, Furman University will mark the end of its record-breaking Clearly Furman campaign. Please consider being a part of this milestone and support future Shi Fellows by making a gift  to The Shi Institute. Your generosity expands opportunities for impactful sustainability work both on campus and across South Carolina.