Lucy Keefe '22 (she/her/hers)

Where do you call home?

Bloomington, MN

What are your major(s)/minor(s)?

I am majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Gender Studies.

What is your favorite outdoor activity?

I love hiking and exploring lakes by either paddboard or kayak.

Why did you major in Environmental Studies?

I majored in Environmental Studies because I had harboured a love for the environment all throughout my life. Growing up around hundreds of lakes really increased my love for the environment. I knew I wanted to pursue a career within the environmental discipline and environmental studies fit the bill.

What is your favorite Environmental Studies class and why?

I loved humans and the environment as it introduced me to the praire/grassland ecosystem. This class opened my eyes to an ecosystem I became passionate about and loved working within.

What environmental issue are you most passionate about? Why?

I am most passionate about mitigating climate change. This has been an issue I have been following since I was in middle school. I know I have an education that has prepared me to be an activist in this field.

What was the focus of your research for ENV 320? What were your findings?

I am focusing on whether amphibians can be viable indicator species of wetland health and if they can properly inform conservation methods? I have yet to reach a conclusion as I am still working on the project.

What advice to you have for first year students and majors?

My advice for first years is to try and take as many environmental studies electives as possible. The electives within this educational discipline can truly open your eyes to different issues of the world.