Our group is made up of instructors, undergraduate students, and graduate students from the University of Michigan. We are affiliated with the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute . Our trip fulfills coursework for the undergraduate students and is a sponsored course of the Undergraduate Sustainability Scholars Program. Read more about our team below!
Instructors
Greg Ewing: I'm a junior studying Civil Engineering and also pursuing a minor in Sustainable Water Systems. I'm interested in all things water! Most especially though, I'm really interested in getting potable water to all those who are without it - as the minor suggests - in a sustainable way. In addition to our work in Kenya, I'm involved in the Pantantal Partnership, a project that involves building water filters for schools in a rural municipality of Brazil. I'm really excited to learn about the peoples in Kenya and hopefully play a lot of soccer with them too!
Hira Khanum
Sulgi Ye Park: I am a rising senior majoring in Program in the Environment and Geological Science. I was born in Korea but grew up in Vietnam. In July 2011, I did a research regarding 'mangrove forests community management' in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. I had an amazing experience working with the local people there, which makes me even more psyched about meeting Kenyan local people!
Instructors
Joe Trumpey
Associate Professor of Art in the School of Art and Design and Associate Professor of Natural Resources in the School of Natural Resources and Environment
Associate Professor of Art in the School of Art and Design and Associate Professor of Natural Resources in the School of Natural Resources and Environment
Steven Wright
Arthur F Thurnau Professor and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering
Kayla Yurco
Graduate Student in the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan
Arthur F Thurnau Professor and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering
Kayla Yurco
Graduate Student in the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan
Undergraduate Students
Abigail Krumbein is a rising junior studying the environment and art history. She hails from the Windy City and enjoys traveling, camping, and reading a great book. On campus, she is involved in the Student Sustainability Initiative and Hillel and can often be found eating a quite-full cup of frozen yogurt. Seeing as her spirit animal is the giraffe, she is quite excited for Kenya and all the adventures it has to offer!
Alyse Opatowski: I am going to be a senior majoring in International Studies with a focus in Global Environment and Health. I am also a Graham Scholar, which is how I found out about this great opportunity to go to Kenya. Being from Colorado, I enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hiking and being outdoors. I love travelling and can’t wait for the amazing experience to study and learn in Africa!
Beatrice Holdstein: I'm a rising junior studying Program in the Environment. I am also a Graham Scholar, which is how I found out about this amazing opportunity to go to Kenya! I'm from Worcester, Massachusetts (and yes, I say wicked). On campus, I am a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. I also worked on the culture analysis team for the University of Michigan's Sustainability Integrated Assessment for the past year. I love to travel, and I am really excited for my first African adventure!
Bridget Callahan: I'm a rising junior in public policy, also pursing a minor in environment. I was born and raised in the capital of the Hoosier state (Indianapolis). I'm involved in Alternative Spring Break on campus and will be a site leader next year. I love traveling, road trips, and adventures. I'm a Graham scholar and won't get caught anywhere without my water bottle!
Carina Easley-Appleyard is a senior at the University of Michigan with a Program in the Environment major and a Global Change Minor. She is also participating in the UM Graham Institute Undergrad Sustainability Scholars Program. She enjoys traveling, camping, and learning about wildlife. Carina was a member of the Steering Committee for UM’s Winter 2011 Water Theme Semester that involved over 90 lectures, courses, performances, and other events related to water issues. She is excited to explore the topics of water resource use and sustainability in Kenya.
Carla Valdes: I'm entering my junior year, with dual concentrations in Program in the Environment and Anthropology. I work at the Markley Hideaway and volunteer in the Ruthven Museum's Anthropology wing. When I'm not busy with classes and work, I love to hike and travel, as well as bond with my brothers in Alpha Chi Sigma.
Derek Sutton: I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.
Emily Thomas is a recent graduate of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a minor in the Program in the Environment. She will be starting her masters in hydrology this fall. Outside of class, Emily enjoys backpacking, and really any other excuse to be outdoors. She has worked at the UM Air Quality Laboratory and been a member of the Michigan Fencing Team for the last four years. Needless to say, Emily is very excited to experience Kenya!
Greg Ewing: I'm a junior studying Civil Engineering and also pursuing a minor in Sustainable Water Systems. I'm interested in all things water! Most especially though, I'm really interested in getting potable water to all those who are without it - as the minor suggests - in a sustainable way. In addition to our work in Kenya, I'm involved in the Pantantal Partnership, a project that involves building water filters for schools in a rural municipality of Brazil. I'm really excited to learn about the peoples in Kenya and hopefully play a lot of soccer with them too!
Hira Khanum
Jen Morris:
I am entering my senior year at U of M, majoring in Anthropology and Program in the Environment. I am currently hard at work preparing for my time in Kenya as I will be conducting research for my honors thesis during my time there in addition to participating in class activities. I really enjoy being surrounded by and immersed in all forms of life. I can't wait to meet our partners from the University of Nairobi and see the safari district!
Megan Cole, 20, is a Junior at the University of Michigan pursuing Evolutionary Anthropology and Program in the Environment. She is interested in community conservation and animal behavior and is a lover of all things outdoors. Going to Africa is a dream come true and she can’t wait to get involved with the people, animals and resources of Mpala!
Olivia Kramer: I am currently 21 years old, and will be entering into my senior year at U of M this fall with a major in Program in the Environment, specializing in Conservation Biology. I am also part of the Graham Scholars group, which is how I learned about the Kenya course. I have a special interest in studying in Africa, and would potentially like to work in Africa in the future, so this course will be a great opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of East African culture and wildlife, while working on water projects that will benefit the local community.
Sulgi Ye Park: I am a rising senior majoring in Program in the Environment and Geological Science. I was born in Korea but grew up in Vietnam. In July 2011, I did a research regarding 'mangrove forests community management' in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. I had an amazing experience working with the local people there, which makes me even more psyched about meeting Kenyan local people!
