2025 Honorees and Scholars
Honorary Degree Recipient
Jean M.J. Frechet
Jean Frechet is a 1971 Ph.D. graduate of the College of Forestry at Syracuse University, where he studied under the outstanding mentorship of Conrad Schuerch. Frechet is now Emeritus Professor of Chemistry and Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Frechet started his academic career at the University of Ottawa, then joined the Department of Chemistry at Cornell University before moving to Berkeley in 1997. After retiring from his research activities in 2011, he served as senior vice president for research, innovation, and economic development at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology until 2019.
Frechet’s research encompasses academic and entrepreneurial activities in nanoscience and nanotechnology with applications in areas as diverse as microelectronics, separation science, and pharmaceuticals. His work on chemically amplified photoresists in collaboration with IBM scientists has revolutionized the microchip industry. His development of porous polymer monoliths added a new dimension to separation science with implications in chemistry, biology, medicine, and the environment. Similarly, his work with dendrimers and other macromolecules has led to the clinical development of polymer-drug conjugates for chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The author of approximately 900 publications and 200 patents, Frechet is most proud of his contributions to the scientific development of numerous young scientists and engineers.
Graduates of Distinction
Kristine Ellsworth
Incipiens Quercu (Beginning Oak)
Kristine Ellsworth ’15 (Environmental Resources Engineering) is a dedicated environmental engineer and passionate advocate for sustainable materials management and student career development. Graduating from SUNY ESF in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resources Engineering, Kristine has since built an impressive career marked by leadership, technical expertise, and community service.
Currently serving as an Assistant Engineer at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Kristine works in the Organics Reduction and Recycling Section. She provides regulatory oversight and technical assistance to organics recycling facilities, and plays a key role in advancing critical initiatives, including the NYS Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law. She has significantly contributed to the development of the NYS Solid Waste Management Plan and has overseen various contracts promoting sustainable organics management.
Kristine’s dedication to sustainability is further demonstrated through her involvement with professional organizations. She served as Chair of the U.S. Composting Council Young Professionals Committee for two years and was honored with the 2021 USCC Young Professional of the Year Award. She is also a key organizer of the NYS Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling () NYS Organics Summit, an annual event that connects over two hundred professionals to discuss advancements in organic waste management. She additionally serves as a member of Governor Hochul’s Council for Hunger and Food Policy.
In addition to her technical achievements, Kristine is deeply committed to mentoring students, particularly those from ESF. She has been instrumental in organizing recruitment events like DEC at ESF Day, hosting students at DEC to engage with a panel of ESF alumni engineers, and has guided numerous interns, several of whom have gone on to permanent positions within DEC.
Kristine’s work extends well beyond organics management. She assisted with the Hoosick Falls drinking water crisis (2016) and the COVID-19 response at a vaccination site (2021 – 2022).
Kristine Ellsworth exemplifies the values of environmental stewardship, leadership, and community involvement. Her ongoing contributions to both her field and alma mater make her a deserving nominee for the Graduate of Distinction Incipiens Quercu Award.
Peter A. Williams
Notable Achievement
Peter A. Williams ’77 (Forest Resources Management) is a highly experienced Registered Professional Forester and Certified Arborist based in Rockwood, Ontario, and has dedicated over 40 years to advancing sustainable forest management practices in Southern Ontario.
With a B.S. in Environmental Resources Management from SUNY ESF, an M.S. in Forestry and Soils from the University of Tennessee (1983), and doctoral work in Environmental Biology at the University of Guelph, Peter's career is built on deep academic foundations and a passion for practical forestry solutions.
As the principal of Williams & Associates since 1985, Peter has provided consulting, research, and education services in areas such as urban forestry, forest management, silviculture, and agroforestry. His work has included overseeing over 300 forest management plans for private and public landowners, addressing issues such as invasive species control, tree improvement, and forest restoration Notably, his contributions to managing the impacts of the Emerald Ash Borer and advocating for irregular shelterwood silvicultural systems have been instrumental in improving forest health across Southern Ontario.
Peter has worked extensively with municipalities including Oakville, Halton Region, and Toronto, focusing on urban forest and canopy cover management plans, urban and forest tree inventories, hazard tree assessments, and woodland management strategies. His dedication to forestry is also evident in his work associated with Indigenous communities, where he has provided expertise on timber sales, forest management, and loss of use assessments.
Beyond consulting, Peter has authored numerous articles and books on forestry, agroforestry, and forest restoration. His leadership extends to mentoring young professionals and volunteering with organizations such as the Ontario Woodlot Association, where he has held leadership roles, and the Wellington County Stewardship Council, sharing knowledge and promoting sustainable forestry practices.
Peter is widely respected for his professionalism, knowledge, and generosity in mentoring others. He continues to bridge the gap between research and real-world forestry applications, earning the admiration of colleagues and peers throughout the industry. His ongoing contributions to the forestry profession have made a lasting impact, ensuring his legacy as a trusted advisor, educator, and advocate for sustainable forest management.
We are proud to bestow the Graduate of Distinction Award for Notable Achievement upon Peter A. Williams in recognition of his exemplary career, unwavering commitment to advancing forestry practices, and his dedication to mentoring future generations while fostering environmental stewardship throughout Southern Ontario.
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Lifetime Achievement
Robin Wall Kimmerer ’75 (Environmental & Forest Biology) is a world-renowned author, botanist, and distinguished scholar whose groundbreaking work combines Indigenous knowledge with ecological science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Dr. Kimmerer has dedicated her career to integrating traditional Indigenous wisdom with modern environmental science, offering a unique perspective on our relationship with the natural world.
Photo courtesy of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Dr. Kimmerer is best known for her bestselling book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, which explores the deep connection between humans and nature, blending personal memoir, philosophy, and ecological science. In her writing, she emphasizes the importance of reciprocity with the Earth, urging us to treat the environment not as a resource to be used, but as a partner to be respected and nurtured.
At ESF, Dr. Kimmerer has had a profound impact as a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology. She is also the Founding Director of the College's Center for Native Peoples and the Environment (CNPE), where she works to merge Indigenous knowledge with environmental science, fostering collaboration and understanding between these disciplines. Her leadership at the CNPE has inspired a new generation of students to approach environmental challenges through a lens that honors both scientific rigor and traditional wisdom. Dr. Kimmerer has worked extensively at the Cranberry Lake Biological Station (serving as Director from 1993-96), where she has provided invaluable guidance on ecological restoration projects, furthering her commitment to both science and community-based environmental practices.
Her influence extends far beyond the classroom and research labs. In 2020, Dr. Kimmerer delivered a compelling speech at the United Nations, emphasizing the vital role of Indigenous wisdom in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable environmental practices on a global scale. Her voice continues to resonate in global conversations about ecology, sustainability, and social justice.
Dr. Kimmerer’s contributions have been widely recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors. In 2022, she was named a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the "Genius Grant," in recognition of her outstanding contributions to ecology, education, and Indigenous scholarship. Additionally, in 2023, Dr. Kimmerer received the National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden, an honor that recognizes individuals whose work has deepened our understanding of the humanities and contributed to the cultural fabric of society. Most recently, in 2025, she was named to Time Magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People, a recognition of her far-reaching impact as a thought leader shaping the future of environmental stewardship and cultural understanding.
As a graduate of ESF, Robin Wall Kimmerer has embodied the core values of the College: environmental stewardship, knowledge-sharing, and the promotion of inclusivity. Her extraordinary contributions to the fields of ecological science and Indigenous education make her a true leader in advancing sustainability and fostering a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with the environment.
We are honored to recognize Robin Wall Kimmerer as a SUNY ESF Graduate of Distinction, celebrating her dedication to bridging cultural and scientific worlds for a more sustainable and just future.
Student Speaker
Jenelle Grigelevich
Chautauqua (Shaw-Tah-Qu-Ah), New York
Conservation Biology with a Recreation Resources and Protected Areas Management Minor
Over the past four years, Jenelle has found her place at ESF. She is well-known on campus as a three-year orientation leader and president of the Herpetology Club, a position for which she received the 2024 President of the Year SOLAR award. Jenelle is a SUNY Chancellor’s Award nominee. She was recognized as an ESF career champion, an honor earned by serving as a student peer advisor, teaching assistant, and helping her peers find their way into the workforce through programs such as professional mixers. She enjoyed being a catcher on the Syracuse University’s Club softball team for four years.
While at ESF, she worked with many environmental state agencies including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Parks, and New York State’s FORCES program.
After graduation, she plans to move to Portland, Maine, where she will work in forest
pathology and plant healthcare for a local forestry company. She will forever be grateful
for what ESF has given her and is excited to share more about her experiences and
the wonderful community at ESF during commencement.
Class Marshals
Natalie Bianchi
Liverpool, N.Y.
Natural Resources Management with a Food Studies Minor
Natalie Bianchi is a meticulous student and involved community member. She is a member of the ESF Honors Program, completing thesis work on agroforestry vineyard systems. She is also a member of ESF’s honor society, Alpha Xi Sigma, and a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship. Bianchi’s academic achievements have earned her a place on the President’s List for several semesters. She has prioritized serving the greater Syracuse community. She has been the volunteer coordinator at the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry for two years, working to fight food insecurity in the college community. She enjoys annual involvement as a vegan coach with the Syracuse Vegan Living Program. Last summer, Bianchi served as a seasonal Park Ranger at Green Lakes State Park and was offered continued employment at the park throughout her senior year. After graduation, Natalie will be relocating to Saratoga Springs to work as an Environmental Planner for P.W. Grosser Consulting!
Victoria ‘Vic’ Poverin
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Environmental Studies with an Environmental Writing and Rhetoric Minor
Vic Poverin has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout their
academic career. As the treasurer of the Yoga Club, they managed funds and guided
meditations, helping foster a nurturing environment on campus for peers seeking wellness.
Poverin’s dedication to making a difference began early, exemplified by their achievement
of raising over $5,000 for the organization 99 Elephants at 13 years old. Recognized
as a National Honors Society and Social Awareness Club Leadership Award recipient,
Poverin continued their academic excellence, earning a spot on the Dean’s and President’s
lists in high school and at ESF. Their dedication to social issues is evident through
their role on the Climate Resilience Education Task Force as a founding member of
the Youth Steering Committee, committed to providing New York high school students
with the tools to advocate for their own climate education. With a strong foundation
in community engagement and a continued passion for positive change, Poverin looks
forward to pursuing impactful and creative projects post-graduation, continuing their
journey as a dedicated advocate for social and environmental causes.
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence Recipients
This award is the highest honor bestowed upon students by the State University of New York.
Eden Gardner
Forest Hills, New York
Environmental Studies with an Economics Minor
Eden is the president of the Mighty Oak Student Assembly, serves as the SUNY Student Assembly Director of Sustainability, founded and serves as president of the ESF Pre-Law Society, and served as the chair of Community Engagement for the SU Student Association. Eden works as a student project coordinator in the Office of Sustainability and sits on the SUNY Sustainability Advisory Council. In these roles, he has helped develop ESF’s and SUNY’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plans and advocate for sustainability around the state. Upon graduation, Eden plans to work in the sustainability field before becoming an environmental lawyer.
Abhinaya Polaka
Proddatur, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
Honors in Environmental Science with a Concentration in Renewable Energy and an Environmental
Policy and Communications Minor
December 2024 Graduate
Abhi's advocacy for the environment is evident. As an ESF student, Abhi excelled in
all facets. Abhi is described as “a powerhouse academic, student-leader, environmental
steward, and an all-around great person…who embodies the ESF spirit. She is a hard
worker, a proponent of sustainability and the environment … her viewpoint as an international
woman of color in STEM is unique and needed. She has been an integral part of ensuring
that other international students have what they need to thrive here.” A faculty member
noted, “As an international student, Abhi has flourished at ESF.”
Norman R. McConney Jr. Award Recipient
Ladanijirah Lightner
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Environmental Studies; Policy, Planning, and Law
Ladanijirah Lightner is a dedicated and driven student with a passion for sustainable development, climate justice, and public policy. Through hands-on internships and research experiences with organizations such as the Empire State Development Agency, CICOES, and the University of Vermont, Ladanijirah has cultivated a strong foundation in data analysis, technical communication, and interdisciplinary research. They have presented findings at multiple symposiums and are working on a research paper exploring low-emission energy scenarios through a climate-justice lens. On campus, Ladanijirah has engaged in leadership and community-building through roles as a teaching assistant, summer mentor, and orientation leader. As the president of the Black Student Union, they contribute to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students at ESF. Ladanijirah is committed to leveraging their academic and experiential background to address pressing environmental and social challenges through impactful, equity-centered work beyond graduation.
Coordinator of Graduation Activites
Tim Phelps
Clifton Park, N.Y.
Paper Engineering with a Sustainable Construction Minor
Tim Phelps has been involved with several on-campus organizations at ESF, including
the Bob Marshall Club, Mighty Oaks Student Assembly, and Solar Decathlon. In these
organizations, Tim has served the campus community in numerous ways, including weekly
runs with the Food Recovery Network to reduce food waste and working with Sleep in
Heavenly Peace to provide beds to underprivileged youth. Tim has also been an active
participant in the Honors Program, coordinating activities to facilitate undergraduate
research opportunities and provide support for Honors students. He has consistently
made the President's and Dean's lists for his academic excellence. He looks forward
to working at the Carrier Corporation in Research and Development this summer.
Department Scholars
Chemical Engineering
Jackson Ford
Morrisville, N.Y.
Paper Engineering with a Management Minor
Jackson has been actively involved in the Sustainable Chemical Engineering (SUSChemE)
and American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) student chapters. At ESF, he
has earned several scholarships, including the JP Clark Memorial Scholarship, the
Decandia Memorial Scholarship, and the Sandy Nyman Memorial Scholarship. Last summer,
Jackson completed an internship at Sylvamo’s paper mill in Ticonderoga, N.Y., and
plans to join the company full-time after graduation. He is grateful for the opportunities
and supportive community that ESF has provided throughout his academic journey.
Chemistry
Esteban Joel Adorno Aguila
Orchard Park, N.Y.
Biochemistry
With a passion for bettering lives and curiosity in science, Esteban has been preparing
to attend medical school for four years. During this time, he has received numerous
academic awards and been on the Presidents 4.00 list since his sophomore year. His
commitment extends beyond the classroom; he has become certified as a first aid responder,
gathered hundreds of hours in community service, research, and shadowing, including
physicians and surgeons in New York and Puerto Rico. Esteban’s hard work has paid
off as he has been accepted by Jacobs School of Medicine and Upstate Medical University
where he plans to continue his journey towards his dream of becoming a cardiothoracic
surgeon. He plans on slowing down and taking one last summer break where you’ll find
him volunteering in the emergency department at the Upstate Medical University Hospital
or down by the lake fishing.
Environmental Biology
Lee Auringer
Parish, N.Y.
Conservation Biology
Lee has been actively involved in multiple clubs, primarily Herpetology Club as vice
president, and Alpha Xi Sigma as volunteer coordinator. They are passionate about
ecological restoration, botany, herpetology, and invertebrate zoology. As such, their
professional experience includes invasive species work and conservation of the Chittenango
Ovate Amber Snail. After graduation Lee is attending Cornell University to pursue
a Master of Landscape Architecture degree.
Environmental Resources Engineering
Karrigan Ellison
Campbell, N.Y.
Environmental Resources Engineering, Mathematics
Karrigan was involved in the ERE Club and New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA)
throughout her time at ESF. During her senior year she served as treasurer for both
clubs. She enjoyed going on ERE Club trips to Camp Talooli and Newcomb and attending
conferences in New York City and New Orleans with NYWEA. She had the opportunity to
travel to Panama and Cuba for study abroad trips. Karrigan worked several internships
throughout her academic career including the Center for Sustainable Materials Management,
GHD, and most recently for the USDA-NRCS. After graduation, Karrigan will attend Cornell
University to get her master’s degree in biological and environmental engineering,
and then hopes to work in the field of agricultural engineering.
Environmental Science
Harshdeep Singh Banga
Syracuse, N.Y.
Environmental Health
Harshdeep was actively involved in student organizations while at ESF, including the
South Asian Student Association, Desi Performance, and ESF Desi. He earned a spot
on the President’s List every semester and was honored with the Rising Tutor of the
Year Award in 2023. His passion for public health and medicine led him to intern with
the Onondaga County Department of Health in 2022 and complete a SURF research internship
at Upstate Medical University (UMU) in 2024. He is conducting stem cell research at
UMU, contributing to efforts focused on improving therapies for diabetes. In addition
to his academic and research pursuits, Harshdeep is dedicated to community service
and volunteers at his local Gurdwara. He will attend UMU this July to begin medical
school, with plans to pursue a career in surgery.
Environmental Studies
Ivy Ven Roy
Muskego, Wisconsin.
Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Natural Systems Applications and an
Environmental Writing and Rhetoric Minor
During her time at ESF, Ivy was the outreach and engagement coordinator for Oakie’s
Green Team, a Writing Center tutor, and an ecology and statistics tutor. She also
held two Undergraduate Research Assistant positions in the Department of Environmental
Studies and interned for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
as a data analyst. During her freshman year, Ivy participated in the New York State
Sustainable Materials Management Stewardship program run by the Institute for Sustainability
Engagement at Syracuse University, where she now works as a project assistant and
co-manages that same program. She simultaneously maintains an Undergraduate Research
Assistant position at ESF. After graduating, Ivy is excited to continue educating
others on sustainability, environmental science, and cat facts wherever her path takes
her.
Landscape Architecture
Cecilia Zajac
Buffalo, N.Y.
Landscape Architecture
Cecilia Zajac is a non-traditional student with a background in small-scale and urban
agriculture. Throughout her time at ESF, she has worked as a barista and as an intern
at a local landscape architecture firm. She has also volunteered with Deaf New Americans
Advocacy, Inc., assisting in the design development of Asha Laaya Farm. Her academic
work includes a design thesis conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal that explores the phenomenon
of public space agency. This experience deepened Cecilia’s passion for community and
individual empowerment through informal use of public space. She plans to pursue a
graduate degree in urban and regional planning and further develop research on informal
urbanism. She has a particular interest in advocating for informal settlement dwellers
through community-driven, policy-informed, and design-based methods. The support of
Cecilia’s fellow landscape architecture students and her cat, Noodle, have contributed
to her success at ESF.
Open Academy
Jennifer M. Harvey
Houston, Texas
Sustainability Management
Jennifer is a mother of three daughters — one in high school and two in college. While
attending ESF full-time, she also worked full-time in regulatory compliance within
the oil and gas industry. Her short-term postgraduation goal is to attend graduate
school. Long-term, she plans to promote the circular economy within households and
contribute to the public’s increased knowledge and support of renewable energy sources,
such as solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear power.
Jennifer is a member of Alpha Xi Sigma and participates in the Honors Program. As
an avid state and national park visitor, she devoted her honors thesis paper to understanding
the motivations and constraints of millennials and adult post-millennials visiting
Texas state parks — an important endeavor as young adults are needed to safeguard
America’s natural and historical treasures for future generations.
Sustainable Resources Management
Kaisa Mackey
Ithaca, N.Y.
Forest Ecosystem Science
Kaisa graduated as the program scholar with an A.A.S. in Forest Technology from ESF’s
Ranger School in 2023. She has been a member of the Timber Sports team since her freshman
year and was the team president this past year. Kaisa spent last summer gaining experience
in forestry working for ESF Adirondack Forest Properties. After graduation, Kaisa
is looking forward to leaving the city and heading to northern Vermont for a forestry
internship.